As Paul White (1998) explains within his book, a secondary source, “Talent is important, but good sound matters too”, this means that the quality of use of the equipment and the equipment has to be good in order to create a good quality of sound for the audience. Due to the nature of this source, I have cross checked it with other sources to ensure I am providing myself with correct information. The source I have used to cross check is information is Yamaha (n.d, n.p), which is a secondary but reliable source of information as Yamaha is one of the top selling companies within the music industry, this means that they must be knowledgeable about music equipment.
Within my research, I will be looking into the different components of a live sound setup, more specifically looking into what a DJ set would need.
Components of the setup
PA Speakers
The speakers amplify a corresponding signal that outputs via the stereo mixer. As Yamaha (n.d, n.p) suggests it is “the speaker system that produces the sound output that we hear directly”. This means that PA speakers are used to project the sound that the DJ wants the audience to hear.
Stereo Mixer
The mixer handles and controls all of the elements of a PA system, Paul White (1998, p.23) states that it is:
“a device which accepts a number of microphone or line-level signal sources and mixes them together to form a composite signal”.
This means that the DJ can control and manipulate the sound that the audience hears.
Foldback Monitors/Headphones
Foldback monitors are a seperate sound source to the speakers that the audience hears. It amplifies sound towards the performer so they can hear themselves performing in real time, as Paul White (1998, p.23) suggests within his glossary. Performers can also use in-ear monitoring by using earphones or headphones to hear themselves playing or singing, this is “in place of onstage monitor loudspeakers.” White.P (1998, p.22). Within the ExpertVillage (2008) video it is also recommended that DJs use headphones to be able to hear what is coming out of the speakers.
Cabling
MT Music Ed (2017) states that cables are used to connect different components “including the microphone and the mixer as well as the speakers and the power amp”, this means that cables are key to the elements working together to create the desired sound. As this source is a secondary, therefore a possibly unreliable source, I have compared it to another source, the Paul White (1998) book on live sound equipment, which has been a reliable secondary source when researching the other equipment within live sound.
Decks
Within the Youtube Video by ExpertVillage (2008), DJ Shy explains that DJs need 2 turntables either vinyl or CD to be able to perform their music.This source is a primary source of information as DJ Shy is a professional DJ and is experienced with DJ equipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I have gathered enough information about what equipment to use and what the equipment does to inform myself about what equipment I may need for my own event. The sources I have used are both secondary and primary, for reliability of information, and are a variety of types, from books, online articles and informational videos. This has allowed me to create a document with specific and in depth research.
Reference Bibliography
Eisele, A. (2016). Live Sound 101: Sound System Design and Setup for a Live Band. [online] B&H Explora. Available at: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/audio/buying-guide/basics-live-sound [Accessed 19 Mar. 2019].
ExpertVillage (2008). How to Setup DJ Equipment : Components of a DJ Set Up. [image] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfHVROvFpeo [Accessed 25 Apr. 2019].
Mtmusiced.org. (2017). Essential Components in a Public Address System | MT Music ED. [online] Available at: http://www.mtmusiced.org/essential-components-in-a-public-address-system/ [Accessed 12 Apr. 2019].
White, P. (1998). The sound on sound book of live sound for the performing musician. London: Sanctuary, p.9.
Yamaha(n.d.). Better Sound for Commercial Installations. [online] Available at: https://asia-latinamerica-mea.yamaha.com/en/products/contents/proaudio/docs/better_sound/part1_02.html [Accessed 25 Mar. 2019].
Alice's FMP 