How to Set Up a PA System for a Band

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Learn even MORE about setting up a PA system 👉 imp.i114863.net/3P0MYy
Mitch Gallagher shares some expert advice on setting up a PA for a typical band performance.
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 imp.i114863.net/YgmkLK
0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Setting Up
1:31 - PA Configuration
3:29 - Connecting the Mixer
5:40 - Connecting the Microphones
6:38: Thanks For Watching!
#Sweetwater #PaSystem

[@sweetwater]

We hope you enjoyed this guide to setting up a PA for your band. There are more helpful tips and tricks on the way! Just like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss a beat 🤘

[@Mintywine589]

Thank you so much now I have a jazz band☺️😁

[@sora_codm2842]

Hi. i like the guide especially me having a metal band, and may i ask before shopping, how much is a pedalboard cost at philippine pesos? tnx, very helpful guide

[@peakyblinders352]

Really cool Mitch and Sweetwater

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

Thanks!!

[@jamesvandread6695]

Do you guys have a video for the rockville 18 channel mixer/amp/digital interface im trying to figure out how to set it up to record my drumset on it I tried using the USB thumb drive but it says no device connected and I'm just confused

[@swaj123]

How about a video where you set up a PA in a small pub/club? The "stage" is 1/2 the size you need, there's one outlet and it's on the ceiling, and you have to carry all your gear through 2 sets of door and up a dark staircase. Also don't forget to lock your car during every trip because otherwise your gear goes for a walk...

[@jamesgeaney8102]

😂

[@camerontribe]

Stu please make one for us

[@vthings001]

Yeah this is mostly useful for semi-pro or late, middle-aged Dad bands with disposable income who bring $20k worth of gear to play Tom Petty covers to a dozen people.

[@MrMoonChild]

Don’t forget to include the no sound check time in there, the event is set to start at nine but the people at the venue don’t let you setup until ten minutes before the show start 🤣

[@epl3595]

@@vthings001 …why such hostility toward dad bands having fun? Kudos to those “dads” who, after raising families and working their asses off to support them for 20+ years, finally get the spare time to put toward their hobby/passion which they ignored for years due to family responsibilities. Your poor attitude is probably why you don’t have disposable income. Signed…a dad band bassist/sound man with a $40K “rig” for backyard BBQ/crawfish boils (Tom Petty never sounded so good!!).

[@elinolasco1019]

Plot Twist: this was all just one elaborate ad for the Sweetwater Duffle bag @ 1:23

[@bsaw00]

😂 you are so right!

[@djclassy7908]

wait there’s a Sweetwater duffel bag?

[@godsinbox]

it looks good. is it less than $79.98? If so, I'm sold.

[@BenjaminGib]

Sweetwater has the best videos known to man.

[@sweetwater]

🙌🙌

[@lexistacy9980]

Nice they are extremely helpful

[@gamingmusicandjokesandabit1240]

Ben Gibson That's sweet(water) of you 🙂

[@martint3431]

Yup

[@brodyh2895]

as an event services AV technician for university of delaware, as well as resident sound tech for a couple house venues, i was ready for this video to be super cringy, full of stuff like all-in-one racks and things that only techs for huge, big-budget events would deal with. i've teched for a lot of bands, and while I personally have never had to run a bass or guitar amp through a PA, use more than one monitor, or deal with keyboard player wanting to use the PA instead of their own amp, this info was really useful and I can see it being valuable to someone just starting out teching in a new diy space where things like that are necessary. good job sweetwater with not including useless information or info that is only applicable to huge events.

[@sweetwater]

😊👍

[@CarlsOpinion]

@@sweetwater Except, after he watched the sub-woofer placement, Dave Rat just rolled over in his grave, and he is still alive. Carl

[@TV2-Live]

It's a lil patronizing, even if you have only ever put a record on a turntable. started reading comments after i commented. worried i was being too much of a smartazz, lol.

[@julian.borisov]

I can listen to Mitch for days. Very calming and informative at the same time.

[@oldmannewman]

Fantastic explanation of the basics with tips from experience thrown in. Love it!

[@mainquest_official]

I had no idea where to start my research since I know nothing about PA systems and micing drums. This sure helped a lot ! incredible video and I appriciate you showing visually every step of the process.

[@johnballantyne3458]

Your videos are always so professional. You've got a lot of hardworking, talented people on your team.

