Do you need to buy a public address system for your school, business or organization? It can be a difficult task choosing the right PA system with so many different sizes and features available.

The following tips will help you narrow down the competition and find the system that best meets your needs:

1. Portable or stationary?
Do you need to use your sound system indoors, outdoors, or both? Is there a variety of activities you could use a public address system for? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then you should choose a portable system. Portable sound systems provide the planner and feature the versatility to easily move your system wherever you want it.

Many portable PA systems include rechargeable batteries and AC power options. This is a must-have for outdoor events like cross-country competitions and parades because it allows you to follow the action without tripping over cords, searching for power outlets, or untangling pesky cords.

2. Calculate the size of your audience
Portable public address systems reach between 50 and 7,500 people (in optimal conditions). Make a good estimate of the number of people you want to cover. It’s always better to overestimate than underestimate because you can always turn down the volume on the biggest and loudest PA systems.

3. Estimate the desired Coverage area
Top-of-the-line systems can cover anywhere from 600 square feet to 25,000 square feet with a single device (additional speakers add more coverage). Remember: Just like estimating audience size, it’s better to be wrong and overestimate.

4. Determine the desired characteristics
Portable PA systems offer a wide variety of options including audio accessibility (iPod/iPhone, MP3 player, CD players/recorders…) and microphone options. Microphone options include the type of microphone (wireless, handheld, lavalier, headworn, etc.) and how many wireless microphones can be used simultaneously. Volume and tone controls are pretty standard. Many systems have additional features such as a voice priority feature that turns off the music when speaking into the microphone.

5. Research.
It is important to diligently search for a good public address system that meets your needs and it will be worth the investment in purchasing a quality system. Looking for customer reviews, testimonials, and warranty options are great ways to ensure you’re getting the best quality system available. It is not uncommon to hear of a public address system that has lasted more than fifteen years.

With all of these tips in mind, a savvy consumer should have all the tools and knowledge they need to make the right purchase.

Good luck choosing a PA system!