I've been doing sound and running my own business for a few years now and absolutely everything you said completely reaffirms everything I've learned so far. It very reassuring to know I've been on the right track. Brother, you are the kind of mentor all audio engineers should aspire to be.
I needed every bit of this! Ive been slowly building a recording studio and want to do anything audio related to pay the bills. I may have come for the gear, but your story on getting started has given me hope! Im gonna start designing business cards! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video. i just started my little live sound business this summer. been building up my equipment for the past year or so. so far I have; (2) JBL prx635 (4) JBL prx718 xlf Yamaha MX200. its analog and only 16 ch but oh well 100ft 16 ch snake small lighting rig (8 pars 4 moving heads) and lighting control software and truss. I also got into this by accident I was planning on being a mobile DJ but I know a few people that plan events for various events like city street fests and stuff like that and they hired me for a few events because of my prior experience working for a staging company and doing sound for all the school plays and bands. so far most of my events got cancelled this summer but i still did my first few.. luckily they went perfectly and i met new contacts and got hired for a few more. im 21 and still in the very very beginning but i feel like im going down the right path.
Nice, yeah - Most people I know who own an a/v / production business didn't really plan on it. There is a huge demand for people who are nice and can problem solve for their clients.
Thank you for all the videos you created. I learned a lot and I hope to use it in my work. I really liked the fact that you are not afraid to share your experience, encourage cooperation between local entrepreneurs, etc. I wish you success. Greetings from Lithuania!
I'm taking a Sound Reinforcement course for my Recording Arts major. We have to design our own sound company and market to clientele. This video definitely a big help lol.
Good video.. Yes buy a digital board.and some mic. S Renting extra speakers is a good plan. And renting extra wireless, nothing worse than dropping big $ on wireless only to have the frequencies go away. Looking back Covid was a good time to pick up used gear.!
Can save some starting money by looking for used gear, especially during a down cycle where outfits and individuals sell off used gear. Started with used Mackie SRM450 speakers for $200 each and a Mackie 32/4 analog console for $150. Just upgraded to digital with the purchase of a used Midas M32R in a flight case for $2200. Price is less than just the console and includes the flight case. My DJ controller, used. My speaker stands, used. My QSC amp and speakers, used. Even myquiet diesel generator was bought used, so I can do some gigs where there is no or limited commercial power. I don't rent a generator for an event. I collect rent and provide.
Great advice. Like you I came from a church background & fell into the business by accident. Church is fantastic experience. Like you say you're only as good as your last gig. Interesting what you say about getting into video. I keep being asked about live streaming but I'm reluctant to take the plunge in case it distracts from my sound but maybe I should.
Hi Jordan. This is a very great video that affirmed what I already knew about getting into the live sound industry. You mention in this video that buying used gear that is current/new is ideal, but this stuff is very hard to find, so if given the choice, would you buy old and used equipment, or save up a little bit more and buy new equipment? Also, do you recommend buying products from reputable brands such as JBL or Yamaha for speakers and Ultimate Support for tripods instead of buying more budget equipment?
This has always been my dream. Do live sound and get paid for it.. I pray to God in a couple of years I can save those 10 Grand and go in to it. I'm 32yrs old. Time is going against me but really want to get into it.
What do you think of the Presonus CDL12p's for live music? I would also pair them with a sub on each side. And I only have 16 channels for live music, are you sure I cant get by with that? Thanks.
Thank you so much for the advise from the start, I've been doing sound in a church coming to 5yrs now and still getting nothing apart from hugs lol sometimes I wonder if this is it... Patient is everything I guess
If you're doing sound in a church, you will eventually need to make the transition to only working for money. Some people will support you, some will be offended. Ultimately you need to put food on the table with your skill. I've seen it over and over and over again. People think they're donating their time and equipment to a ministry and somewhere after 3-5 years the resentment builds, their family suffers, and they end up leaving the church anyway. Might as well be transparent about what you need from the relationship with your church and start looking for corporate work.
When you say start doing music you mean mixing bands and stuff right? I want to learn that but I’m not there yet I’m still small time doing FOH stuff and trying to get use to that more!
my mind is blown that the digital units have compression and everything built it. but is it as effective as using analog with the extra rack mounts? I got a bunch or road cases with compressors, etc.
