Sound system setup for the one:40 band at an Oktoberfest event using an A&H QU-16 - Event Video 52

A basic sound system setup for the Raleigh U2 tribute band, One:40. This was for an "Oktoberfest" event. Great time!
Sound system:
A&H QU-16 console
RCF NX45A mid/high top cabinets (powered)
JBL SRX728S sub-woofer (powered by Crown Macro-Tech 5000i)
Monitors: Yamaha CM12V (powered by QSC PLD 4.2)
Two different camera microphones were used for this event. Sound quality will vary between some video clips.
--- More information ---
one:40
www.reverbnati...
KC of Midway Pro Audio, LLC
/ @midwayproaudio6932

[@erichagler7842]

A lot of people don't relies how much work a sound engineer has, hours before the gig and hours after the gig to get all the equipment set up and tear down at the end of the night . Just a small system like this one 16 or 24 channel board is a lot of work after set up you have sound check every thing to make sure all of it working ... cuddles to all sound engineers out there ...

[@the1version422]

First in, last out, and often the unsung hero.

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for your comment!

[@speakerwala_babumoshai]

Someone Give this person a medal

[@Kyp031]

Thought they just wondered off and drank beer while your mic is off. Seriously though, unsung heroes

[@SeanONeill13]

*realize.

[@charlesparks2501]

Awesome job, Bob and KC! Thanks for all you do!

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you Charlie! We had a great time working your show!

[@LIXOSonidoyDiscos]

Excellent band, excellent job Bob and KC. Congratulations! Still rockin' Stage Left is great production company! 😊😊

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your great comment!

[@noahman27]

Thanks for filming all this! I learned some stuff! Wondering if the one double 18 sub was enough? (I know there's limitations like budget, manpower, and space in the van). Also, I always wonder how you safely run cable from the stage to the FOH so attendees will not trip and fall. How do you guys handle that?

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, the double 18 was more than enough for this event; in fact during sound-check, we had to bring down the kick-drum and bass due to the volume level. Also, with the double 18 sitting in the center, this provided coverage over the entire listening area. Good question on the cable runs between the stage and FOH. On hard surfaces (i.e. parking lots, exhibition halls, etc...), we use either rubber cable covers (with black/yellow tape for visibility), or heavy rubber cable conduits (black w/yellow covers). For outdoor events (i.e. in this video), we run a yellow power cable next to the snake cable. It's the yellow power cable that provides the visibility for safety.

[@atlargegroupllc2694]

Another great job Bob.

[@spewmister]

Have you considered using a switched mic for TB? Would save a lot of going back and forth between layers

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. Many years ago, I used a switched mic. The switch was always noisy when used (a lot of clicks/crackling), and eventually the switch stopped working after only about 3 years (resulting in intermittent audio with the mic). However, the mic I was using back then was a very cheap mic I used entirely for TB! I'm sure the switches are much better now on some decent mics. I have thought about going back to a switched mic, but at the moment, I don't use TB too much anymore, may be a few times a year. For larger events, we use comms to communicate with the stage (stage-manager, etc...) and have them communicate with the artists.

[@beckwith5880]

looks like another amazing event, so sorry i had to miss it. great work y'all

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you sir!

[@bretthibbs6083]

I'm glad that you are safe and sound from hurricane Helene and hopefully you didn't get too much damage from it.

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you!

[@blacklist45av3]

Hi sir, how do you mix your kick drums? aux send to sub thump and mains for the pop? sounds really good and tight..

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment. We use a crossover (dbx-260) at FOH for the PA. No aux-fed sub is used.

[@pinoysacanada2023]

Hello sir, what small foorprint sub can you recommend of a good compromise with power, weight, size and prize? Maybe a 15 inch? I dont have a big van. Thank u!

[@stageleftaudio]

We use a single RCF 18" sub for some events that does exceptionally well. I have mixed on some gear that has used EV 15" and 18" subs; both of these worked really well.

[@Ky6Stringer]

Do you maintain a "Plan B" in the event something goes awry with a crucial part of your gear while on location, (i.e. mixer craps out, etc.)?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. We do have some redundancy (mixer, cables, amplifiers, mics) at every event. Good question.

[@thomas_ger4098]

again a very nice vid. thanks for sharing

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks again!

[@jokerswildmusic4882]

Great content as always. Do you by chance know where I could find a ramp just like you have for the van? Thanks in advance

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for the comment. Here's the ramp we use: ezaccess.com/products/traverse-singlefold-ramp-work?variant=49066953703742 -- At the time I got the ramp, they could only be purchased through EZAccess. I'm not sure if that is still the case.

[@jokerswildmusic4882]

@@stageleftaudio Really appreciate it! Thanks for taking the time to help.

[@makstaz79]

It's a shame Crown discontinued those non-DSP macro tech-I amps; the ones with the DSP cost a fortune. Great job with the PA system, as usual. Do you mind sharing which Tannoy speakers you use?

