PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENT NO: 3
PUBLIC ADDRESS SYTSTEM
Public Address systems originated in ancient Greece with the construction of
amphitheaters.
“Public address system is a set of equipment’s to amplify sound so that it is
audible to a large audience over a distance.
Used in extension programmes involving a large number of people such as
mass meeting, training programme, field day or farmers day, campaign,
exhibition etc.
Public Address System (PA system) is an electronic sound amplification
and distribution system with a microphone, amplifier and loudspeakers, used
to allow a person to address a large public, for example for announcements
of movements at large and noisy air and rail terminals.
The simplest PA system consist of a microphone, an amplifier, and one or
more loudspeakers is shown in fig 1. A sound source such as compact disc
player or radio may be connected to a PA system so that music can be
played through the system.
Fig No. 1: Simple PA System
The process begins with a sound source (such as a human voice), which creates
waves of sound (acoustical energy). These waves are detected by a microphone,
which converts them to electrical energy. This signal is amplified in an amplifier
up to a required level. The loudspeaker converts the electrical signal back into
sound waves, which are heard by human ears.
COMPONENTS OF PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
A public address system has three components
1. MICROPHONE/MIKE/MIC
It is an acoustic-to-electric sensor that converts sound into an
electrical signal.
2. AMPLIFIER/ELECTRONIC AMPLIFIER/AMP
It modulates the output of the power supply to make the output signal
stronger than the input signal.
3. LOUDSPEAKER/ SPEAKER
It is device which converts an electrical audio signal into a
corresponding sound.
WORKING OF A PUBLIC ADDRSS SYSTEM
The working of the PA system consists of 4 steps:
1. Begins with a sound source (such as a human voice), which creates waves of
sound (acoustical energy).
2. These waves are detected by a microphone which converts them to electrical
energy.
3. This signal is amplified in an amplifier up to a required level.
4. The loudspeaker convers the electrical signal back into sound waves, which
are heard by human ears.
TYPES OF PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
1. SMALL PA SYSTEMS
Simplest PA systems consisting of a microphone an amplifier and one
or more loudspeakers.
2. LAGRGE PA SYSTEMS
PA systems having speakers that cover an entire campus of a college
or industrial site.
3. LONG LINE PA SYSTEMS
Any PA system across a wide geographic area, larger than in large PA
systems.
