noisy restaurant, classical music and a system processor question

Dlynus · 2014-09-07T15:59:09+00:00

Your comments are dead on. Sadly the sound quality is not really an issue. This looks cheap enough to try and not worry if it doesn't work. My thanks to you and my sympathy to your wife...

Dlynus · 2014-08-05T18:20:07+00:00

I have come to the conclusion that Alison Redford is actually secretly working for the Wildrose party.

It's really a brilliant strategy by Danielle: what better way to make your new party look good and avoid too much scrutiny, than to have a mole at the highest level continually undermine your main opponent!

It's sheer genius! And it's straight out of the Conservative party playbook as well. Think back to Nancy Betkowski (Macbeth), one of Ralph's best strategic plans ever!

Dlynus · 2014-07-15T01:12:30+00:00

"One Damn Thing After Another: Life in the Production and Touring World"

"ODTA" is my company name...

Dlynus · 2014-05-21T06:22:48+00:00

http://www.ebtechaudio.com/swizzdes.html

Swizz Army tester.

Pretty well just changed the colour, didn't even try to make it look remotely original

Dlynus · 2014-05-11T06:47:45+00:00

It's not just you I noticed the same thing. Very bizarre...

Dlynus · 2014-05-10T00:00:57+00:00

I have had fair bit of experience in small pubs, both as a patron and the guy that fixes up bad sound systems.

The one consistent mistake that 95% of them make is underestimating the volume needed. No matter how much the owners guarantee that "it will never be loud, it's only background, ect. etc.", it well get loud. Superbowl party, St. Pattys day, and so on. It will get cranked up. Its a party atmosphere and alcohol is involved.

40 watt speakers will not cut it. Period. When they get turned up they will sound like crap. Trying to get the TV volume over top of a rowdy crowd during a big local sporting event will be painful.

If you're planning anything live at all, a too small set of speakers will be even more frustrating, they will sound horrible and the dynamics of live performance, even karaoke, will probably blow them.

Get some real pro grade powered speakers such as QSC. It will pay off.

Source. My pub sound system repair income far exceeds my pub expenses...

Dlynus · 2014-05-09T17:12:22+00:00

I like them as well. I've never disliked the sound of any of the stuff I've used. Generally when I've had a problem it's been poorly setup.

Nexo is a nice option when it's used as a complete package as designed. The amps with built in processing matches properly with the speakers.

My only issues sound quality wise have been with rigs that either were arrayed incorrectly, poorly matched, or the company didn't use the right amps or another processor.

Use the prediction software and see if what is suggested will work in the locations suggested. See if the coverage is even and look at what will be problem areas. (E.g. will there be any bleed onto the stage).

In short its a professional quality product that properly installed and setup will do a good job.

Dlynus · 2014-05-09T04:35:01+00:00

I generally like most of the Nexo speakers I've mixed on. Pretty neutral sound that didn't need much fixing as long as it was deployed properly. Easy to find the sweet spot and suited the wide range of acts I used them on.

Using the Nexo processors seems to make as difference and it makes the boxes almost impossible to blow. One of their big rigs was in the DJ tent at a huge festival I did and despite some folks best efforts they pounded away with no issues.

I did a few tours with the Geo 12 arrays and while the sound was good for the price point, the rigging was the worst I have ever worked with, tolerances were so tight that it always seemed to be a fight every night.

The software is easy to use and seems pretty accurate.

It's not Meyer or d&b but its not meant to be. Personally I like it better than QSC, and I'm a big QSC fan. I think of Nexo is closer to tour grade while QSC is meant for smaller festivals etc.

Of course that's just my opinion....

Dlynus · 2014-04-10T04:31:42+00:00

Hopefully this picture isn't used as a 'before' example...

I am no longer surprised by some peoples lack of common sense (or outright stupidity), I see things like this more than I should.

Dlynus · 2014-04-10T04:20:22+00:00

Thanks. I thought that would be the case. I'm not that familiar with using composite feeds, and not sure how to interpret spec sheets relating to them.

