Sports Field PA system

[rayb]

Our athletics area is pretty big and it has been decided to look at a PA system that will work effectively. Can anyone recommend a supplier with a website I can take a look at and get some ideas about spec. and price please? Also, if you have any recommendations on what we should be looking for, it would be appreciated. I have a general feel for the requirements but would welcome expert advice.

 

Thanks.

[3s-gtech]

Permanent/fixed or mobile? It's worth looking at proper stadia examples for an athletics area (do you have a 400m track?) these tend to use weatherproof horn speakers setup for vocals. You can also run these on mobile tripods around the area. Wireless mics are a good plan.

[rayb]

They won't be permanent. We do have a 400m track with the 100m track running along one side. We only realistically expect coverage along the 100m track. The kids are very noisy, so the PA has a lot of competition. There are no fixed structures, so it will go in a gazebo and be powered by a generator. I was anticipating weatherproof 100v horns. As the commentator will be in the same gazebo a wired mic. will be fine but we do have wireless mics we can use if necessary.

[newpersn]

I'm in the same boat. We have a full rack of kit I gotta move each time.

 

I don't mind the mixer rack as that's on wheels. It's moving the active speakers.

 

Then it's setting it up. Power to the main mixer then long kettle leads to the speakers.

 

So I wanna look at a set of passive speakers and stands.(I think there's a spare amp. In the rack)

[rayb]

This lot looks interesting https://www.proaudiocentre.com/shop/audio-equipment/pa-systems/100v-line-pa-systems/index.html

[GRitchie]

Depends what exactly it is you're wanting.

Are you wanting a PA System for music etc. or are you wanting horns for the sake of voices?

 

If you were based near myself, I could recommend a good company who I actually work for part-time.

[rayb]

Primarily voice announcements. We are in the Midlands. It looks like we are going to order from proaudiocentre.com.

[GRitchie]

Ah - can't be of use there then.

Well you probably want a horn PA system. If you're not going to use it for music or anything like that.

Plus, will be cheaper.

 

And I'd opt for a wireless SM58 for one of the best input qualities - but it's all down to money of course!

 

[rayb]

The system they are going for has a 250w amp and 4 stands, each with two horns. That should annoy the neighbours.

[GRitchie]

Most definitely! We set up a full PA system here on sports day on the top field. Can hear the music on the other side of the town... If people can't, I've not done my job correctly

[woodham]

id have said if people can hear it on the other side of town you hav'nt done your job correctly ( ex sound/pa tech)

[GRitchie]

No, I have - the town echos like crazy (current sound/lighting tech ;-) )

[Andrew_C]

Re-entrant 100v horns are used, and have been for years, as they give a big "bang for buck". They sound horrid, but then, that's not what matters. They just get connected in parallel across the amplifier, adding up the wattage for each speaker until you get to the rated power of the amp. Simples. Not so easy if you use low-impedance speakers, can be done, but not so easy.

 

Using powered speakers, indeed any mains kit, outdoors requires a proper RA. There are earthing considerations, water ingress, trip hazards, etc etc. Nothing insurmountable, but you will have to think about what you are doing.