1. Step by step guide to
setting up a PA System
Lauren Benson

2. STEP 1
Plug the kettlelead into the
mains and the desk.
Kettleleads are used
because they are able to
transfer more power.

3. STEP 2
 Connect each speaker to
the mains with
kettleleads. Then switch
off the speakers so that
they aren’t damaged
when the desk is
connected and switched
on.

4. STEP 3
Speaker input
 Connect the desk to the
speakers using an XLR
cable from the main
output on the desk to the
inputs on the speakers.
The left output connects
to the left speaker and
the right output to the
right speaker.
Desk outputs
XLR cables

5. USING ACTIVE OR PASSIVE
SPEAKERS
 You can use active or
passive speakers. I am
using active speakers
because they have a
built in amp. Passive
speakers would be more
commonly used in the rig
as they are lighter.

6. STEP 4
 Plug in the sound source
(CD player) using a
figure 8 cable.

7. STEP 5
Phono cable
 Connect the sound desk
to the sound source
using a phono cable with
quarter inch jack
adapters, then switch on
the desk. The input on
the desk can vary
depending on your sound
source, for example
whereas a CD player
uses a line input, a
microphone would use
an XLR input.
Quarter inch jack
adapters

8. STEP 6
 Switch on the sound
source and press play.

9. STEP 7
 Turn down the volume on
the speakers to avoid
damage, and then switch
on.

10. STEP 8
 Switch on both channels.

11. STEP 9
PFL
Gain controls
 Press PFL (Pre Fade
Listen) on one channel,
then adjust the gain until
the peak meter begins to
flicker orange. This will
allow the sound to get
louder/quieter without
damaging equipment.
The gain controls how
much sound comes into
the speakers. Repeat for
each channel.
Peak meter

12. Step 10
 Because the speakers
are stereo and I am
using 2 channels for my
speakers, I will pan my
left speaker all the way
to the left and the right
speaker all the way to
the right. This will allow
equal sound to exit the
speakers.

13. STEP 11
 Adjust the master fader
to 0DB to give the sound
an ability to become
louder at any point.

14. STEP 12
 Adjust the channel’s
faders to appropriate
levels.

15. STEP 13
 Now there is sound
exiting the speakers,
adjust the EQ to suit the
sound, i.e so it doesn’t
sound tinny.