The SC - Wedding Brain Dump
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- The Sound Couple is off to support another wedding. In this video, we do a big "brain dump" with all kinds of information to navigate different gigs and some unique wedding tips as well.
It's mostly down to business in this video, so dust off your notebook and let's get busy!
Please see our "About" for a more comprehensive list of gear we use.
As one of many followers of The Sound Couple who has watched every T-S-C video multiple times, I continue to appreciate the fact that with the viewing of every video there is always something new to learn. One of the great benefits of this UA-cam channel comes from the many years of experience that both Bart and Stacy bring to the world of production. This video was certainly no exception. Strictly for my own personal future reference, I noted the following Learning Points presented in this latest video:
1. One of the “secrets” to the success that Bart and Stacy have realized over their years of production can be summed up with the words: “Planning! Planning! Planning! And, even more Planning!” This was evident at this gig by the careful planning that went into choosing exactly what equipment The Sound Couple would need for both sound and lighting. This was particularly true when they would be connecting to a house system for the mains. They brought exactly the right amount of equipment and backups that they needed without any extraneous gear.
2. That same level of planning was evident in the work that Bart had done ahead of time to prepare the basic setup of the PreSonus SudioLive 32R Digital Rack-mount Mixer. By carefully planning the channel assignments and matrix assignments, Bart was able to minimize the time pressure during setup, so that he could focus on properly tuning the monitors and balancing them. This helps ensure that the gig will proceed with minimal feedback and maximum flexibility of volume and balance during the actual performance.
3. As usual, both Bart and Stacy illustrated how important it is to have carefully assigned tasks during setup that will minimize the time it takes to get the equipment in-place and operational. And, this level of planning also ensures that the time to take down the system at the end of the gig will also be minimized, especially when the venue has given a limited and firm time to have the equipment out of the facility.
4. Bart gave us several very important Learning Points and equally important tips all throughout this video, as he allowed us to watch as he interfaced with the keyboardist, worked to ensure the proper operation of the in-ears, and as he explained the steps he went through to help guarantee success at this gig. I found his discussion of making certain the DJ-ed music did not replicate what the band’s set list indicated was a very valuable insight. And, Stacy’s cleaning of the mics and commenting on the value that effort brings to the performers and mics was most excellent, indeed.
Beyond these Leaning Points, I am certain that others watching this video will see several additional important items that will be meaningful to them. As always, Bart and Stacy deserve a big “Thank-You!” for allowing us to shadow their professional execution of yet another gig. Truly, for me, this channel of The Sound Couple continues to be one of the most valuable channels on UA-cam.
Thank you Dean! Can't tell you enough how much we appreciate your support!
Oh, thanks for showing us what you do with the monitors. We see you with a screwdriver but never clear what’s going on, now we know!
You two are so fantastic, love watching your videos.
Thanks D! Appreciate your support and comments!
I always start fresh with every gig, and every new band. Everything is always different. I have my PA Flat preset I start with, and instrument presets I load accordingly to where they need to go. I'm usually doing 3-5 groups a night, and most of the time each bands inputs and where they are on stage is different too.
That Colson power extension is a killer find! I tried to find something like that 5 or 6 yrs ago for bands with pedal boards and other things up front needing to be plugged in, and I could only find what turned out to be a pretty dodgy and uncooperative cable.. Not friendly at all. This one looks great, Im going to order 2 of them right now!
I was trying to use an existing scene with a similar line up....thinking that just starting fresh is easier.
The Colson has been working great. It's only an "extension cord" but both Stacy and I are wondering how we didn't get this sooner. We bought the 50ft and we use it at every gig now.
I like to use both, pre made scenes are good to look at so you can see how the are built, then apply that to custom scenes. That's what I've always done since I'm audio first, lol. I bought a DMX controller just to learn it, but for now, I prefer my tablet. And you can still program different DMX channels if you choose.
Thanks for sharing!
That venue needs an infill because those VRX needs at least another 10 feet to get the sound to listener level.
I thought that the side mounted speakers (behind the VRX) were intended for that?
That's a good question. It brings up a great point....it seems like the big shows are getting better and more technical, but these types of engagements don't move forward with same mindset....they just want you out in an hour.
We do fashion shows twice a year. I always ask the photographers about the lighting. We do not run any lights with lasers for that reason.
Great lesson!