It's as effective as long as you pay attention with your EAR. Analong makes your ear work.. digital relies 50/50 on a screen so as long as you don't loose track of the changes according to your ear, digital is the way to go. You carry less, and you spend less..
Hi Jordan, Great informative content.👍As a Dj I do 100 to 250 ppl events, mostly indoor. I have a pair of dxr15 and definitely need a sub for that bigger events. Would you recommend two dxs15 or one dxs18? Thanks
Good question. 2 x Ovation 160 WW for stage wash, 2 x Avenger 1045b stands, 9 x Chauvet Freedom Par Quad 4 w/ case, Elation SDC12 Controller, 4 x Chauvet D-Fi Wireless Transmitters. This is a good mix for small corporate and music. You may want more traditional pars (like an elation six par) instead of the Freedom Pars, then you can put them on T-Bar stands for small music gigs.
it's a small industry... people talk and it spreads like wild fire.... also don't burn your bridges... everyone has an opinion, if it annoys you, let it go... don't get into arguments / fights ect... not worth it
I've been doing sound and running my own business for a few years now and absolutely everything you said completely reaffirms everything I've learned so far. It very reassuring to know I've been on the right track. Brother, you are the kind of mentor all audio engineers should aspire to be.
I needed every bit of this! Ive been slowly building a recording studio and want to do anything audio related to pay the bills. I may have come for the gear, but your story on getting started has given me hope! Im gonna start designing business cards! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video.
i just started my little live sound business this summer. been building up my equipment for the past year or so.
so far I have;
(2) JBL prx635
(4) JBL prx718 xlf
Yamaha MX200. its analog and only 16 ch but oh well
100ft 16 ch snake
small lighting rig (8 pars 4 moving heads) and lighting control software and truss.
I also got into this by accident I was planning on being a mobile DJ but I know a few people that plan events for various events like city street fests and stuff like that and they hired me for a few events because of my prior experience working for a staging company and doing sound for all the school plays and bands.
so far most of my events got cancelled this summer but i still did my first few.. luckily they went perfectly and i met new contacts and got hired for a few more.
im 21 and still in the very very beginning but i feel like im going down the right path.
Nice, yeah - Most people I know who own an a/v / production business didn't really plan on it. There is a huge demand for people who are nice and can problem solve for their clients.
This is one of the best videos that I've seen for people looking to get into the Live Sound Industry. Thank you so much!!!
Thank you for all the videos you created. I learned a lot and I hope to use it in my work. I really liked the fact that you are not afraid to share your experience, encourage cooperation between local entrepreneurs, etc. I wish you success. Greetings from Lithuania!
I'm taking a Sound Reinforcement course for my Recording Arts major. We have to design our own sound company and market to clientele. This video definitely a big help lol.
Where do you take this sound reinforcement course?
Good video..
Yes buy a digital board.and some mic. S Renting extra speakers is a good plan. And renting extra wireless, nothing worse than dropping big $ on wireless only to have the frequencies go away.
Looking back Covid was a good time to pick up used gear.!
2yrs later still the info relevant ...
Thumbs up👍🏿👍🏿
Can save some starting money by looking for used gear, especially during a down cycle where outfits and individuals sell off used gear. Started with used Mackie SRM450 speakers for $200 each and a Mackie 32/4 analog console for $150. Just upgraded to digital with the purchase of a used Midas M32R in a flight case for $2200. Price is less than just the console and includes the flight case. My DJ controller, used. My speaker stands, used. My QSC amp and speakers, used. Even myquiet diesel generator was bought used, so I can do some gigs where there is no or limited commercial power. I don't rent a generator for an event. I collect rent and provide.
WOW......I just stumbled across this and it's 2years since he made this video and said...."2 years from now..." Cue Twilight Zone.
Great advice. Like you I came from a church background & fell into the business by accident. Church is fantastic experience. Like you say you're only as good as your last gig. Interesting what you say about getting into video. I keep being asked about live streaming but I'm reluctant to take the plunge in case it distracts from my sound but maybe I should.
