'Tannoy'

Few products and inventions impact to our lives so strongly that their name becomes synonymous with the function they perform. "Tannoy" is one such product that immediately identifies against the speaker and audio function it performs. In fact, the term "Tannoy", is widely recognised colloquially and generically to mean any Public Address (PA) system.

As one of the oldest (and most recognisable) audio brands in the world, Tannoy, is a UK company (based in Scotland), manufacturing speakers and Public Address (PA) systems. The company was founded as Tulsemere Manufacturing Company in London in 1926.

Tannoy made it's name during and shortly after World War II, supplying PA systems to the armed forces and then to holiday camps such as Butlins and Pontins following.

Public Address (PA):

Public Address or "PA" is essentially an audio/sound based electronic amplification system, that is typically used in 'public' areas (although we have installed PA systems in large domestic dwellings). The following are some web based meaning and definitions for "PA" systems:

- Electronic amplification systems used as a communication system in public areas
- Loudspeaker system used in large area to make announcements
- The sound system of an auditorium
- An electronic system used for the amplification and communication of sound and music

Public Address systems are very commonplace within the public environments we all live and work within. PA systems can be found in all of the following places:

- Educational: schools, colleges, universities
- Retail: shops, department stores and retail parks
- Military: bases, aircraft and alarm warning
- Commercial & Industrial: warehouses, offices, factories
- Sports: Stadiums, training grounds, swimming pools
- Transport: Haulage, Depots, Airports, Train & Bus stations

How does a Public Address (PA) System work?

The simplest Public Address (PA) systems (eg. a small school or library) employ three basic components: a microphone, amplifier and speaker/s. The microphone is the audio source, which simply 'keys' the amplifier on use/demand. The amplifier provides control of the output levels and power delivery to the speakers, which obviously then create the noise or sound output to the local area/s.

Most PA systems follow the same basic working pattern as described above. However, many employ additional components that allow for larger, flexible and more integrated solutions. The following are some examples of PA components that are regularly used within such systems:

Multi output/zone amplifiers: Selectively allow the larger PA systems to output to single/multi or all local areas (eg. you may want office pages/calls to reach the offices only, and not in the factory / site wide.

Audio 'Mixer': An electronic device for combining two or more audio signals. Mixers can be analogue or digital, but perform the same function of producing a summed audio output signal. Mixers and Mixing Desks (also known as audio boards) form one of the main components within many PA systems.

Audio Sources / Inputs: Announcements through demand based microphone use is clearly one type of audio source. Many PA systems connect other audio sources such as music (cd player) or perhaps the radio (tuner).

Integrated Inputs: Found commonly in commercial and industrial environments, we can integrate the PA system to a telephone system (PABX). Many commercial telephone systems perform a function known as 'paging' this allows us to connect the PABX to the PA system (normally the amplifier), and use telephone handsets to 'key' the amplifier. Many organisations elect not to use dedicated microphones, but use telephone handsets to make their 'Tannoy' calls and announcements in this way.

Alarm, Fire and EVAC: Generated under 'alarm' conditions, pre-recorded announcements can be made through the PA system - providing details and evacuation procedure information. It is important to follow recognised policy and standards with these types of systems (eg. BS5839, BS5588 & BE EN 60849). Click for more details about Voice Evacuation (VEVAC)

PA over IP: It is now possible to manage and configure PA systems via a data(IP) network. It is also possible to transport audio streams to output devices (speakers) via the same network. To achieve this, PA over IP employs two additional components. 1 - audio codecs to transition from audio to IP and 2 - network interface/s to connect to the network. Click for more details about PA over IP.




Questions or queries regarding Abletek Public Address (PA), please Contact Abletek.