Choosing a portable PA system.
Testing, testing 1-2-3! Don't settle for poor quality sound at your next public event or gathering
The screech of feedback from a public address (PA) system is seared into the memories of anyone who's ever attended a local council meeting, school assembly or wedding celebrant ceremony. But modern PA systems with wireless microphones have taken the hassle and screaming feedback out of play by catering specifically for speech requirements.
There are many cheap active PA speaker systems available on the market and many are great for listening to party music or as DJ monitors. But they are rarely good or even passable for speech. Plug a wired microphone in and you've got a blaring, echo filled barely legible mess. Modern PA systems perform far better at lifting voices within a venue without sound becoming "shouty" and muffled. A good portable PA often elevates a users voice without loss of clarity or speech intelligibility.
Choosing a portable PA system
Here are a few critical factors to consider before taking the dive into purchasing a new PA system:
1. Audience size: Estimate how many people will you be addressing at one time.
2. Coverage area (indoor or outdoor): Estimate the area you are projecting sound across. An outdoor space will require a higher output speaker.
3. Frequency availability for wireless microphones: Check the ACMA website's frequency finder to determine what is allowed in your locality. UHF 520MHz is almost universally permitted.
4. Audio sources/connectivity: Consider how you wish to connect your audio inputs, whether via Bluetooth, stereo RCA/jack or balanced line. Most portable PA systems will have a XLR socket for a mic cable input as well as a wireless mic option.
Once you've figured out those factors you can determine how many PA systems and what size to purchase. The Okayo PAs are all rated by audience size so you can quickly tally how much coverage you need. If you are operating outdoors be sure to add 20-30% to those numbers as sound output will disperse differently.
Advantages of a professional portable PA system
Scalability is an important factor for PA systems, to allow for different crowd sizes, types and styles of gatherings. The Okayo Wireless link module allows multiple PA units to be connected into a wireless network, delivering high clarity audio through multiple systems over distances up to 70-100m apart,.
Portable PA systems, such as the Okayo, deliver clear, crisp vocals using the latest in low noise wireless technology and superior speaker design. We've all attended events with garbled audio and know how frustrating it can be. When the message is lost in garbled audio, feedback and excessive echo, you may as well not be saying anything at all!
The main benefit of portable PA systems is right in the name - PORTABILITY. The Okayo PA system range has been constructed with premium grade internal SLA batteries which can be kept on charge ready to go at a moments notice. Their light weight allows easy deployment by anybody on sports fields, in function centres, meeting rooms and more!
Fast set up and ease of use are hallmarks of a great PA system. The Okayo portable PA offers quick set up, flick the on switch on the main unit and your chosen microphone, set the volume level and start talking. They also offer the flexibility of local music input via 3.5mm input or wireless Bluetooth. All of which can be used without any operator training or complex installation needs.
Added advantages only from Okayo
First battery replacement guarantee.
3 year warranty with locally available product support & service through Altronics.
Wireless link allowing multiple PA's to operate in the one area for added coverage.
Conclusion
Make no mistake there are plenty of cheap PA systems out there on the market. But in our experience institutions have always found their performance to be disappointing for vocal use. If you require a PA system for meetings, school assemblies, church events or wedding celebrant ceremonies a professional grade system, such as the Okayo brand, will provide far superior performance. Plus they still sound great for music too!