Apr 16, 2009 09:16 pm I'll let Rob handle this one. But it is always a good call.
Advice needed for hiring an outside PA engineer and gear rental place
Posted on Apr 16, 2009 08:42 pm
Gear Addict
Member Since: Jul 09, 2008
My band has a big outdoor gig coming up in June. We are considering hiring a pro audio company that has an engineer to do our sound. We have never done this before and I could use some pointers. How can we tell if they are going to be good? What questions should we be asking? What is the basis for their fee? What equipment should we plan on bringing? (Rob I'm looking at you).
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Apr 16, 2009 09:16 pm I'll let Rob handle this one. But it is always a good call.
Apr 16, 2009 11:17 pm There are a few things that you should have the information to before you even call anyone.
First, you should know about how many people that you think that will show up to your event. Always estimate to the higher end. So, if you think around 500. Tell them about 1000. That way you are sure to have a fair amount of PA for your show.
Second, you need to know how much and where power is for your show. Any company that is worth anything, this should be one of their first questions to you. and this will help them determine what they can bring to your show.
Third, you should have all of your bands information as to what type of amps, how many, and location on stage, written out for them in a rider type form. Just as if you were an national act. the more you are together with your information, the better time you will have finding a good company. Also, if you know what type of mics that you like on stage. You should include that with your written information. Just don't ask for studio mics. Not the best for outdoor, or any live show.
You can be generic about the brand of speakers that you want for outdoors. I would ask for the standard; JBL, EAW, Turbosound, Nexo. Actually list all of them that way. You don't want Peavey, PAS, or DAS. Speaker on a stick for an outdoor show. You want something that has a little more throw to them.
So that's one question that you want to ask.
next is how many channels their console has. make sure that it matches what your input list is. Don't forget every channel of drums that you have. You know, Kick, Sn top, Sn bottom, hat, Rack 1, and so on, and so on.
Make sure that they have at least two FX's with their stuff. More is better, but two should be the minimum.
Ask if they have a enough aux sends on their board for all of the mixes of monitors that you need. I would ask for a board that has at least 6 aux sends. 4 mixes of monitors, and two FX's.
Lastly, make sure that they are going to bring all the pieces involved for making the show happen. I know this sounds stupid. But I have had to deal with companies that said, "Well you didn't ask for mic stands. I didn't know tat you needed them. You didn't Ask!"
Just make sure. Better to be safe then sorry.
One more thing. If it's a rock show. Ask for at least 120 dB volume at FOH mix position. If his system can do that, then you know that the audience will be able to hear everything that yo want them to hear.
Oops! Almost forgot. You want a system that has subs to it. So a three way system. Ask for that.
Other then that.... Have a great show!
Apr 16, 2009 11:22 pm Just to let everyone know. I will on the Cape May Jazz Fest starting in about 6 hours form now.
So, I won't be able to answer anything for about three days.
See you guys then!
Apr 18, 2009 10:42 am Thanks Rob, always good advive. I stopped by a place in Leominster Mass called wavelength studios. www.waveproaudio.com/ Wow! So they are advocating 2 QSC subs per side with 3 line arrays per side. They will have 4 monitor mixes and as many floor monitors as we want. The mixer is a digital 64 channel desk. I forget the name but it wasn't a Carvin, Peavey, Behringer etc. They want $1500 for the show. Sounds like a lot to me but I have nothing to compare it to yet.
Apr 18, 2009 04:31 pm That is not all that bad. It's a little expensive, since they are not bringing a monitor desk and engineer.
To give you a comparison. We would bring 8 Turbosound TA890H's and 8 TA890L's. Two PM5D's 10 mixes of monitors. Two engineers, and all mic's cables, and such for around $1600.
So, they are in the ball park. With just a little less gear.
Does that include a generator? If it does, then that is not a bad price at all.
Apr 21, 2009 07:41 am It does not include a generator. We have 3 phase power at the show site so power is no problem according to them. I'll ask about a monitor engineer. I never knew that such a thing existed. Where would he hang out?
Apr 21, 2009 09:26 am Side of stage. And yes, he sometimes is visible to the audience.
Most of the time, they will be behind the FOH PA stack. To try and keep hidden as much as possible. But, they need to see you, so that you can communicate to each other. For the whole more, or less of what ever that you are not hearing, or hearing to much of.
If you have 3 phase power, you are fine. That company could bring anything that they want to at that point.
Sounds like your going to have a really good show.
Apr 21, 2009 09:34 am Where in Mass are you? I did a few shows (one national) with a Guy out of mass who is really good and has all top notch gear. He's easy to work with (will bring mic stands even if you dont ask). His name is Keith from KG Audio. Look him up if your still looking for counter offers.
Apr 23, 2009 07:10 am The show will be at the grand opening of my wood pellet mill in Fitchburg which is North Central Mass.
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