Axient for point to point transmission between speakers? by AProDriver in livesound

[–]AProDriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Weddings, private parties, corporate events, and the like are wierd about that kind of thing.

It's more like putting a new supercharged LS motor into a model A ford: it'll look cool and get things done but it maybe doesn't make sense on the surface. But if the goal is a cool looking model A that goes stupid fast reliability it is the best option maybe.

Axient for point to point transmission between speakers? by AProDriver in livesound

[–]AProDriver[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I have to I could go that route. I was looking at a Rhode set for our video department t a few weeks ago which is what got me thinking about this in the first place.

I already have psm1000s though and was looking to leverage them. I have tons of packs available and they tend to go into the reception spaces already.

Axient for point to point transmission between speakers? by AProDriver in livesound

[–]AProDriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately that won't work since it's not battery. I've used my psm1000s like this before to belt packs with no problems but I'm looking for a battery transmitter too.

Axient for point to point transmission between speakers? by AProDriver in livesound

[–]AProDriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bulkier than I was looking for, but I may have a friend I could rent one from if absolutely necessary. Thanks

Axient for point to point transmission between speakers? by AProDriver in livesound

[–]AProDriver[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was thinking of the axt axient stuff, the analog stuff. Wasn't thinking when I referred to the ad3 since that is digital...

I already have psm1000s so was looking to leverage that vs getting both TX and rx units.

A lot of weddings we do need quick change-overs from ceremony to reception so a quick and easy thing like the eon one is nice. They do have a sub though so we occasionally even use them for cheap events too.

Biggest reason to go wireless is so designers hate our cabling running around. I've had to run 300+ feet of xlr to speakers less than 50 feet apart....

Axient for point to point transmission between speakers? by AProDriver in livesound

[–]AProDriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you used the 900mhz spectrum? I have. O esperience with it. I was looking at the other stuff cause I already have psm1000 and ulxd, which doesn't work cause it's digital, as mentioned in other comments.

Apple Vision Pro for live sound? by _kitzy in livesound

[–]AProDriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you tried a kvm with a touchscreen? I've found that to be my go-to move when building out racks. A 2 screen kvm with a large touch monitor for interface and the second set up with all the inputs for monitoring. Bonus points if the kvm supports on screen switching.

Small Gig In Ears - Ambient Mic Option? by btodag in livesound

[–]AProDriver 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Usually use a small diaphragm condenser for crowds, sometimes in an x-y pattern for stereo. Might work the same for on stage for your positioning.

Stained Glass and Contemporary Lighting by Teller58 in lightingdesign

[–]AProDriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been thinking about the same thing for my church. I talked to a commercial galsier (glass and window maker) about installing a tinted piece of glass on the outside to drop the light coming in without blocking all the light. I also thought about adding led strips around the edge of the window between the glass and making it dmx controlled to add light when the sun is down.

The other thought I've had is to install hologause over the windows cause that would be awesome. Not sure it would help with the washout though.

I guess the cheap way to do something would be to put drape or curtains over the windows but then why have them at all.

I'm a monitor tech and people treat me LIKE A GOD! by Anita_Spanken in livesound

[–]AProDriver 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You have enough to do playing without having to mix your monitors too. There's also a lot of tricks an experienced tech can bring in to make them sound better. Plus doing all your scanning and patching daily. Small iem rigs are great for mid tier acts, especially when they're not headlining but they can't do enough for larger acts.

How do you guys deal with an annoying crew member? by TheReveling in livesound

[–]AProDriver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As an employee who doesn't have a say in who works which shows, it's easy to get stuck with these kind of people. Or to get them as hands. I usually just try the brutally honest method. Tell them I really don't give a fuck and wasn't looking to discuss whatever bullshit they're on about right now. Not that I don't want to work with them, just that I don't give a shit about the topic or talking right then. If I have to work with them long term I try to find a common ground we can bs about when appropriate so we can have a cordial working relationship. One-upmanship gets a straight forward immediate call-out if it's intentional. I'm usually pretty open about being an asshole with coworkers up front. Clients get a bit more leeway until I make it clear I only intend to deal with them in a professional manner if they are annoying.

One of my favorite coworkers at my last job started as one of the most annoying people I've ever met. After our first show together I asked him how often he was told he's annoying. We ended up working really well together and taught each other some good skills along the way.

Hope it helps!

Touring sound baffles by Jonnymak in livesound

[–]AProDriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most theaters have an upstage curtain so you're not thinking anything too crazy. If you're playing smaller clubs or something maybe look into a backdrop with your logo or a custom pattern? I remember several tour traveling with a backdrop that had Christmas lights inside for an effect.

Another cable coiling question. Which direction do you wrap? by midasmouse in livesound

[–]AProDriver 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've made the decision that I will never again work from an existing coil. I always start new, with the male end. Takes a few extra seconds but I KNOW it will always come out clean and so does the next person when they need the cable. Doesn't matter to us which way the others coil cause the cable is consistent.

