A public address or "PA" system is an
electronic amplification system with a
mixer,
amplifier and
loudspeakers, used to reinforce a given sound (e.g.,a person making a speech, prerecorded music, or message) and distributing the 'sound' to the general public around a building. Simple PA systems are often used in small venues such as school auditoriums, churches, and small bars. PA systems with a larger number of speakers are widely used in institutional and commercial buildings, to read announcements or declare states of emergency.
Intercom systems, which are often used in schools, also have microphones in each room so that the occupants can reply to the central office.
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