How Many AMPS Do I Need?

[GaryKD]

Hi Everyone,
The title is not asking about coach amps. I am about to purchase a portable PA system. I have no skill in this purchase. After doing some Internet shopping it seems the AMPS capability of the unit/speakers is important for getting one's voice out to the crowd. The largest gathering I will be faced with is an outdoor area of about 75/75 feet. I'm considering only wireless systems, battery operated would be best. The system is for speaking voice only. Musical instruments or music in general is not required.

For those knowledgeable about this topic, how many AMPS do I need?

[Route 66]

PA system power is rated in watts.

25 to 100 watts would be quite sufficient, but sound quality/intelligibility is determined more by speaker quality and type.

If you're buying a package, then all of the components should already be matched or compatible with each other.

Outdoor horn speakers that look like a megaphone are quite efficient and 5 to 10 watts can be plenty of power.

Speakers that look like stereo speakers generally require more watts, but may sound more natural.

To improve clarity/intelligibility turn the amplifier treble up and the bass down.

[Ramblin]

How many amps you need and the wattage of those amps will be determined by the loudspeakers you choose, how they are configured, the number of speakers required, etc.

If, for instance, you need stereo, and you have two loudspeakers, you'll need at least two amps, or a single two channel amp (which is really two independent amps in a single chassis).

If your speakers have passive crossovers in them, you only need a single amp per speaker. If not, you'll need an active crossover that splits the highs/mids/lows (in the case of three way loudspeakers) and sends them each to their own amps. In the case of a stereo setup with two three-way loudspeakers that do not contain passive crossovers, you would need 6 amps (or three two channel amps).

If you're starting from scratch and buying a new system, there are many complete, self-contained PA packages that will suit your need for small coverage, voice only performance.

Add a microphone or two (or 4), a couple of speaker stands, and something like this would do nicely:
Samson Expedition XP308i Portable PA | Sam Ash Music 1-800-4-SAMASH

Tell us what you already have, and we can tell you what you need to get where you want to be.

[Theberrys]

Here is one to look into. Battery powered and a system so matching components isn't required. With a handheald wireless mic.
Pyle Pro PWMA860I VHF Wireless Powered PA System w/iPod Dock 248-4250

Dick

[GaryKD]

Hi Ramblin,
I have nothing. This is why I'm going to purchase a complete portable PA system.

[Ramblin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Ramblin, I have nothing. This is why I'm going to purchase a complete portable PA system.

The one TheBerrys posted above looks like a winner. His has the battery-powered feature you said was preferable (...and I didn't notice until I re-read your question). Do you need set-up/take-down to be easy, or will this be set up once and left where it is? Do you want a hand-held mic, a headset, a lavaliere? Does it need to be as small as possible?

[Tha_Rooster]

Have you tried a musical instrument store you should be able to find what you are hunting for.

[Billieg]

Here is another that is less expensive but should work well for you:
NEW 2011 Pyle Pro PWMA330 300 Watt VHF Wireless Battery Powered PA System W/Echo | eBay

[GaryKD]

Hi Ramblin,
The unit will be used to talk to groups of people. I host quite a few RV rally type events, socials, etc. As I get older (so I'm told) my voice does not project as well as I remember. The unit will be used once and stored until the next event. Portability is important; so it size and weight. Those recommending units around $200 and Route 66's post on AMPs needed is narrowing my choice to something that will work.

The unit also needs to be very simple to operate. I have too much going on in my life to learn all the techy stuff. All I want to do is make sure the battery is charged, turn on the unit and turn on the mic. It should work like a toaster.

[John Hilley]

Our WIT club president uses a Karaoke setup that is all self contained with a CD player and works well in the size area you are describing.

[Ramblin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Ramblin, The unit will be used to talk to groups of people. I host quite a few RV rally type events, socials, etc. As I get older (so I'm told) my voice does not project as well as I remember. The unit will be used once and stored until the next event. Portability is important; so it size and weight. Those recommending units around $200 and Route 66's post on AMPs needed is narrowing my choice to something that will work. The unit also needs to be very simple to operate. I have too much going on in my life to learn all the techy stuff. All I want to do is make sure the battery is charged, turn on the unit and turn on the mic. It should work like a toaster.

Then you can't go wrong with any of the self-contained units linked to by others here. Also the advice to visit a musical instrument store is very good. Those guys will be able to demo several units for you, and give you instructions on how to run them. They are very simple to use, and you won't have any trouble using them. I have many years of sound reinforcement experience (albeit on a larger scale than you are talking about) and will be happy to try to anwer any questions that come up.