One of the most common assumptions in the world of live music is that a sound engineer can either make or break a good performance. Simply put, if your soundman sucks, your band sucks. Strangely enough however, the PA system and the knowledge to use it effectively is usually the first place where musicians are likely to cut corners. This is a terrible mistake. Even Steve Perry or Chris Cornell would sound bad through a PA that was constantly feeding back or distorting, and a big ballsy 24 inch kick drum isn't worth much if the PA system makes it sound like you're beating on a tupperware bowl. The problem is that learning all the ins and outs of setting up and running a sound system can be nearly as complicated and time consuming as learning to play an instrument in the first place. This can be doubly difficult since there are very few simple to the point references out there that can help you learn how to get it all working without bogging you down with a lot of unnecessary details and technical jargon. This is especially true on the web, where sound reinforcement advice can be hard to find.

Scott's PA System Tutorial has been created to help try to fill this void by explaining in layman's terms how to hook up and use a variety of different PA setups. On this web site, you will find diagrams and directions on hooking things up from the smallest one microphone one speaker system all the way up to a large stereo tri-amped system. Also included is advice on how to operate the system once it is all hooked up and running. In addition, there is an entire section dedicated to tips and tricks. These range from making do in a pinch to saving money on equipment to creative ways of hooking things up. Also, there is a glossary of terms you are likely to hear (and use) when working with your sound system.