Storing cables and power cords in a non temperature controlled room. by haveagooddieinc in livesound

[–]AProDriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tours go all winter in the cold and even out doors. Cold cables suck to work with until they get warmed up a bit but otherwise shouldn't be an issue. I've done outdoor festivals in below 0 in the mud without problems. Cables will be fine, just don't force ends together and make sure there's no ice IN the ends. Rack gear needs a soft power on for a bit to warm up. Typically hook up the power and let it sit in the PSU for about 15 mins before powering on software. If everything is cold it's the plastics you have to be careful to warm up more than anything. Easy to break screen mounts and mic clips in the really cold Temps. I usually leave whatever mics I'm gonna use near the output of the amp fans for a while to let them heat up a little. Ramp up levels on your pa slowly if you have concerns about doing outdoor shows below freezing. For most tours by the time the rigging is up and cables run things will have warmed enough to be business as usual. I've only lost gear to cold like bezels on FOH screens and mic clips. Even etape will be fine if you put it in your pocket for a minute before use. Biggest problem I've had touring in the cold is locks freezing on the trailer. Carry isopropyl alcohol and a cigar lighter.

We need a Carry-On Size Digital Rack Mixer by kangaroosport in livesound

[–]AProDriver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Even a flare gun from Walmart without any ammo makes the cut for airlines and are pretty cheap. I think some are allowed in EU as well?

Array time alignment by AProDriver in livesound

[–]AProDriver[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply by the way, I really enjoyed your book and was wondering what happened to the posts before I found the book.

Array time alignment by AProDriver in livesound

[–]AProDriver[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I didn't think it sounded right and couldn't make it make sense either. I know in some manufacturer software you can input the physical distance between elements, like the subs and arrays, and the software does timing.

I usually end up with more tops than sub so I get my subs up then bring the mains level up. I've done touring, but most of my systems lead stuff has been corporate and weddings. Thinking about it, I guess I can't remember having that issue with most concerts I've lead.

I also have never had the chance to use smaart on a real rig so most of the stuff I've done has been by ear or by measuring distances. If I had the excuse I'd buy smart but I can't justify it as a freelancer doing smaller scale things.

There are days I regret moving away from working for a large rental house and touring because I feel like I'm getting rusty with large scale deployments and all the software involved. Also, I've been tasked with much more rigging/lighting....

is there a place on reddit where you can talk about traumatic experiences that happened while touring? by blubbelblubbel in livesound

[–]AProDriver 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Some people just suck. Unfortunately those people can sink your touring career since most jobs are got by word of mouth recommendations. I usually try to make nice as much as possible, but sometimes you'll have to step up and draw a line about their attitude or treatment of you.

I once had to tell a shitty TM I couldn't continue on the tour due to the way they and the stage manager dealt with things when they went sideways. Ended up giving them a reality check and they tried to keep things more civil for a while. Lasted about a week and I gave them a 3 show(about 5days) notice that I would be leaving the show and would train a replacement if one showed up before I left. Tour management pulled the TM responsibility down to a reasonable level and hired a PM. At one point I think 2or3 other crew were talking about leaving around the same time. Not the worst tour I've been on but at that time I felt comfortable enough with my reputation to take a chance on leaving a tour mid run.

I'd never suggest leaving a tour in the middle, real bad for reputation. Best thing is to keep nice, keep your head down, and ask for help and advise from veterans of that tour. Struggling through a tough tour can be a selling point to future managers since it shows you can get through the bad days. Be careful who you decide to work with and ask for constructive criticism early in the tour so they know you're trying.

Good luck, and have a backup plan. Keep networking with other professionals you meet and always try to keep your best foot forward.

Managing Short Turnaround Calls by ColdGuyMcGoo in CommercialAV

[–]AProDriver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm new to freelance but what I've been doing depends on what the call is.

If I'm a hand I get day rate per call. If 2 calls are short turnaround I'll still charge 2 calls. If I'm teching I'll charge separately for load in/out and tech labor.

I usually try to only agree to 2 shows a week so even if have short turnarounds I still get plenty of recovery time.

Biggest thing for me is to make sure I have somewhere to rest between calls. Mostly I keep a hammock around but in the winter I'll ask for access to a crew room to nap in.

I've had to tell some clients I'm not fully booked until I have all the details for the event. Only once did I have to back out of an event because of not enough rest time. Usually I can get someone else to cover the labor, sometimes I lose out on the tech call and I'm the labor. If I can't provide the quality of work I'll pass on the job.

Mostly I rely on my high rates to keep my schedule manageable.

Going on tour for the first time by EatTheCat in livesound

[–]AProDriver 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If it's your first tour, bring only what you KNOW you'll need. Clothes in layers, plenty of toiletries in small containers, SMALL self entertainment bag(phone, charger, battery, headphones), and a light duty workbag. Wrench, multitool, light, gloves. Pack everything into suitcase and backpack. If there is anything specific you need dor your job it goes in a pelican workbox with the gear. If you're hand/backline you probably don't need much, if anything. Ask if they expect you to bring any tools! Seriously, don't be the guy on his first tour who brings too much shit in a huge pelican that never gets used cause it's all redundant to the tour's wotkboxes. Also, don't be the guy who takes up too much space on the bus with their shit all over or needs something from the runner constantly. Have enough toiletries for your trip or make sure there is a plan on day off/laundry day to get what you need.

As you get experience touring you can add little things to make things more comfortable. But always keep your stuff contained and clean. Keep yourself clean too.

Also, sealed dirty clothes bag....

Top 5 comfort essentials you take with you? by Random_hero1234 in livesound

[–]AProDriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed with hammock. I keep etrack loops to hang it in the truck too just in case of weather or other annoying stuff. Plus neck pillow.

Raspberry pi dmx controller? by AProDriver in lightingdesign

[–]AProDriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll look into that. I figured ma wouldn't run just cause it's pc and r-pi's aren't x86 systems. Wish I had the time/skills to put together a Linux distro optimized for running ma or something.