|
Sound Reinforcement
Equipment Audio equipment rental/live sound
engineering is a little sideline to my guitar-playing
business. Read on for my thoughts on ambient sound
reinforcement and my gear. Sound Strategy
Over the years I've developed a very versatile and portable sound system that is centered around multiple high-quality, compact, discrete, self-powered speakers interconnected via digital wireless transmitters and receivers (no connecting cables). Pieces can be used individually or in any combination to suit the venue. One goal in designing this
system was to provide high-quality, well-distributed
live sound in large or multiple-room venues at a volume
over which guests can comfortably converse (dinner
music). Ambient sound levels can
spiral out of control when guests
raise their voices to be heard over the music. This is
especially a problem in venues full of hard surfaces.
Multiple speakers in correct proximity to the listeners
allow the music to be heard while lowering the volume of
the room. I perform in a wide variety of unconventional
venues from large outdoor spaces to historic inns and
restaurants, often with many rooms. Venue owners comment
that the music sounds even throughout the space and that
the ambient sound in the space is actually softer while
I'm playing. They also appreciate that the wireless
system means there are no cables to run and the setup is
very quick and inconspicuous. I Some local examples of ways I've configured and used this system:
It is possible, for
example, to set up combinations of wireless speakers (I
have up to 10) in public places indoors and out,
including on the lawn, in a tent, or wherever; for
weddings, music performances, lectures, etc. while
keeping the volume at comfortable levels and the sound
largely contained to the property. Also, as a note,
wireless microphones have become an expectation for
weddings (for the ceremony, toasts, speeches, etc.) - I
have three complete wireless mic systems, as well as
battery-powered PA's (handy for beach weddings, boat
cruises ... and ice storms...) Gear When I perform at an event,
all necessary equipment is included in the performance
fee.
PA's and Self-powered speakers. These pieces are
available with UHF receivers/transmitters (300
foot range) for wireless connection to
microphones, instruments, mixers, or other audio
devices. Wireless equipment will normally rent with a
technician/operator. (2) Yamaha MSR 100 – 2 complete 3-channel 100 watt PA/monitor systems (3) Mackie SRM 150 – 3 complete 3-channel 150 watt PA/monitor systems (very small – mic stand mounted) (2) Yamaha MS 101 – 10 watt micro PA/monitor – mic stand mounted, discrete, excellent for live or recorded background music (3) Roland BA-330 – 3 complete 4 channel
30-watt Stereo PA systems – AC/battery-powered (12
hours), effects, exceptional sound for up to 200 people (2) Roland AC-33 – 2 channel 30-watt PA
system/acoustic instrument amplifier –
AC/battery-powered (12 hours), effects, exceptional
sound, very small, portable (10 pounds) (1) Roland AC-66 - 2 channel 60 watt stereo
acoustic amplifier (1) Trace-Eliot TA-50r – classic 50 watt acoustic instrument amp/PA with effects, in a dovetailed mahogany cabinet Microphones (3) Line 6 X2 XDR955 Digital Handheld 24-bit Wireless Microphone Systems – 300 foot range, exceptional sound (1) AKG C3000B large diaphragm condenser microphone (1) Sony ECM-66B uni-directional electret
condenser lavalier microphone w/instrument clip (3) Nakamichi CM-300 condenser microphones
(w/cardioid and omni capsules) (1) Electro-Voice N/D 257 wired cardioid
dynamic microphone (1) Electro-Voice N/D 457B wired cardioid dynamic microphone (1) Behringer XM8500 wired cardioid dynamic microphone Accessory equipment
|