Overview
This article will show you to set up the Student Life sound system. The sound system is set up by Student Life staff and students for indoor and outdoor events.
Video
Please click on the image below to view a video tutorial of Setting up the Student Life Sound System.
Steps
For written instructions on setting up the Student Life Sound System, please follow the steps below.
Step 1.
Take off the three RACK COVERS. Start with the front or back, and remove the top cover last.
Step 2.
Locate the PLUG in the back of the rack and plug it into an OUTLET close to where the system will be used.
Step 3.
Flip the POWER SWITCH on the front of the rack, so that it lights up.
Step 4.
Gather the number of MICROPHONES and XLR CABLES needed. Grab one XLR cable for each microphone, and an additional 2-3 XLR cables to connect to the house or external speakers.
Connect the microphones to the mixer using the XLR cables and XLR MIC INPUTS.
Slide the MICROPHONE SWITCH up to turn it on.
Step 5.
Adjust the gain on the mixer. Note: During this process, you will not hear any sound, but this step is vital in ensuring everything is connected properly and the speaker will not be blown out once connected.
First, press the PFL BUTTON and talk into the microphone at a normal level.
Adjust the GAIN KNOB (the red knob) until the LEVELS on the mixer are in the green and some yellow. If the lights are showing “red,” lower the gain to get the audio at the optimum level. When finished, un-press the PFL button.
Note: A laptop, smartphone, and CD player can also be used. CHANNELS 11 AND 12 are for the CD player located inside of the rack. STE2 has an 1/8th end that can be plugged into the headphone output on a smartphone and/or laptop. If these are being used, adjust the gain the same way as the microphone levels.
Step 6.
Check the MUTE and MIX/GRP BUTTONS on the mixer. On each channel, press MUTE to un-mute any channels being used. You can tell if a channel is muted if the mute button is red. Also check to make sure the MIX/GRP BUTTON is pushed down on each channel being used.
At this point, the mixer can either be connected to the Student Life PA System or the Student Life House System.
To set up the PA system, follow these steps. Setting up the PA system means that the sound will play in through external speakers that can be set up anywhere on campus where power is nearby.
Step 1.
Set up a SPEAKER STAND. Make sure the GRAY POLE is pulled up and locked in place.
Step 2.
Place the SPEAKER on the stand.
Step 3.
Plug in the SPEAKER POWER into an OUTLET and flip the SPEAKER POWER SWITCH to its on position. Note: A line is “ON” and the circle is “OFF.” Repeat for the second speaker.
Step 4.
Grab two more XLR cables. Connect one end into MIX L and plug it into the speaker’s input on the left side. Connect the other XLR cable into MIX R and plug it into the SPEAKER MIC INPUT on the right side. On each speaker, check to make sure the INPUT 1, HF, and LF KNOBS are set at 12 o’ clock.
Step 5.
Go back to the mixer and use the FADER to bring the volume up to the desired level. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for every microphone or other device (laptop, phone, etc.) that is connected. The two red faders will raise or lower the audio for all the mics connected into the PA system. Setting them at 0 is a good starting point and can be raised or lowered if needed.
To set up the House system, follow these steps. Setting up the House system means that the sound will play in the U Café speakers.
Step 1.
Grab an XLR cable and connect it to the GREEN DIRECT BOX located in the back of the rack.
Step 2.
Connect the other end of the XLR cable into the House system. The HOUSE CONNECTIONS are located on the South end of the Café, near the Bob and Marge Bobb Social/Cultural Lounge.
Step 3.
Ensure the 1/4" cable labeled “AUX 1” is inserted to AUX 1 OUT on the mixer.
Step 4.
Go back to the mixer and use the FADERS to bring the volume up to the desired level. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for every microphone or other device (laptop, phone, etc.) that is connected.
The AUX 1 KNOB (along with the faders) will raise or lower the audio for all the mics connected into the House system.
Whether you are using a PA system or the House system, it’s important to store the equipment away properly. When finished, disconnect the microphones, take down the speakers (if applicable), and store the equipment in the Student Life office. When putting the covers back on, make sure to start with the top cover or it will not fit correctly.
Additional Resources
For more information, please contact Student Life at (708) 974-5717 or studentlife@morainevalley.edu.