Trivia Mafia PA User Guide

So, you need to use a Trivia Mafia Public Address (PA) system?

Here's everything you need to know to get set up for the night! Read on for how to put things together, set the levels correctly, and be good to rock and roll.

Trivia Mafia owns this equipment, and the customer is paying a small fee each week for us to provide it. In many cases, they will store it onsite between events, which is honestly kind of a favor to us so the host doesn't have to carry it back and forth each week. They are not require to store the gear, and if they do, we ask that it always be in a secure and dry environment (i.e. in an office, not a public bathroom or back of a kitchen). They expect us to be the experts on this!

Be aware that there are two pieces to store/carry - the main PA, and the bag with two speaker stands. The PA is both awkward and heavy (about 42 pounds), so lift with your legs. 

Parts

Each PA comes with the below cords and equipment.

This is the PA system. There are latches up top for you to unlock and then remove the speakers from the center board.

 

Each PA will have the below in the compartment in the back of the middle console:

1. Power Cord

2. XLR Cable

3. Microphone

4. 2 dual-male 1/4 inch cords (Look may be different of the cord, but the connection is the same)

5. (Optional) Aux to dual 1/4 inch cord (You will only have this if your PA doesn't have BlueTooth)

Connections

Connection pictures below each text description.

1. Microphone Connection. Connect the XLR Cord to the microphone and to the port at the bottom of Channel 1 on the bottom left of the middle console.
   
2. Speaker Connections. Place the speakers on the stands, or place them where they will work best in the space, not every location uses stands. Connect the two 1/4 inch cords into the back of the middle console and the front of the two speakers. 
   
   
3. Power Cord. Plug the power cord into the back of the system and into the wall. (NOTE: The picture does not have it plugged in, but this is the spot where it plugs in.)
   
4. Bluetooth/Aux input. You will press the button on the bottom right of the front of the middle console to connect to Bluetooth. If it is flashing, it is looking for a connection. If it is solid, it is connected. (If the PA doesn't have Bluetooth, you will have cord 5 above. Connect the red cord to the R or right side and the other color - probably white - to the L or left. The two ports are just below the button.)
   
5. Power On. Finally, turn on the system. The power switch is just above the power cord plug in. You should be good to work on levels!

Levels

1. Overall level. This will control the volume of everything on the system. Meaning if you turn this up, both microphone and music will go up.
2. Microphone Level. The top wheel on the left will control the volume of your microphone only.
3. Music/Bluetooth Level. The top right wheel will control the Bluetooth and music volume. Whatever device you have plugged in or connected to the system. Check your device levels, as well. If the device is turned down, this channel won't make sound.

You will not need to do more than this! Turn the Treble and Bass to half, it will work best with most voices. Turn the reverb all the way down.

NOTE: Don't ever press the "Line" button that is at the bottom of Channels 1-5. This doesn't mute the channel, like it seems to do, but deafens it. If you turn up the volume then press this button you will blow the speakers. If this button is red on any of the channels, turn down the Overall level and press the button. Then slowly turn up until the volume is good.

Tear Down

Do everything from setup in reverse and ensure you coil the cords respectfully and correctly. Don't pull them hard, don't make things super tight. If you don't know how to coil cords, check with Davis or online there are tons of videos.

Adapters

Trivia Mafia asks hosts to bring and use their own device(s) for operating the online app, playing music, and possibly running a slideshow. You may need an adapter (or dongle, if you will) to connect to your phone, tablet, or laptop. Most of our PAs will have Bluetooth capabilities, but even if they do, it's always a good idea to have a hardware backup. We recommend having an aux adapter like this, and possibly an HDMI-to-USB-c adapter as well. We will happily split the cost with you if you have to purchase something in order to successfully run your event (just clear it with Brenna first).

If you discover that you need other cables, extension cords, or specific gear to run your event, work with the AV Expert to source those - we may already have some available we can deliver for use. 

Troubleshooting

Problem: The speakers aren't working/are crackly.
Solution: Check the connections of each cord. They need to be pushed all the way in! If that doesn't fix it, try switching cords around, or unplug and replug the cords. If still not working, contact Davis and do what you can until you get a resolution.

Problem: I can't connect to Bluetooth.
Solution: Confirm the system has Bluetooth. The button will say "Bluetooth" below it on the right hand side. If it doesn't, you don't have Bluetooth. If the button turns on and goes solid immediately, then it's connecting to someone else. Hold the button down until it flashes, it could take a bit. If that doesn't work, ask the staff to disconnect from the system.

Problem: My voice sounds weird/echoey.
Solution: That's the reverb wheel. Turn that all the way to the left to turn it off. If that doesn't fix it, check with Davis and turn up the volume.

Problem: There is a red light at the top of a channel and the sound isn't working.
Solution: This means the channel is broken. You will need to switch to a new channel. If it is the microphone, go to any of the other channels. If it is the Bluetooth, you will have to not play music or find a way to connect to a different channel, though not through Bluetooth.

Temperature

This Public Address system is an astoundingly reliable and hardworking sound equipment set, but it also has a tender side. Don't let the hard plastic shell fool you - these are sensitive electronic machines. If you bring the PA home with you each week and keep it in a garage/car that is going to fluctuate with weather, it may affect performance! 

Pay attention to the thermostat: Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can cause issues, so keep this in mind in the solstice months.

If the temperatures get too extreme, the voltage going through a cold or hot unit will cause it to go into PROTECT MODE. The PA does this because too much voltage is going through and a circuit is not complete; rather than overload it and potentially short the whole unit, it shuts down the overloaded area. There is not a lot you can do about this immediately, which could delay your ability to start trivia on time. The PA needs to warm up (or cool down) and be able to pass the electricity through its designed path. 

Shut the unit off, and unplug everything: power cord, speaker wires, microphone, aux cord. Leave it unplugged and wait about five minutes. Even if it is off and unplugged, it still holds the voltage in it for a little while. Then, start over plugging things in one at a time, beginning with the power cord to check if it will power on.  

Please treat your Passport PA like the high tech/expensive piece of machinery it is! Bring it in out of your car (if you can) when you're not using it, and give it time to warm up if it's cold, or to cool down if it’s hot. Then you can carry on hosting a super dope trivia show like usual. 

Who to contact?

If you have any issues that aren't solved above, please contact Davis at Davis@TriviaMafia.com, or connect with the main host and staff at a place if you are subbing. You can also post anything to the #AVTroubleshooting channel in Slack and people are more than willing to help with any issues you may experience.