A public address (PA) system is a form of electronic amplification that can be used in a number of situations. Common examples include permanently installed systems in a large building such as a school or factory where it can be used to make announcements to the people in the building. Smaller portable systems can be used at concert venues to enhance the sound of a band or singer or can be used by those giving speeches. There are a few components that make up a public address system with one of these being the PA speakers.
PA speakers are the component of a public address system that transmits the sound to those listening. There are a couple of basic types available these days with the style that has been most commonly used over the years being passive speakers. They are used in combination with a separate microphone and mixer amplifier to create a system and there are a few companies that produce them.
Manufacturers that produce passive PA speakers include HK Audio, Electrovoice, Peavey and JBL Pro. Costs for this speaker style can start at around the $200 mark with the Peavey Messenger Pro-12 Mk II being an example of this. A pair of these passive speakers retails for around $240 and they are considered to be effective speakers that will provide good quality sound output. More expensive passive speaker equipment can rise into the low thousands to purchase. The JBL VRX932LA speaker, for example, retails for around $2,150 and is a lightweight speaker designed for smaller venues. It can be used in arrays of up to six units for best effect and has a range of mounting options for use.
The second style of PA Speakers are known as active or powered speakers. These come with the speaker and amplifier built into one unit and can be a simpler option as you don’t have to worry about combining a separate speaker and amp that are compatible. However, they do need their own power supply and must be plugged into a socket to work. The majority of manufacturers that produce passive speakers also produce active speakers and therefore Peavey and JBL Pro have them available as do companies such as Mackie and Behringer.
At the affordable end of the market, active PA speakers can be purchased for much the same cost as passive speakers. The Behringer B208d Active 220-Watt 2-Way PA Speaker system can be found on the market for around $190. It is a compact and lightweight speaker, although is powerful equipment that is capable of delivering high quality sound. For higher quality speakers the cost can again run into the thousands of dollars with the JBL VRX932LAP Active Speaker costing around $2,700 to purchase.
If you are looking to purchase public address speakers, the internet can be a good source to find these. Companies such as Sweetwater and Gear 4 Music can be good places to look for information and the opportunity to purchase.
Whether you are installing a permanent PA system or want a portable set up, the PA speakers you use are an important part of the system. Both active and passive speakers are an option for inclusion in a public address system and with the range of costs on the market, most people should be able to find a speaker that suits their needs and can be purchased for the budget they have available.