I do sound part time and I'm in a band that uses 100% modelers (no live amps) for guitars, bass, and sometimes drums and I've noticed exactly what you are talking about in some places where there is a sound void by the stage. I still use floor monitors on the stage even if I don't need them to create some stage volume for the dancers. Sometimes I'll flip a couple of them to face the crowd as a center fill. I don't run them loud enough to mess with the mix at the tables, but they do a decent job filling the void by the stage.
Makes sense as we will do the same with in-ear bands. In this case, we just went with it as there was already plenty of stage volume and frankly, the budget wasn't there for us to compensate for decisions that were made without our input. Not one complaint from anyone though.
i´m so happy your channel exist its the best thing to watch before i go sleep, thanks bart and stacy Greetings from Belgium ;)
Glad we can keep you entertained!
adimiro muito o trabalho de vcs eu e minha esposa tambem somos assim aqui no brasil.
Obrigado! Fico feliz por podermos ajudar e é bom saber que outras pessoas estão fazendo o mesmo que nós!
The ADJ Link lighting controller might be a worthwhile upgrade for you two. It runs on an iPad app and can be operated wired or wireless (the controller creates its own Wi-Fi network). I switched from Luminair and haven’t looked back. It is slightly more advanced, but offers quite a bit more functionality. Thanks for the video as always… the long ones are my favorite!
The only downside I can see with the Link for your application is the fact that the controller needs to be present for DMX output. The app offers full functionality when running wireless away from the controller, but that means the controller sort of turns into a giant dongle just for outputting DMX.
Hmph! Something to look into. Thanks for the suggestion.
I just watched this one. Missed it somehow. As far as scenes go, unless I have a saved scene for THAT particular band, I ALWAYS ALWAYS load my default scene and work from there. I have run into all kinds of bugs trying to reuse a scene, like EQ's totally wrong, or wrong routing, etc..
I think we have landed on new scene if it's a new band or lineup. If it's the very same band, we will start with a previous scene. But yes, we have caught issues that went unnoticed for a period of time.
FYI you can remove the grill balls on the Shure, take out the foam, and put the balls right in the DISH WASHER! Works great to clean the grills.
Sure can!
I did a piano delivery for a wedding reception. Had to remove it immediately after the wedding. My help couldn't make it. I moved a Yamaha 7' concert grand by myself. The hotel staff couldn't believe what they saw. Not the only time I had to move one solo.
Oh no! That almost seems impossible to do by yourself!
Hey!! How are you able to run a newer version of Macos on an older MacBook Pro. I have a older 2010 MacBook Pro that I use to run my lighting company, but instead of spending 2k on a new one with almost no ports, I just wanted to know how you guys did it because I love having the ports built in without using dongles!
This accomplished with Open Core Legacy Patcher! We have since upgraded our Mac and iPads (lack of ports is a bummer), but can't recommend this enough to keep older Macs going!
Hey Stacy and Bart I have a pair of Presonus 328 a.I. speakers of which we tested the amps and were fine, but I have one speaker that has the transducer in it and the speaker either needs to replaced or re-coned. A friend of my who works on PA gear took the speaker out and I was wondering where could I buy a speaker for it or get it re-coned. The speakers are no longer supported, and have used these a couple of times. My friend who works with speakers it didn’t blow but thinks maybe drop the speaker and didn’t tell me after a gig. They are pretty heavy, so that may have happened. Thanks
I would think you could find a place that re-cone the speaker. Or you could contact PreSonus to see if they have any available for purchase. We have not had to do anything to our 328's but for other work, we use Midwest Speaker. You could try them if you cannot find anyone local: www.midwestspeakerrepair.com
Ask a fellow sound engineer it depends on the situation….I like premade scenes with familiar bands but with new band I like a new template that way I can dial in on certain details.
Question for you guys…do you put verb in the Monitors? If you do how much?
No, we won't put reverb in monitor wedges....that is a recipe for feedback and other issues. In-ears...we can do it, but with our gear, there are some considerations that I usually forget...so often we don't. We simply don't get asked enough to make it priority...but I will look at it again on our own time so I am more comfortable providing it, if asked.
Hey Sound Couple love your video but I'm a huge JBL fan I work with the JBL VRX series tops and subs.
We have always encouraged everyone to use the equipment that works for you, not the gear that others tell you to. With that premise, comes responsibility.