Definitely worked for us
Hi Jordan. This is a very great video that affirmed what I already knew about getting into the live sound industry.
You mention in this video that buying used gear that is current/new is ideal, but this stuff is very hard to find, so if given the choice, would you buy old and used equipment, or save up a little bit more and buy new equipment?
Also, do you recommend buying products from reputable brands such as JBL or Yamaha for speakers and Ultimate Support for tripods instead of buying more budget equipment?
This is awesome info. Not sure why I'm watching this, because for me to obtain 10k is literally impossible atm. but never the less, solid info!
This has always been my dream. Do live sound and get paid for it.. I pray to God in a couple of years I can save those 10 Grand and go in to it. I'm 32yrs old. Time is going against me but really want to get into it.
It can certainly be a fun and rewarding way to make a living.
thank you it was very helpfull. i have been doing sound rental for 20 years and i am struggling to grow and financial manegement
Would you recommend going into live sound FIRST or go into lighting before live sound?
What do you think of the Presonus CDL12p's for live music? I would also pair them with a sub on each side. And I only have 16 channels for live music, are you sure I cant get by with that? Thanks.
Hey what’s up, let me ask you what’s wrong with the SLXD series from Shure?
Thank you so much for the advise from the start, I've been doing sound in a church coming to 5yrs now and still getting nothing apart from hugs lol sometimes I wonder if this is it... Patient is everything I guess
If you're doing sound in a church, you will eventually need to make the transition to only working for money. Some people will support you, some will be offended. Ultimately you need to put food on the table with your skill.
I've seen it over and over and over again. People think they're donating their time and equipment to a ministry and somewhere after 3-5 years the resentment builds, their family suffers, and they end up leaving the church anyway. Might as well be transparent about what you need from the relationship with your church and start looking for corporate work.
This was so helpful! thanks so much!
Thank you so much for your video ..
When you say start doing music you mean mixing bands and stuff right? I want to learn that but I’m not there yet I’m still small time doing FOH stuff and trying to get use to that more!
What’s your opinion of the Yamaha DHR speakers? A little cheaper than the DSR, but still a wooden box
Hey Kettner, which is better, buying speakers or building the speakers
It's uncanny how I'm exactly following this video without watching it haha
my mind is blown that the digital units have compression and everything built it. but is it as effective as using analog with the extra rack mounts? I got a bunch or road cases with compressors, etc.
It's as effective as long as you pay attention with your EAR. Analong makes your ear work.. digital relies 50/50 on a screen so as long as you don't loose track of the changes according to your ear, digital is the way to go. You carry less, and you spend less..
@KettnerCreative What’s been the best way to find new clients corporate and live music?
Hi Jordan, Great informative content.👍As a Dj I do 100 to 250 ppl events, mostly indoor. I have a pair of dxr15 and definitely need a sub for that bigger events. Would you recommend two dxs15 or one dxs18? Thanks
Great presentation, well understood
Glad it was helpful!
I will be setting up in Southern Africa and the environment is different from your location but still your advice will be helpful
Hi do you you recommend Powered desk/power amp + Passive speakers, or passsive mixer + Powered speakers?
Powered speakers!
Thank you brother
Thank You
You're welcome
If you had another $5,000 to spend on lighting how would you spend it. Thanks for these videos.
Good question. 2 x Ovation 160 WW for stage wash, 2 x Avenger 1045b stands, 9 x Chauvet Freedom Par Quad 4 w/ case, Elation SDC12 Controller, 4 x Chauvet D-Fi Wireless Transmitters. This is a good mix for small corporate and music.
You may want more traditional pars (like an elation six par) instead of the Freedom Pars, then you can put them on T-Bar stands for small music gigs.
Thank you
pro tip: turn down the fucking kick and bass.
it's a small industry... people talk and it spreads like wild fire.... also don't burn your bridges... everyone has an opinion, if it annoys you, let it go... don't get into arguments / fights ect... not worth it
why are you telling everyone how to get in the pro audio business thing are bad enough and that was before covid
Because I'm not scared of telling other people what I know.
To keep his UA-cam channel views going up. LMAO