[@sweetwater]

Thank you, John! 😊👍

[@repugnicansrevealed4211]

Intelligent, scientifically designed for the best performance, very well presented! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For quality, professional content and a masterful presentation! Clearly, this guy is a subject matter expert.

[@allendouglas63]

The Powered Speaker is one of the most under rated advances in PA System ease and size of setup. Traveling with a local Band up and down the east coast mainly VA, NC, SC, TN, GA, FL, AL we traveled with our equipment in a Bus with limited storage the new class D power amps were a game changer and we use to setup in less than an hour and ready for the SHOW. That included lights. Planning is the key this was a great example of quick and well planned setup! If bands pay attention to this video they can have well thought out setups too!

[@pilotpete405]

Mitch Gallagher- your videos are so helpful and you deserve a raise!

[@john-di1mz]

This is excellent . I learnt a few things from this video...so thankyou Mr Gallagher and Sweetwater

[@TheReaperOfSouls]

We were very confused when we appreached our first music venue, luckily we were able to come across this tutorial. Thank you, Sweetwater.

[@futur_sunds]

Mitch Gallagher dose such a good job explaining.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Excellent as always, Mitch! Many thanks. A good follow-up video could be your process for sound check? My band played out a bunch in 2019. Here's what we came up with. Btw ... we do not have a dedicated sound guy. Once our mains (QSC KS12.2s) are set up on tripods ... we spin them around toward the band (monitors are turned off) and dial in instruments in this order: drums, bass, keys, guitars, and vocals are always last. We typically play a verse and chorus from 2 or 3 of our go to songs--making sure to dial in all instruments and voices. Next we spin the mains back toward the dance floor & seating ... and dial in the monitors. Interesting choices for monitors-- Both the drummer and guitarist have the powered Simmons drum monitors. They sound great. I use the Bose system with sub which sounds really great with my keys, acoustic & electric guitars, and voice. (Overachiever?). All mics are routed to an Allen & Heath 30 channel mixer. Forgot to mention our two QSC 18" subs. At least one person per gig will come up to the stage when we go on break and tell us how amazing the sound quality is. Maybe we're on to something? Quick note about the Bose-- I originally purchased it for my duo (yes ... from Sweetwater!). About five years ago I saw an amazing CSNY tribute band using 2 or 3 of the Bose systems incorporated into their concert rig. This was at a 20,000-seat arena. I gave it a try with my band and have never looked back. Portable & sounds great blended in with the QSCs!

[@RockCircus2112]

That was an extremely helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to teach this!!

[@tonepilot]

Very helpful. I’ve learned some techniques I’ll apply to our next gig.

[@theofficialvontae]

Thank you so much for this video! Definitely buying all of this for my shows I'll be putting on!

[@MELACreativeTeam]

Excellent demonstration & very clear instructions. Thanks again for helping us to set up and quickly position ideas of system.👍🌸🌟

[@clintonblake1436]

These videos are great for us out of date guys :) Thank you. I learned a lot!

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for watching, Clinton!

[@stevebigby5499]

First time watching this setting up of this great PA system looking great,this is how I would like to set up my bands,

[@patrickcarroll1754]

Perfect. Thanks Mitch and Sweetwater!

[@viennapalace]

Some channels waffle on & make what could be a 10 minute video into a 30 minute video (I'm looking in your direction, Mr. Beato) Finally, I have found a channel with good information from someone who knows what they are talking about but doesn't love the sound of their own voice. Instant subscription for a great video. I look forward to checking out more (The titles look intriguing)

[@ER-yq1lc]

Good info, the outtakes cracked me up too. :)

[@leehanson1416]

Turn on the mixer first. If you turn on the speakers first, nobody in the room will be happy with the loud pop when you turn on the mixer, and you might take a speaker out. And turn off the mixer last, for the same reason.

[@J.Burrough]

We actually needed to see this. I like that mixer. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@radarlove6283]

You Have Simplified Everything! Thanks For The Upload!

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

Great tutorial on setting up a PA. Thank you for taking the time :)

[@wildealien]

Nice vid! I ran the PA for an old band of mine, and used older power amps and passive PA cabs. It was fun (for me lol) figuring out all the power handling math. Maybe a follow-up video could be done using older gear like this, as that's probably what most people are dealing with.