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comments. Actually, the Crown amps we use have DSP on them, however, the DSP is only configurable using a laptop. This may be a problem for some users, but for us, our Crown amps are only used for sub use, therefore, the DSP is configured on them once and we don't need to touch them again. We use the Tannoy VS218DR subs for some events.

[@djrickysmith]

U2 covering the cure.. love it😂😂😂.. great job as always

[@charlesparks2501]

@djrickysmith one:40 does 2 sets of U2 and a variety set including a 4 song block of The Cure, fun stuff!

[@TheDude1764]

So why use an outboard Driverack instead of using the digital console/matrices as your system controller? Thanks for the video and ramp recommendation!

[@stageleftaudio]

Good question. Here's my 2 cents on the trend of using consoles as a xover. Pertaining to the crossover function of the Driverack... the DR-260 is designed to function as an actual crossover. It is simple to use, is effective, and can be easily tuned on-the-fly during an event. It allows for these choices of which filters to use for HP / LP xover filtering - (from the 260 manual): * BS (Bessel) with a slope of 6, 12, 18, or 24 dB/Octave. * BW (Butterworth ) with a slope of 6, 12, 18, or 24 dB/Octave. * LR (Linkwitz-Riley) with a slope of 12, 24, 36, or 48 dB/Octave. The choice of these settings is what allows the PA to function as a sound system. The 260 can also be used for aux-fed subs (which we do not do) and cardioid setups (which we do use). As of this writing, I'm not aware of any console (at least the sub $10K consoles) that provides this level of professional control and sound quality over a main PA. Using a console as a crossover (when it is not designed for that purpose), usually yields unprofessional results and adds unnecessary complexity to a basic (i.e. 2-way) setup, as well, it consumes outputs on the console. However, there may be some people who are ok with using their consoles as a crossover. Ultimately, it's what the person thinks will work best for their setup. We will never use our consoles as crossovers.

[@TheDude1764]

@@stageleftaudio I appreciate the detailed reply! I'm always more interested in "why" people choose things rather than "what" they choose. I don't want to stray into the 'Aux-fed sub' controversy...🤣...but as for the various crossover filters and slope choices: The M32 (X32) series of mixers offer all (or all least nearly all) of these choices on the 6 Matrices. I've used them as crossovers for several events (indoors and out) and was very satisfied with the system results. The matrix channels can also have phase inverted so that along with output routing delay makes cardioid sub arrays very simple to create. I haven't gotten to know all of the A & H boards intimately yet--(just started playing with them in the last 18 months or so) but I would be shocked if they didn't have these filter options available somewhere in the library. I agree that a dedicated piece of hardware is nice to have to remove the 'thinking' part of the equation but I really hate lugging outboard racks for FOH to temp stage locations. (my back is old and there's not much room in my van either!!). Thanks for the great channel and your responsiveness to questions. Lots of great information here!

[@stageleftaudio]

Good to see the M32 has addressed the filter problem! Thanks for your great reply!

[@TheDude1764]

@@stageleftaudio Yes! The v4 firmware made the M32 a ‘full function’ piece of kit for me. It and the X32s I have aren’t the most robust pieces of gear I’ve driven…but I don’t do tons of shows anymore. (And the gear doesn’t get beat up as badly!) So many people have come up with 3rd party apps for tablet control and Theater Show Control that it’s become hard to leave it behind! (That’s why I’ve been dragging my feet on the Allen & Heath consoles.) When I try and walk on from the Behringer ecosystem, they pull me back in!!!🤣😂

[@stageleftaudio]

Nice! You have a good reason to stick with Behringer! I'm hoping other console manufacturers will address the crossover issue!!

[@arnellumagbas3586]

Quality output👍

[@jasonlapasinskas5302]

What ramp is that? Where did you purchase? Thanks

[@stageleftaudio]

It is from a company called EZ-Access. ezaccess.com/products/traverse-singlefold-ramp-work?variant=49066953703742 The ramp in the video is 8ft tall. Hope this helps.

[@basspumpe2662]

hey, nice day, good sound, have fun & sun

[@MichaelNatrin]

Great video!

[@paratyshow]

👍✅ I get some good ideas from every one of your videos, tks👏

[@stageleftaudio]

Happy to hear to that!

[@sukmagatotpurwantoro4819]

Sangat keren sekali...salam dari saya di jakarta

[@stageleftaudio]

Terima kasih dari Amerika!

[@georgesnow]

Nice decision having the digital console and analog multi

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks. Most of our shows are configured that way. We will use a digital snake solution, but only for certain events.

[@KpTheFth]

hello there, just interesting, is it not simple to use wifi router to avoid the cables for this small gig?

[@stageleftaudio]

Not necessarily. A wifi setup would only impact the cabling for FOH. The FOH cabling is a very small part of all of our setups; all the band inputs and FOH sound outputs along with monitor wedges (if using floor monitors) still need to be cabled (this can't be avoided). As part of our service, we do not use wireless console connectivity solutions.

