Setting-Up Multiple Microphones – A Step-by-Step Guide

It becomes essential for event managers to use multiple microphones if the event is big and large numbers of people are supposed to speak or interact. The setting can be a business event with multiple speakers or a family function or a music event. Naturally multiple microphones need to be setup under such circumstances. Modern sound systems are quite easy to operate and can be setup with ease to accommodate multiple microphones. A step-by-step guide for setting-up multiple microphones is detailed below –

Equipment Needed

• Sound board
• Microphones
• Snake Cables
• Speakers

Step 1 – Depending on your requirements, arrange for a soundboard or a mixing console that is capable of handling the required number of microphone inputs. In a worst case scenario, a microphone splitter can be used, but in that case microphones attached to the microphone splitter cannot have individual volume controls. This can be disastrous if it is a musical event where sound from multiple instruments is routed through a single microphone splitter.

Step 2 – The next step is to connect the snake cables to the soundboard. Ensure that the length of the snake cable is sufficient enough. Tape the cable to the ground so that people do not trip over it. By taping the cable to the ground, the risk of cable coming off the microphone or soundboard is also minimized. Always, first start making connections from the soundboard end as it will give you a better idea of the length of the cable required.

Step 3 – Now, the microphones needs to be connected to the splitter box. Depending on the make and type of splitter box you are using, it may have varying number of slots anywhere between 2 to 24. Some soundboards also have separate slots for musical instruments. Connect accordingly.

Step 4 – As long as possible, always try to connect the microphone directly to the soundboard. This is highly recommended if the distance between the soundboard and the microphone is short. The only restriction in this case is the number of channels available at the back of the soundboard. In case your requirement is more than that, using splitter box is the only option and do it as described above.

Step 5 – If you do not want to go through the hassles of making so many cable connections, then the best option would be to go the wireless way. As a matter of fact, people rarely use cabled microphone systems now. Wireless microphones have become extremely affordable and are very easy to setup. As a precautionary measure, ask the audiences to turn off all electronic devices as wireless microphones are prone to noise or electronic disturbances.

Bring in the Professionals

Irrespective of the type of event, you can always manage it efficiently if you hire the services of professionals. Purchasing all the above mentioned equipment would be foolish. The best option is to hire these AV equipment from a company like AA Rental. Available at very affordable rates, the company can even help you in setting up the venue.