[@SirBelvedere333]

wildealien I still use my PA from the 80’s. 6 Peavey CS 800’s, EV 18 subs, peavey 15 mains, jvc’s 12’s, peavey floor monitors, Peavey Board etc. I’m 58 yrs old and I think it’s time to update due to the weight not the sound.

[@billmiller7138]

@@SirBelvedere333 I hear ya. I'm 71, I have a lightweight rig, my big, heavy stuff stays home unless I have an outdoor gig.

[@SirBelvedere333]

Bill Miller I’m gonna find a new system once this virus is dealt with.

[@bruford911]

Nice and simple. Add in two overheads for the drum kit. like!

[@throughtheturnstiles196]

Wish we had you in England. Amazing shop with everything under one roof.

[@briandefusco1544]

That was great!! Love Sweetwater!!!!

[@keloytv]

Like the simple set up. It will suit up for our church. Thanks

[@diegodeleontanner7909]

I never thought Monitors would be needed for the Band Thanks for the video

[@mashzmash]

I'd love to set up a PA right now. Sure would be nice if we had some gigs or rehearsals going on in the world right now. :(

[@bullittsandbullets1821]

I wish I was with my band😢

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Same here brother. I am a roadie for a band in my area, so I have my routine for setup down. Too bad it's all packed into my van....

[@darkstarnh]

"Don't have to have a seperate sound engineer". There goes my job then!

[@SteveEdinger]

nobody can mix with stage ears... its a myth... never heard it done better then a sound guy... no musician really wants to do that anyway...you end up being everybody's monitor boy and whipping post when something isn't exactly right. Can kill a mojo faster then a china virus

[@timdegaugh9512]

I need a separate sound engineer!!

[@maycodes]

@@SteveEdinger true

[@gmdsound6730]

@@timdegaugh9512 you could have one that controls the front of house speakers and the other controls the monitors but you would have to have 2 separate mixers.

[@roycefaggotter6860]

Yes, I don't agree with that comment whatsoever, where is the sound engineer normally, where they are not, out the front, you can't mix FOH from the back?

[@franklinkarrass5830]

This will be helpful once the pandemic has passed and everyone can resume some type of normal again. Thank you. 👍😃

[@richyyrob8062]

Im telling you , i cant wait

[@stevebigby5499]

This guideline is great I love it.very much interesting

[@anthonyanzalone]

Great simplistic video. Racking the mixer and a 1u power distributer into a small rolling rack would be a nice upgrade to this setup. That way you can run power and XLR from one spot to your mains and monitors using the ProCo Siamese cables. This has worked great for me for over a year.

[@drummer5015]

Those ProCo cables look very cool but man they are expensive!

[@anthonyanzalone]

@@drummer5015 they are expensive but the time they save is worth it, for me at least. I have several 25' and 35' (custom length) EC2 Dual XLR cables. I swap the ends on one of the XLR cables so I have an input and a return on one cable. This works fantastic for a monitor wedges. It supplies power, and XLR return for a wedge, and an XLR input for say a DI Box or FX pedal boards

[@petopetracca3462]

great video!! thanks for helping musisian get more profesionals at stage. I have only one objetion: if you got your gtr and bassmann with big amps. I only take the vox and the kick on the PA. the rest i like to keep it as natural as posible.. resuming: Preserve the soundfont as much as you can.

[@jerryocrow1]

Re signal routing: I was taught: Channels 1-12: kick, snare, HH, T1, T2, T3, OH1, OH2, bells/chimes/other, Pads (stereo), other or open, then 13-24: back line: Bass, G1, G2, G3, KeyL Key R, Synth L, Synth R, then Vocals 25-28: (house left to right for my benefit) 1, 2, 3, 4, other 28-32: (CD, pre show, video sound, othes). Then, routing to 4: subs to mains: (perc, inst, vocals, efx), then 8 monitor mixes or 16 out to P16 e.g.: 1-8: (wedge/earbuds per performer (in same order: perc 1/2, inst 3/4, voc 5/6, other 7/8) as requested), Out to main (L/R), lobby, other rooms, recording (direct out or other "every channel", plus main (LR) for management (band, house, and me). 32 and every other sound man can run my setup as we all learned the same way. If shrinking, keep the same groups (perc, inst, etc.) and outputs (L/R, lobby, etc.) If only 16: then shrink: drums (8), inst (4), and Voc (4) plus sends (monitors (2) and outs (2)(house and lobby) If keys, then combine toms (1-2), inst (only 3), and voc (1, 2, 3-4) use the two saved for "other".

