How to Set Up PA Systems : How to Set Up a Compressor

A compressor or limiter is an automatic volume control. Learn about the functions and controls of compressors/limiters, plus get tips on setting up PA sound systems, in this free professional music video from an expert PA system designer.

Expert: Kip Bradford
Bio: Kip Bradford has earned his living as a musician and sound system designer consultant.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• public
• mixing
• addresss
• pa
• sound-system
• concert
• soundboard
• microphone

[daryl152]

its about time that expert village has a good video haha thanks!

[zanik00]

Dirty fingernails

[kiko3212]

hello sir this really a good video,,but i just want to ask you,on how to make a setting for a live p.a system cause ihave a small live band that is for hire i just want to know how to make a good setting's on compressor limiter,i hope you can help me sir thanks a lot,,

[Aiiemusic]

*EDIT* - How To "USE" A Compressor.

[kickingsaturdaymiami]

ok i am a recording studio seting up a pa system why well i record stuff so why not set up a pa room to hear and feel my stuff thru a pa system before i send it out in short show how to install cables hey not many folks shows this ok

[MrNitemare0]

Compression=Automatic volume control...well put sir.

[kc7fys]

Anybody who criticizes this video might not have a feel for education. I would like it to be a bit more technical--but that's already out there. Simplification is the basis of a sound education. We want newb audio engineers to have that sound foundation. Be patient with them. This guy's a good educator.

[NLGuppy]

lol @ 2:10. it automatic jumps to annother attack time.

Where can i buy it?

[TheShawnFussell]

if you want to use a compressor with your DAW, either use inserts/sends/returns if your interface allows it, or you can go from your mic to the compressor and out to pre-amp/interface. If your using a phantom powered mic, you will need a mixer with 48V before going into your interface because most if not all compressors don't come with phantom power. They are not designed for being a pre-amp. You'd go mic to mixer(48V), mixer out to compressor, compressor out to interface.

[TheShawnFussell]

continued from post below.....the energy of the volume is still there and the way you manipulate the compressor gives you certain dynamic effects. Bass drums, if only 'volume automated', wouldn't punch at all beyond the source (the drum). The best way I've heard it out is this...sound makes a waveform...the waveform has a top and a bottom...compression lowers ceiling at how high the wave can go. Now imagine it as water. The water is still there, just more dense and powerful. less is more, too.

[TheShawnFussell]

lol. People are so mean sometimes. I don't think he's as 'simple' as you think. I think the man knows what he's talking about but he's simplifying for the sack of the noobies trying to grab a quick jump on learning the art of engineering. All in all, before I understood compression, I would of loved to just know what he was teaching here. One thing I would like to add to the noobie watching is that compressors do more than just automate volume. The energy of the volume is still there.,..........