How to Set Up a PA System
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
Set up a PA system by placing the speakers, connecting the mixer and the sources, and turning the levels up in order. Put the speakers on stands or the floor facing the listeners, with the microphones behind the speakers to keep feedback down. Connect each source to the mixer, set the gain, and raise the master level last.
Place the speakers
Put the speakers where the listeners can hear them, on stands or on the floor, angled toward the listening area. Keep the speakers in front of the microphones so the sound from the speakers does not reach the mic capsules and feed back.
Connect the mixer and the sources
Run a cable from each microphone and instrument to a mixer input, using XLR cables for microphones and 1/4-inch cables for line sources. Connect the mixer output to the speakers with XLR or 1/4-inch cables, matching the input the speaker expects. Turn every gain and level control down before you switch anything on, so no sudden sound comes through the speakers.
Set the gain on each channel
Switch the system on with the master level down, then raise the gain on a channel while the source plays or the mic is in use. Raise the gain until the signal reads strong on the channel meter without lighting the clip indicator, then back it off a little. Repeat for each channel, and leave headroom so peaks stay clean.
Raise the master level and check the sound
Raise the master level slowly while a source plays, and walk the listening area to hear the sound from several spots. Listen for feedback, a ringing tone that grows on its own, and pull the level down or move the microphone if it appears. Check each source in turn at the level the event needs, and keep the master below the point where distortion appears.
What you need
ALTO TS410 2000W 10" Powered PA Speaker
A 2000W powered PA speaker with a 10-inch woofer, a 3-channel mixer and Bluetooth streaming, with app control and a pole socket for mounting.
- Power: 2000 W
- Woofer size: 10 in, the largest here
- Bluetooth
- 1-year warranty stated
Pyle All-Weather Mono Trumpet Horn Speaker
A 5-inch horn speaker with 25 watts peak power, 8 ohm impedance and a swiveling bracket, with a 3.5mm connector for a wired connection.
- Power: 25 W
- Woofer size: 5 in
- One-year warranty stated
ALTO TS408 2000W 8" Powered PA Speaker
A 2000W powered PA speaker with an 8-inch woofer, a 3-channel mixer and Bluetooth streaming, with app control and a pole socket for mounting.
- Power: 2000 W
- Woofer size: 8 in
- Bluetooth
- 1-year warranty stated
Pyle Indoor/Outdoor PA Horn Speaker
An 8-inch horn speaker with 65 watts peak power, 8 ohm impedance and a mounting bracket with hardware included.
- Power: 65 W
- Woofer size: 8 in
- 1 year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Pa Speaker, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my PA system feed back?
Feedback happens when sound from the speakers reaches a microphone and loops back through the system. Move the microphone behind the speakers, point the speakers away from the mics, and pull the level down until the ringing stops.
Do I need a mixer with a PA system?
A mixer lets you set the level of each source on its own and send the mix to the speakers. Powered speakers with a built-in mixer cover a mic and a music source, while a separate mixer suits more sources.
Can I connect a phone to a PA system?
Yes. Connect the phone to a mixer input or a speaker input with a cable, or stream over Bluetooth where the speaker supports it. Set the phone volume partway up and use the mixer level to set the output.
Ranked pa speakers lists
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.