[@jamesh2384]

Okay your cool

[@windellpenton]

Agreed ..

[@guitarman3001]

Depends on the type of gig. Not sure why in a cover band gig in a typical bar/club the drummer would need more than three channels. Kick drum, snare/hi-hat, overhead. It's very frustrating working with drummers who think they need a separate mic for every single piece of their kit in a 20x30 room with maybe 75 people. It's a waste because in those cases the drums' stage volume is already as loud or louder than the bar wants, so you can't turn those individual channels up at all anyway. I usually just mute them.

[@mattiacenacchi726]

It looks so chill relaxed and clean, do one about the stage change between bands, like in a punk festival, I'm curiouous

[@andrewasiimwe6530]

Awesome video! Thanks for the tutorial.

[@rubentrevino6288]

thank you mitch! fabulous video mate

[@isaacsalazar4038]

Great video thanks for keeping it simple

[@jszy]

great video! thank you so much! could you make a video on how to setup monitors in a band rehearsal room?

[@oneman49instruments]

Great one for beginners! Thanks!

[@AcidZambies]

Honestly a great video. Sweetwater Knows what they're doing. Thank god, The professionals thank you.

[@alexchubbymclynn6060]

Thank you for a nice reference video!

[@HeavyHardHitter]

Extremely helpful and informative!!!!

[@matstokesmusic111]

Great review man. Thanks

[@BBT609]

Very cool video! Learning everyday

[@nkemebenezer]

Thank you lots Sir This was really helpful

[@billionairebeckers3543]

This video is amazing on detail

[@AljonGo]

Mitch is mighty indeed. 👍😎

[@filipmoris6871]

Beautiful explanation,nice and simple,

[@Azjedi13]

You guys are the best! Thank you

[@AnilKumar-zo2eu]

Thank you sir for your packaged information

[@ivandyap]

Great video! Very instructive. Thanks.

[@sweetwater]

Thank you for checking it out, Ivan! 😁

[@RepublicAllegiance]

Love IT. Well done!

[@sweetwater]

😊👍

[@johnfarrell2731]

Nice u explain everything really good 😊

[@dimitriskovaios]

I am afraid you have to re-upload this video, once the whole coronavirus thing is over..! Great, as always! Very helpful!

[@donaldfewell8908]

Thanks! I like that you're using 2 subwoofers.

[@josephfelice8308]

I know it's handy to use the pole out of your subs for mains, but having subs separated very far causes some weird cancellation issues if the room is very deep. If you walk around and hear "dead spots", that is what's going on. Usually putting the subs in the center is the best because they will work together to evenly cover the space. If they can't go in the center, having them to one side is better than spaced apart. Don't worry about how it looks.

[@yaalis24]

i just learnt something

[@oig40203]

In my youth I was a roadie on a Frampton tour. The FOH guy I learned from said "Don't separate the subs". We always had them next to each other, stage center.

[@Turntablist11]

@@haverelmink It depends on the venue, the subs, the tops, and the distance. Sometimes you have such a reflective venue that separating the subs helps to even out the huge nulls and peaks that you can otherwise have. The less reflective the venue is, then centre stacking might be a good option. But, then you might have a huge separation between the tops and subs, which might not sound right. Also, if your subs are physically very big or cardiod, you can get away with separating them either way.

[@mylesjarvis7571]

80% of the time it's for convenience using the subs to hold up the tops. I do both ways depending on the venue

[@therocklins2022]

Putting the subs together in the middle. Is this applicable in an open venue?

[@djclassy7908]

Great tutorial. I use the JBL 615’s with a single JBL 618s. THUMP.

[@guitarman3001]

Great video! It's an excellent starting point but the sub+main on each side of the stage is usually the worst possible placement for the subwoofers. I know that at most small to mid-sized gigs you don't really have enough space to put both subs together at the center of the stage but you can usually stack the two subs on one side of the stage which is much better than the traditional L/R split.