Asking for more details description on the lighting and control unit u use.
The software we use is Luminair. We use an Entecc ODE device to interface the DMX to Ethernet. So to get into this, you should have an understanding of DMX and a solid network. There is a learning curve to Luminair as there are a lot of gesture commands (or hidden). Once you get familiar with it, they offer several "fixture profiles" that you can choose from (or create your own generic) to start programming your lights. What we like about it is that it's just "computer files" so you can save, copy, backup, etc. as much as you need to. Once you have it set, it's easy to keep expanding your lights or scenes as needed. luminair.app. www.enttec.com/product/dmx-distribution/ode-mk3-dmx-ethernet-converter/
What is the headphone amp for the drummer - brand and model = that you were comparing to the Presonus HP2? I couldn't catch it in the video.
Donner EM1...unfortunately, they have gone up in price quite a bit, but still worth the price: www.amazon.com/Donner-Rechargeable-Portable-Amplifier-Headphone/dp/B08D8WZDTC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2DID56TBAPAY2&keywords=donner+em1&qid=1690165728&sprefix=donner+em%2Caps%2C512&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
The problem with the ear buds for the IEMs is most likely due to manufacturing tolerances
It's a little frustrating to deal with as it can make you look bad.
I find it easier to start with old scene. Gain is pretty much dialed in as well as monitors for most part. Idk that's how i do it. If it's the same band of coarse. I use those ears as well when I play drums. Awesome for 50 bucks!
In this case, I was trying to use a similar scene for a different band. I am starting to think it's better to start fresh in these situations.
14:35 Although I'm currently running an analog mixing console, I prefer a fresh monitor check, given that each gig is in a different audio environment.
What I was trying to do is use a previous scene with a different band (but similar line-up). I don't thin that works out as well.
Buy a Myers Pickups mic for bell mounting to saxes and brass!
Thanks for sharing....very interesting designs.
Ever setup on a 75ftx15ft outdoor stage, with the stage 5 feet high? That's what I get to do August 5th!
That is insane! I can think of one park in Rochester MN that we did years ago that felt similar, but we only used what we needed.
Very Pro.set up.. the scrims are a nice touch on the light stands.. nice clean .stage.. very symmetrical.. If it looks good... it will sound good.
Thanks 👍
So the routing on laptop is really confusing. How many stage boxes are being used? Are the speakers fed analog signal or part of the digital system? I’m coming from the m/x32 world and passive boxes
I believe we used two stage boxes. They can be used for channel inputs/outputs. It can be a bit confusing but would say easier than the X32 for channel routing for sure. We are using XLR cables from the either the outputs of the mixer or stage boxes for signal...same with the monitors.
@@thesoundcouple I don’t know the presonus systems at all, i once had to help setup a jazz trio with a studio live board and literally spent 20 minute trying to get sound! X32 is notoriously confusing as well, routing is the biggest hurdle. Took me 6months but I’ve got a great handle on it
SKB rack cases! I have several. One ProX 8U rack as well.
We are very frustrated with the SKB cases we have our 32:16's in. The latches do not lock security enough and the covers fall off....definitely not what we would expect to see from this company as we have always been able to trust and use any SKB products we bought. We will need to think about it more next time.
Should have brought in some front fills!
Ha ha - well...in this case, they got what they paid for. We didn't know there would be a stage. Otherwise, we would have moved them up more if possible.
My lovely people ❤
I started with new scene every time! I almost never reused an scene
We do the same now when the band or line-up changes.
ok help me out with the hats & jackets is it cold already we got hot weather in NYC
LOL! We never promised we are timely in our videos! This was gig was in Nov 22.
I start with an old preset (scene), and modify it
That makes sense....I am thinking that works out good for the same band.
So cool seeing the guitarist without a amp
It definitely helps in this room!
Interesting you mentioning you're not a JBL fan... I never was, but heard a lot of their lineup at a tradeshow, and nope...still not a fan either! 😂
It's a preference thing and my perspective is likely dated now....I just find the JBL's tend to be very mid-rangy.
@@thesoundcouple That was my finding at the recent trade show I went to. All of the JBL products they had there sounded very (what I would call) shouty. VERY lacking in bass, and very little finesse at the top. They played the track "Thanks to You" by Boz Scaggs, which is a beautifully recorded track... The bass was very lacking on all their systems except the SRX Line Array where it had a little more, and like all the others that was lacking the top-end crispness.
