An organized audiovisual equipment setup can significantly elevate the experience of any event you host, whether that’s a conference or wedding reception. High-quality audio and visual equipment will ensure that your message reaches its target audience effectively.
Professional audio equipment includes microphones, mixers and speakers as its core components; other essential AV equipment includes signal processors and light boards.
Microphones
Microphones convert sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be recorded and reproduced on devices. Microphones are widely used for two-way communication, public address systems at concert halls and events, sound recording and broadcasting – plus many other uses like hearing aids, computer microphones, dictation machines as well as telephone microphones and handheld cellular phones.
There are three major categories of microphones: dynamic, condenser and ribbon. David Edward Hughes invented one of the earliest and simplest forms in 1870s – carbon dust was enclosed within a metal cylinder which when vibrated would move, altering current flow causing audio signals.
Condenser microphones contain two charged metal plates connected by electricity, with diaphragms placed on one of them that vibrate when sound hits it, creating changes in capacitance that can then be converted to audio signals with the use of capacitors.
The cardioid microphone, with its unidirectional pickup pattern and blocking in the rear, is the go-to microphone for recording vocals. Other popular microphone types include shotgun and bidirectional mics – each designed for specific uses such as recording sounds from specific directions – while proximity effects (when sources come close to mics) may present issues; these issues can often be mitigated through careful mic positioning.
Mixers
Mixers combine and distribute signals from multiple microphones, instruments, or other sources into one signal for mixing purposes. They may come in analog or digital forms and vary in terms of size and functionality.
There’s more than meets the eye with these guys – from their ability to jump around like little kids on skates (! ), through to their impressive strength (ahem… so who am I to judge)…. Mixers typically feature input areas that accept either XLR or TRS (quarter-inch) plugs and include switches or knobs to allow an engineer to configure each channel to accept either mic or line level signals, set gain for that source, activate an attenuator pad, or activate dynamic controls such as gates or compressors that open to allow any audio through but closes quickly to prevent unwanted rumble, feedback and noise from getting through. Many mixers feature equalization (EQ) areas with number values and rotary controls that enable engineers to precisely set frequency settings on any given channel. However, the amount of flexibility and precision available varies considerably across mixers; budget and moderate models often offer fewer options than high-end consoles.
Some mixers feature an additional output area that is used to send copies of each channel signal elsewhere, such as to a studio headphone mix or monitor wedge on stage. Some models also provide dedicated aux outputs which are frequently used to send time-based effects like delay or reverb.
Most mixers feature a master section that houses controls for main and subgroup faders as well as a matrix that routes signals to their desired outputs. Talkback controls may also be present within this area to enable communication with performers via headphones, local loudspeakers or in-ear monitors.
Speakers
Speakers serve as an interface between audio system’s electronic components and the physical world in which sound production occurs, creating crystal-clear concert hall sound from a compact home audio setup. They come in different shapes, sizes and prices so finding speakers to fit your system perfectly is of utmost importance.
Dynamic speakers are among the most commonly used types of speakers, featuring a voice coil in a cylindrical gap containing a magnetic field produced by its permanent magnet enclosure. When an electrical signal passes through this voice coil, it causes it to vibrate back and forth rapidly when an electrical signal passes through, producing sounds. Vibrating sounds then travel through diaphragm or speaker cone (usually conically-shaped for durability) into contact with air for reproduction by speakers known as woofers and tweeters respectively.
Crossover networks are passive electronic circuitry designed to route components of an audio signal directly to drivers best capable of reproducing it. Their rated power handling, often measured at specific frequencies, indicates how much input power can be safely handled without damage; speakers may become damaged if amplifiers pass more power than they can handle at these frequencies resulting in distortion commonly known as clipping.
Light Boards
Light boards have become a common tool in video lectures and presentations, enabling presenters to draw graphics on white boards while still looking directly at their audiences. Furthermore, lecturing using one simultaneously improves learning retention significantly.
Lightboards typically come equipped with built-in cameras and are usually placed several feet in front of presenters. When using an audio recording session, a separate microphone should be used as camera mics are often not high quality and sound doesn’t travel through glass well. Many memory consoles also include an RFU remote control to help operate the board remotely from another room if that becomes necessary.
Furniture
Professional audio equipment refers to tools and gear utilized by audio engineers, sound technicians and musicians for recording & live sound reinforcement purposes. It is typically more expensive than consumer-grade equipment as it contains advanced features that improve audio recordings & live performances.
An audio equipment list may include anything from simple wired microphones and speakers for use at a PTA picnic to multi-million dollar cameras, sound mixers, video switchers and lighting rigs that form part of concert audio/visual production equipment – commonly referred to as AV equipment.
Furniture refers to any piece of home or office furniture which serves a functional purpose, such as chairs, tables, sofas and beds. Furniture can be constructed out of various materials like wood, plastic, metal and leather – it can even be purchased online! Typically sold as sets containing multiple pieces to complete a room’s aesthetic.
Digital audio workstations (DAWs), also known as DAWs, are software for recording, editing, and mixing audio. Used to create, edit and manipulate files as well as provide built-in effects and virtual instruments; amplifiers increase volume signals using either AC or DC power sources.
Cases & Boxes
Cases are essential in protecting equipment during transport and storage, keeping dust, water, etc. away. Our selection of boxes allows devices to connect; mic leads with one end having a XLR male plug and another with jack mic/line input; instrument leads featuring quarter inch jack plugs on both ends for guitars/keyboards/guitar & keyboard sets/DI’s to plug acoustic guitars into mixers & DIs into mixers and power boards for running audio equipment can all be found here!
Rack mountable graphic equalisers provide you with options for manipulating individual frequencies before it reaches the speakers, typically through 24 to 32 sliders that allow you to add or remove specific frequencies.