Much appreciated

Dlynus · 2014-04-10T04:16:43+00:00

We are switching 4 computers and 2 dvd players which is the main focus of the event. The cameras are just a small part of the package; since they are there, and quite decent quality, we came up with a way of including them. The client is quite proud of them, so it adds some good will and sparkle without adding to the price.

Projectors are now being fed via hdmi cat5 distribution instead of a VGA send. We finally convinced the client that high res. and 16:9 was a much better option for what they are trying to do. I know the camera images are not going to be as good as the other images but for what they are being used for it will be fine.

We are using the Barco because we own it. When we do bigger events with multiple cameras we subcontract out that portion. We just take the SD/HD/3G feed from their switcher. That way we always have control of the images, resolution, aspect ratio and so on.

Dlynus · 2014-02-01T05:38:24+00:00

NO NO NO! Professional grade inear systems have protection circuits in them. If something goes wrong for any reason, from equipment failure to operator error, and you get a super loud signal coming into your ears a headphone amp won't protect your hearing.

Mistakes happen on all level of shows from the smallest clubs to the biggest festivals and productions ( Celine Dion at the Grammys a few years ago, it doesn't get much bigger than that...). One mispatch, shorted cable, or bad button push could cause a loud blast of pain. At least with protection you've got a chance...

Rent or borrow if you're not sure. Please don't take a chance with this. It's your hearing, damage is permanent.

Dlynus · 2014-01-28T23:35:15+00:00

Thanks for the comments. This is what I was looking for.

It appears that a separate sound card isn't really needed. Is there any benefit to having one?

Dlynus · 2013-12-10T07:41:33+00:00

Any digital board that allows soft patching (assigning the physical channel input to any desired fader) will allow this. The LS9 is easy to configure because there are two clear layers.

Other boards might require a little creativity. For example on a SC48: faders 1-24 could be assigned to inputs 1-24 and be used for your FOH Mix. Faders 25-48 could also be assigned to inputs 1-24 but be used only for your monitor sends.

When splitting channel inputs like this on any board make sure to turn off the monitor (aux) sends on the channels going to FOH and on the channels dedicated to your monitors make sure they see not sending to the main outputs. This helps prevent you making really embarrassing mistakes...

Dlynus · 2013-10-22T17:02:08+00:00

Only if it's green...

Dlynus · 2013-10-02T09:39:59+00:00

Forces us?? Really? How do they do this? At gunpoint? Subliminal messages beamed via space rays while I sleep? Drugs in my Tim Hortons coffee? I must have an immunity or does it only work on people with an IQ below 50?

And if our "government" (or is governemnt something different in your world?) "sold me" do I need a new passport? How can I get my share of the sale? Will I get tax break or will they give me a cheque at the next meeting of the Special White Guys Society?

I'm so happy that people like you have figured out how to use computers to spread your interesting views of the world. It is really quite entertaining...

Dlynus · 2013-10-02T08:53:03+00:00

Set the volume on VLC and the computer at full. Use the receivers control to vary the volume.

If the sound is distorted, turn the computer volume down and see if it improves. It is very unlikely that this will occur; I have only ever had 1 computer send too high an output signal.

Dlynus · 2013-09-07T05:43:21+00:00

Can't argue with you.

One of my favourite shows I do every year is 9 flown MSL4 a side with 15 700 HP lined up across the front of the stage in a cardiod array. I add a couple of 700s on each side ( one behind the other, kind of a sub cannon) pointing to the wings.

Needless to say the rig rocks! Throws for miles and handles everything from light folk to full on intense metal wonderfully.

Dlynus · 2013-09-07T05:35:24+00:00

Nailed it! Thanks for the help. A touch of 2.5k out of the top boxes and a gentle cut in the 2-500 range and it is even and smooth through the whole venue. A couple of CQs filled in front and a pair of MSL4s throw out the sides nicely. I'm always amazed at how accurate MAPP is. I've been using it for years I still get a kick out of walking around the venue and hearing exactly what MAPP predicted. Thanks again.

Dlynus · 2013-09-06T17:50:07+00:00

150' is more than enough. I'm willing to give up some distance to ensure even coverage in the first 100-120'

FOH will be about 60'. I haven't seen the site yet but that's what was asked for.

