For those who are unfamiliar with audio equipment, setting up sound systems can be a daunting task. Having a better understanding of each component can facilitate setting up the best portable PA system and being able to troubleshoot common problems.
Handheld and Lapel Microphones
The first component of the best portable PA system is the microphone. It is a transducer that is designed to convert acoustic energy, or sound, into electrical energy. Most microphones are dynamic in nature in that they use electromagnetism for this conversion.
The two most popular dynamic microphones include the handheld microphone and the lapel microphone. Handheld microphones are held in the hands of the speaker while lapel microphones clip onto the lapel of the speaker’s clothing and are less noticeable than their handheld counterparts.
Amplifiers
Amplifiers electronically increase the level of the initial sound source, which in most public address systems is someone’s voice. In this case, a transistor-based amplifier is used. A transistor has three wire connections called a base, an emitter and a collector. When a small input current is fed between the base and the emitter, a much larger output current flows between the emitter and the collector, resulting in an increase in the level of the sound.
Loudspeakers
The final piece is the loudspeaker that reproduces the amplified sound. Loudspeakers are like reverse microphones in that they also transducers but convert an electrical signal back to acoustic energy. What is most important is that the reproduced sound is much louder than the volume of the original source.
Additional Features
The best portable PA system comes in a lightweight, wearable enclosure as an all-in-one system with all the necessary components and cables so that it can be easily set up. It typically includes a loudspeaker of the right size and wattage for the amplifier used, a belt strap or adjustable shoulder strap, a wired handheld microphone and a rechargeable battery that is built-in and can run for up to 12 hours on a single charge.
Other items that may be included are a record and replay feature so that voice messages up to seconds can be recorded and played repeatedly and a button for siren alerts. Any sound system can be customized for individual users and applications.