A lot of people have said to me "a trade show isn't an ideal setting" and it's not, but the Kv2, RCF and d&B rigs I listened to more than delivered the goods.
Good perspective to share. I could see these characteristics more desirable to spoken word applications, therefore, not so musical. @@johnmcquay82
Those look like JBL VRX mains
Sounds correct!
You can get the Behringer P1 which is basically the same as the HP2 but without a requirement of a "special" cable.. Direct XLR to the unit.
As far as headphones, those units perform well with low impedance headphones and Apple earphones are high impedance... That's why they even get less signal compared to the low impedance headphones
Thank you for clarifying...special cables usually require special attention in some fashion at some point.
Monitor EQing, I recommend you use the HPF for the low end cut (cutting to the max band by band with a graphic eq can cause phase issues) and for narrow deep cuts it is better to use an parametric EQ as it affects the neighbouring frequenices less.
Thank you for the tip. We will experiment with that approach!
I always re-use a scene as a starting point. You have to be careful not to let too much config drift creep in.
On the HP2 earbud thing, it might have to do with the fact that the apple buds have more “rings” on the barrel of the connector than just stereo earbuds which are just TRS. Alignment is touchier with apple.
I think it has the same amount of rings...it doesn't have a microphone on it which I think adds an additional ring.
Bart, I reuse scenes a lot. I wish the UC had Move commands or Swap commands for fader/channel editing.
You are preaching to the choir...The concept is there with user channel, so it's that close! It sure would be a time saver and make scene reuse even more appealing.
Wow, he was the second to like, who knows next time I'm the first! Always enjoying your videos here in Brazil. Until later!
Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!
Bart u know Stacey is a bad ass
Why do you think I married her? LOL!
I’m a 50 year old mobile DJ in Phoenix,Az. I really enjoy watching the two of you set up/take down. Great job.
Thank you!
At 11:58 I felt that pain when on older iPads the software lags. We bought a few newer tablets and that helped a lot. I mean we wee using iPad Airs Gen 1 & 2...haha...so yeah upgrades were needed. Great stuff again.
Yeah, we stretched every once we could out of devices but recently invested in refreshing all of them....there just comes a time where you need to do it.
Great video as always - very informative and lots to learn. Yes reusing an old scene is definately easier than creating a new one as it gives you the basic template to go from. Never pass up an opertunity to watch an SC video!
Thank you! Appreciate the comment and you taking the time to watch!
Good to have you guys back on the air!!! I would love to have a copy of your wedding playlist if possible
Thanks! Drop us an e-mail and we can see what can do!
I'm assuming this was back in the autumn sometime? Unless your groove is to dress like that in the summer 😜
Correct, this gig was in Nov 22. We do go in order, but it's not possible for us to keep up....this means many more coming!
I want that table!
We have a link on our channel homepage where you are able to purchase a similar one on Amazon!
Am always inspired by your works. I love what you do.
Thank you!
hola Saludos desde Costa Rica...!!! Greetings From Costa Rica !!
Greetings! Thanks for watching!
Congratulations Bart and Stacy on another great job.
Thanks so much
Which tripod for speakers u guys recommend ? I've a pair of Pioneer XPRS 15" - 29 KG
Thank you
That's a great question that has many answers! There are so options out there now, so you really need to explore some offerings and what they feature and start building your requirements list based on how you will be using it. For example, some people like kind of the "all in one" speakers with built in controls, BT, etc. Others may not care so much about those features and want more of straight ahead cabinet. The one thing that is getting harder to know and is potentially the elephant in the room is how well will it be serviced when you need it? This is where we believe some manufactures are cutting costs and it doesn't hit you until you need and then you find out it will take months or never for your gear to get repaired.
Hi @@thesoundcouple my question was just about a which TRIPOD / SPEAKER STAND do u recommend ? That's it. Thank you
Ahh...sorry! Ultimate Stands have always served us well.@@mrsolar5739
@@thesoundcouple ok cool ! I gonna have a look now. Many thanks !!!!!!!! :)
👍🏻✅🤍🤍
Thanks!
Saludos desde México! Admiro su trabajo!
¡Gracias! ¡Agradecemos que se tome el tiempo de ver nuestros videos!