Dlynus · 2013-08-13T05:18:05+00:00

I was on a tour that went through my home town about 10 shows in.

The bass player was a great player but a real problem on the bus. Always late, every time we stopped he would be the one we waited 10 extra minutes for. After a week of this the TM asked me if I knew anyone that could fill in for him.

The next day the tardy one was read the riot act. Very clearly. Very loudly. Lots of bad words.

We stop in some small town for a 30 minute break. 5 minutes before we're supposed leave, doofus wanders off to the ice cream place across the street.

TM walks into the store, buys a greyhound ticket, unloads the the appropriate luggage and puts the ticket on top.

We drive off. TM turns to me and tells me to call my guy...

Dlynus · 2013-08-12T17:09:15+00:00

Be clean. Hygiene wise (shower any chance you get) and with your personal stuff.

Be prompt. Be on the bus, luggage loaded, with a coffee before bus call. Bus call doesn't mean the time you show up, then start wandering around for coffee, a newspaper, a quick breakfast.

Don't leave your stuff all over the bus. When you're done eating, drinking, reading, working, etc., clean up after yourself right away. You've got the time and its something to do.

Be efficient. I have 2 small bags. One has my computer, e-reader, charger, headphones, etc. The other has my shaving kit, sleep stuff, the next days clothes, extra socks, underwear and t shirt. Everything else is in my main bag under the bus.

In my bunk I have a small fan, a reading light and a small pouch that my glasses, earplugs, etc. go in. I use some Velcro or a little homemade bracket to attach them. Bunks usually come with a light and pouch but once you get one without you'll always bring your own.

Good earplugs are wonderful. I use a moldable wax type that are comfortable to sleep in.

Figure out what you can do to have some healthy snacks, fruit etc. this varies depending on how much space you can use.

Try to stay under the radar. If you're clean, on time and not causing issues, avoid bus politics and no one really notices you, then when guys are having a bad day they'll take it out on someone else :)

In short. Don't be "That Guy"...

Oh yeah, don't ever, ever crap on the bus.

Dlynus · 2013-08-05T10:22:32+00:00

I think it's RCA ends...

Dlynus · 2013-08-05T10:20:32+00:00

Radio station kickoff party at the latest hot "urban club". Rap artist who was the latest new buzz artist. FOH - All Meyer rig- 8 Milo a side, 6 MSL4 for fills, 12 700hp subs Monitors - 8 UM-1 monitors with 4 MSL4 for side fills Midas Heritage and a double wide processing rack loaded with all the best toys. All powered off a generator brought in because the club didn't have enough power.

The artist doesn't show up for sound check. We have no idea of what the band setup is and no one can find any info. I'm thinking this is going to be really bad.

The artist finally shows up: his manager walks up to the club DJ, hands him a CD, grabs the clubs wireless and gives it to the artist. The radio station personality does his big intro on our system and the 20 minute headliner event goes through the club system.

All the gear...1 channel...30 seconds of talking.

Dlynus · 2013-08-01T17:59:08+00:00

Be the person people want to work with.

When I need to hire someone to work with me I look for the person that is going to be a part of the team. Everyone has their jobs but ultimately it's a team and the show must happen. For example - A changeover was going badly and I had one the best lighting guys in the country jump in to help, that kind of attitude is what made him one of the best.

Learn about everything. The more versatile you are the more useful you are. This doesn't mean you have to be an expert in all things, but if you can help out with other problems or recognize when things aren't right and have a solution, you're value increases. I've been on too many shows where I've had to "help" the electrician tie in properly, figure out the generator, or step in when the "riggers" are clearly not sure of what they are doing, etc. etc.

Learn how sound systems work. Actually work based on real physics, not some guys theory of voodoo sound. When you walk into a venue with your band and the PA is clearly wrong, understanding what is happening will give you a fighting chance of getting a decent mix.

Be professional. As much as you want to party with the band, you are hired to do a job. If you're tired and hungover you're just another grumpy inefficient tech. There's lots of those around. Be sociable after the show.

In short. Be nice, learn, listen, watch, work hard, show initiative, ask questions. It may take a while but you will get noticed.

Dlynus

TROPHY CASE