One of the most common questions we get is how do we put all the gear together. It is actually very very simple. The difficult part is buying the correct equipment and knowing how to gain stage the system. To explain the entire concept of how to tune sound is an art and can only be learnt after playing with it for years. There is a ear / listening training course called the “Ting” course where we only listen to the word ting for several months. At first all the tings sound the same but after completing the course you will be able to distinguish them apart like colors. This course was designed for US Navy sonar engineers.
There are many possibilities but we will keep them to simple four combinations below. The diagram is self explanatory.
I – Simplest form …
Microphones —> Mixer/Amplifier —> Speakers
II – Simple form …
Microphones —> Mixer —> Amplifier —> Speakers
III – Little more than the simple form …
Effects Processor
Microphones —> Mixer —————> Distribution Amplifier —> Amplifiers —> Speakers
Recorder —> Recorder
IV – Advanced Form …
Effects Processor
Microphones —> Preamp —> Mixer —————–> Distribution Amp —> Compressor / Equalizer —> Sonic Maximizer —> etc
Recorder
Feedback Eliminator
—> and finally into several amps within the audio chain ending in speakers.
Our rule of thumb is to keep it simple, fewer parts to break, less sound coloration, less money involved and fewer things to learn and maintain. The key is to get the sound you want with the least possible equipment at the best possible prices. Of course the equipment has to be reliable too.
One more suggestion. Always used balanced XLR or TRS cables all the way through. Remember your sound is as good as the worst link in the audio chain.