Relationship between amplifier and speaker

movilogo

What is the relationship between amplifier and speaker?

If I want to "increase or volumize" the sound of me playing guitar in a hall, do I need an amplifier or speaker?

Do I need a sound mixer as well?

Chino

This forum be a better place to post your question:
http://www.theguitargrounds.co.uk/

agrinnall

If you want amplified sound then you need both an amplifier and a speaker (or two). Sometimes they are combined, particularly for playing live music (e.g. https://marshallamps.com/). You might also need a pre-amp. I'm not sure that a sound mixer would be of much benefit if the only input is a single guitar.

googler

movilogo wrote: »

What is the relationship between amplifier and speaker?

If I want to "increase or volumize" the sound of me playing guitar in a hall, do I need an amplifier or speaker?

Do I need a sound mixer as well?

You need, primarily, both and amplifier AND a speaker or two, whether you're using acoustic or electric guitar. Sometimes these come in separate cabinets and casework, sometimes they are combined in one unit (also known as a 'combo' amp). Strictly speaking (sorry) a speaker will make no noise on its own, but in modern parlance (Bluetooth Speaker, for instance) it has come to mean a unit with an amplifier AND speaker in one box or cabinet)

If you're amplifying an electric guitar, all you need is the amp+speaker or combo, and a lead to connect your guitar to the amp.

If it's an ACOUSTIC guitar, you need some way of feeding the acoustic sound into the amplifier. This can be done with a microphone or a pickup fixed onto the guitar. If you're going to use a microphone only, make sure you buy a Public Address amplifier, one which has microphone inputs, not a Guitar amplifier (which you would select if using either an Electric Guitar or a pickup on your acoustic)

You only need a Mixer or Mixing Desk or Sound Mixer if you want to combine two or more sources through one amplifier and speaker - such as your guitar and your voice. But you haven't indicated that you want to amplify anything other than guitar.

Does this help? Tell us more about the detail of what you want to do, if not

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/article/4030-what-s-the-right-amp-for-you-complete-guitar-amp-buyer-s-guide.html

http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/live-sound-buying-guides/amplifier-buying-guide

kwikbreaks

I think they are claiming to just be good friends

*j*

You'll be needing another amplifier to provide more signal to the speaker, but then you'll probably need a new speaker to handle the increased power.

As already mentioned, something like a Marshall amp and speaker might be your best bet.

If it's a big hall, then perhaps the hall staff might be able to help.

movilogo

Will this one serve my need?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Qtx-178-843-Portable-Active-Speaker/dp/B004CYZQX6

Good review on Amazon as PA system (within my budget too). But will it also be good for playing acoustic instruments (guitar/mandolin/violin) using the mics that come with the package?

googler

movilogo wrote: »

Will this one serve my need?

... will it also be good for playing acoustic instruments (guitar/mandolin/violin) using the mics that come with the package?

Possibly so, but it looks like it comes with two microphones, each of which operates on a different radio frequency - there's no indication that you can use more than these two with it. If two is all you need, all good and well.

You may need microphone stands too!

There's a view of the rear panel here, it looks to be a quite flexible unit, with extra inputs as well as the microphone capability
http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/QTX-Sound-QR12PA-Portable-PA-System-with-Wireless-Mics/GIJ?origin=product-ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=google&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=21403d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=123473654719&gclid=CLbOt43D3M4CFUSfGwod-GMIgg

Here's the user manual

http://avslgroup.com/assets/manuals/1/7/178843UK.pdf

almillar

Guitar makes a noise, amplifier makes that noise bigger, speaker outputs it.
An acoustic guitar has a big empty box behind it to make the noise bigger, an electric doesn't. Magnets pick up the movement of the metal 'strings' vibrating, which makes a tiny electrical signal.
Assuming you have an electric, or electro-accoustic guitar, you just plug it into a guitar amp - which is actually the amp and speaker (and controls) in one box. No mixer required, just get a little guitar amp. (and speaker!).

movilogo

I have pure acoustic guitar - not anything electric.

I am looking a single system (amplifier/speaker combo) which will serve as
1. me playing solo acoustic instrument in a small hall/pub
2. a PA system

googler

movilogo wrote: »

I have pure acoustic guitar - not anything electric.

I am looking a single system (amplifier/speaker combo) which will serve as
1. me playing solo acoustic instrument in a small hall/pub
2. a PA system

It looks as though that system, or anything else in the market with a similar spec, will be ideal.

Pick up a couple of mains extension leads (because you can guarantee there won't be a mains socket where you want one), a couple of microphone stands, a carrying case for the microphones to protect them in transit, maybe a gig bag to take these and the mic stands, and you're good to go. As long as you get a couple of rolls of gaffa tape - the roadie's fix-it-all solution. You might want a stand to put the system on, as well.

Don't forget to carry spare batteries for the microphones, as these will be guaranteed to go at the most inconvenient times.

Oh, and mark all your gear clearly so that everyone knows it's yours. Security marking with UV pens or similar is also an option. And consider insurance for it all.