[@heythere6983]

What Iv always wondered about smaller and mid sized gigs is why the front of house absolutely blast the PA system to deafening degrees. I haven’t don’t my own show yet but whenever I see a band, like the offspring, it was just uncomfortable. It makes me worry about myself since my ears aren’t super sensitive but Iv used issues before and feel like PA systems will wreck my ears . They’re always way louder than they have to be .

[@rl2905]

The more I think about what you wrote here, the more I realize what you're saying makes sense. In larger venues that have their own PA's, the subs are always under the stage in the center....If you have 2 like in this video, doesn't putting them closer to each other actually improve the low end even more? I'm going to experiment with this. Thanks for sharing.

[@nsiegers71]

thanks 😊 for the good explanation

[@checkmatenate]

JBL party box 310’s. Portable with battery power, has lights on it and you can plug in a vocal mic and a guitar into it and if you have two 310’s you can connects them with an aux cable for stereo sound. And it even has some fx for the vocal mic and volume control knobs for the mic guitar and speaker volume and also had Bluetooth and wheels and a handle and is water resistant! And of course an app that connects to it for special sounds! Great option for busking and pop up gigs in public or in a small pub

[@bryonhulcher851]

This was very informative. Id love to see a more in depth series version for each step .. A video for floor monitors into mixer..instruments, mics etc. When going over the signal flow... The person talked very fast and sped through it all.

[@megatyaesree]

GOOD STUFF 🙌🏼

[@charleskp947]

newest looking gear i've ever seen at a gig :P

[@rajarathinamp2892]

Wow, very useful video thank you 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@stevebigby5499]

I love this wise idea

[@jabez36]

Ugh I miss this right now

[@luigo61]

Excellent loved it👍

[@thakidd5299]

Good stuff 👍🏼

[@echosen1tv876]

Well done I really like it

[@jimleininger8963]

Request: Video on portable PA for one man band (lead guitar, vox, backing track) maybe two options, budget and top shelf

[@ThusithaThanthirige]

What a Great Explanation Great Greetings From Super Extremes- Sri Lanka 💚 💛 ❤ 💙 💜

[@rodolforibas]

It would've been nice to listen to a band mixed with this gear

[@Flosi931]

If we are not in that room personaly then there is no benifit for us hearing it through a recorded mix, that is altered firstly by this video's audio propably being mixed already, secondly by audio quality KZbin gives us, thirdly by the set of speakers you use and fourthly your room you are sitting in.

[@rodolforibas]

Florian Popp you are right, but for me the benefit of such thing wouldn’t be limited to the PA system, there are many mics in use, the mix itself is a good parameter of how it sounds in the room. At least when I worked as a light/sound tech the first thing was always listening to the mix with earphones and then make the fine adjustments to the PA considering room characteristics and PA frequency biases. Of course, it’s a thing of mine (and some ppl I worked with) so I would’ve liked to hear this equipment in use despite KZbin compression and etc.

[@jr05290]

Thank you for this video, i just have a question.. could you guys make a video for beginners on how to set up cables for bands for practice.. Setting up guitars to speakers, how to use amps & what speakers to use! Thank you!

[@ZuanhardieFamily]

thank for nice info... love it

[@notapplicable6274]

Great video! It would be interesting to see a bare bones minimum set up with the same instruments. Aka, budget friendly yet sufficient. A modular set up that is easily upgraded. WITH SOUND CHECK! 😎🙏🔑✌️

[@vasanthkumar7062]

Wonderful information

[@gazicj]

super helpful, ty

[@lydavid9701]

thank you for your sharing

[@baileybayer9462]

Now that's a concise video

[@maxfinger7678]

Nice one thanks

[@chamgrikmarak5242]

Pro at work

[@benchavarria]

nice video thanks!!

[@KAVRNAB]

Sweet simple and smart

[@maycodes]

Thanx gonna gig in lockdown

[@jrdeg9617]

Good day. Will you please demo for set up for church band using analog mixer. Thanks

[@RedeyeCountry]

fantastic

[@darthsyddious5984]

great video

[@amibalu]

Thanks this video is really helpful..I own a bose f1 series setup and bose s1 pro for monitors..Can u explain the setup for it also..I'm from INDIA

[@gauravlama2079]

Would love to know how to set up my guitar rig for Helix Lt using Right and left out having just one Amp on stage

[@smash461986]

I don't miss this job.

[@eagleflyfree3975]

Excellent 😁🎷