Buying a PA System for your School

Our most popular schools off-the-shelf package is the LD Systems 600 watt powered mixer package shown below. It's loud enough for speech and music for an audience of 300+, with a crisp, clear sound. The speakers can be wall-mounted if preferred. If you're not sure how much power you need, fill in our enquiry form and tell us the rough hall dimensions and the maximum number of people in the hall and we will be able to advise you.

It's a mind-boggling question if you don't know the answer, but it's actually quite simple to decide. A PA system only needs one source of power amplification.

Powered speakers contain their own amplifiers (and plug into the mains as well as the mixing desk), so you don't need a separate amplifier, and you would choose a passive mixer.

If you choose passive speakers (which don't contain amplifiers) you need some other source of power, so you can choose a powered mixing desk with an amp built in, or a passive mixing desk and a separate power amplifier. If you want to install the system (wall-mount the speakers and hide the wiring) then you are best off choosing passive speakers with either a powered mixer or a passive mixer and a power amp, as passive speakers are lighter.

If your mind is still boggled, give us a call on 01375 892317 and we'll help you to choose!

If you know what you want you're welcome to Pick'n'Mix or you can take a look at the off-the-shelf School PA Packages in the online shop - you'll find they're cheaper than buying the items individually. If there's nothing suitable, we can put together a custom package for you. All our packages are bundled with speaker stands, but we can replace them with wall brackets if you prefer. We don't include microphones in the packages because everyone's needs are different.

Once you've got all this equipment, the best place to store it is in a Rack Case - a box on wheels that the gear all screws into. You can wheel the system around, and can store it in a locked cupboard during the holidays to keep it safe.

Mixing desks look complicated but they aren't really. If you look at it, there are columns of knobs and sliders (on the left two thirds) which are all the same. Each column is called a channel. Each microphone, instrument or CD player plugs into one channel, and the sliders and knobs control the volume, tone and special effects for that channel. If you label them MIC1 MIC2 CD PLAYER etc, it's easy to see what you're turning up or down, on or off. The right hand side has the control knobs to set the special effects and to take the sound out to headphones or monitors. We can supply you with an easy Set Up and Usage guide so there's no need to worry.

A wireless microphone system is also known as a Radio Microphone. You can get handheld, headset and lapel microphones, and can have any number and any combination of them. Schools tend to go for a couple of handheld mics (for teacher/narrator), and some headset mics for the more quietly spoken pupils to use in plays etc.

Wireless microphones all come with a receiver box which you plug into the mixing desk. Handheld mics contains a battery and a wireless transmitter which sends the voice signal to its receiver. The Lapel and Tie clip versions connect via a short wire to a Belt Pack Transmitter which sends the signal to its receiver, which is then broadcast from the PA System.

Some wireless microphone systems come with one receiver and two microphones - these are called Dual systems. Some wireless microphone receivers can be built into the PA System, such as that in the Portable PA the TEC076.

The cheaper wireless microphones come with only one channel, which can cause you to get interference and signal drop out if you are near other radio signals. The better mics have 16 or more switchable channels, so you can choose one with no interference.

If you want microphone stands with your handheld mics you need to buy special microphone holders for them, because the barrel of the mic is fatter than a regular, wired microphone.
 

Yes, you can use a Zone mixer. It has two zones, so you can have a pair of speakers in two halls. You can choose whether you want the sound to come out of Zone A, Zone B or both. Call us or email for more details.

All prices throughout the shop include VAT and delivery. We can provide you with an ex-VAT estimate if you would like one. You can pay by Purchase Order - send it to us by fax (0871 266 8998) or email (enquiries@whatpa.co.uk), on headed notepaper. You can also pay by debit or credit card, or by cheque or BACS.

Delivery is 1-2 working days for items in stock. If something goes out of stock you will be advised, and offered an alternative if it's not coming back in within the week.

There's a 2 year guarantee on all LD Systems products - one of the reasons we like to supply them. Other items carry a 1 year guarantee. Call us if you have any problems, and we will arrange repair or replacement as necessary.