Many buildings already have an analog PA system that still works fine: the speakers, the power amplifier, and the cabling are all in place. Replacing it all with a new SIP system is expensive. Fortunately, the PA3 gateway lets you upgrade to IP without throwing away the old investment.
What the PA3 does
The PA3 is a broadcast paging gateway that bridges the SIP and analog worlds. It receives an announcement from the IP network (from a SIP phone or a console), then sends it out through an audio line-out port to the existing analog power amplifier, so the old analog speakers still play.
Get modern features on an old system
- Zoning: send an announcement to a specific zone by pressing a zone number from a SIP phone.
- Scheduling: a class bell or routine announcement can run automatically on a timer.
- Emergency broadcast: a high-priority announcement that automatically interrupts other audio.
Mixing analog and SIP
Usefully, you do not have to pick one or the other. The PA3 can send audio to the old analog speakers and to new SIP speakers (like the A201 or A233) added in areas that need more coverage. So you can modernize gradually.
When it makes sense
A PA3 retrofit makes the most sense for schools, factories, or buildings whose analog PA is still serviceable but needs modern control. To understand how zoning works and the speaker options, read how SIP paging works.
Need a Fanvil solution for your project?
Talk to our team about the specific needs of your project.