[@KpTheFth]

@@stageleftaudio I mean not to do a mixer tent station, to avoid the cables u could use remote application from your phone or tablet

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for the reply. I see what you mean. Ultimately, to avoid unnecessary connectivity issues, we do not use wireless mixing.

[@soundfreak8892]

Now that the berhinger wing compact is out would you consider upgrading from the qu16

[@stageleftaudio]

We do not use wireless console connectivity solutions as part of our service.

[@soundfreak8892]

@@stageleftaudio what? Please explain more

[@stageleftaudio]

Wireless can be a good option, but can be unstable to use. Occasionally, I mix for bands using their gear (including iPads/tablets). It is convenient, but there have been issues with connectivity drop-outs, slow responses on the iPads, screen is very difficult to see during outdoor (daytime) shows, battery life issues, sometimes the screen (or app) does not respond to touches, etc... A few years ago while mixing on an iPad in a bar, the channel faders started moving on their own. Luckily, It did not affect the volume level of the instruments, but I had to touch the fader channels to get them to reset to where they should have been. This is just a few of the issues I encounter with wireless options. As a service provider (which I am), I cannot risk the potential of console issues during events; this would be unacceptable with my customers; which is why our setups are always wired. I do know of two providers that use wireless mixing, and they enjoy it. However, I still think wireless mixing is a great tool for bands (as part of their own PA). They can get themselves dialed in and then just hand the iPad over to whomever will be mixing them. Wireless mixing is a tool, but it is not the right tool for the services we provide.

[@soundfreak8892]

@@stageleftaudio it’s not a wireless console you can physically mix on the console your term for wireless console does not make any sense to me. Even the qu is considered wireless because you have the option to use the iPad app with a router. I’m talking about the berhinger wing compact not the wing rack my friend…

[@stageleftaudio]

My mistake, thank you for the clarification. I thought you were eluding to wireless mixing. For the Behringer Wing Compact, I have no experience with it. Unfortunately, my experience with past Behringer products have not been too good. I would probably not move to a Behringer product as an upgrade (unless I have worked with it before). At the moment, I would probably move to another A&H product first.

[@Mersuharrastaja]

Does Allen & Heath be better quolity mixers then Presonus?

[@georgesnow]

it is easier to use in the bright light

[@stageleftaudio]

Each mixer has their strengths and weaknesses. For this event, the A&H was easier to use in bright light (as was just commented) compared to the Presonus. We like both consoles.

[@dustinthiessen]

both companies make entry level consoles, as you see here with the QU, however, Allen & Heath actually do professional consoles as well, once you get up into the SQ, Avantis, and dLive systems. Presonus don't do anything like that.

[@stageleftaudio]

Of the consoles I've used, the Presonus has the best workflow. If I were to move forward with a larger scale console, my preference would be DiGiCo.

[@juanrios9977]

I like the ramp what brand is and where i can find it?

[@stageleftaudio]

It is from a company called EZ-Access. ezaccess.com/products/traverse-singlefold-ramp-work?variant=49066953703742

[@juanrios9977]

@@stageleftaudio How many feet does the one you use have?

[@stageleftaudio]

Ours is 8ft.

[@mhlengimtolo5053]

❤

[@IkanGelamaKuning]

I left this job 20 years ago. No regret.

[@stageleftaudio]

I understand.

[@NicholasKagecha]

Is your sub active or what because I had you saying that you are powering your sub please I didn't understand there

[@stageleftaudio]

The sub is passive. It is being powered by the Crown MA 5000i amplifier (the bottom amplifier in the rack). The top (mid/high) cabinets are active.

[@stuartpaul9211]

here's me as a DJ getting shut of the subs in my 40s because of the weight and noise complaints. im currently trying to cram an 8 channel mixer, mic receiverx2, IEM transmitter, sound card, 10 inch monitor, cabling and power strip in to what I think was a Guitar pedal case. All to save carry big heavy boxes. especially to plug and play venues. Lots of UK venues you can't even park close to for unloading.

[@stageleftaudio]

Sounds like a lot of work to reduce the number of cases to bring in to a show!

[@stuartpaul9211]

@@stageleftaudio I used to play with cardboard boxes as a kid. So, I must be harking back to my childhood with plywood boxes instead. ?

[@jasonlajuene2036]

HOW do you AVOID trips and snags with your power lines ????

[@stageleftaudio]

All lines are kept out of the way and lay flat as possible on the ground. We run a yellow power cord for FOH. The yellow color makes the cord easily visible... therefore, greatly reducing trips.

[@vijaykutti7717]

hi sir I'm from India i wanna work with u sir I'm a sound operator sir is their any job sir ?

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for your interest. There are no jobs with us.

[@vijaykutti7717]

@@stageleftaudio ok sir

[@codedreamfullstuckdevelope8096]

Hi sir how are you why you are not upload videos current time I am learning PA system. From Sri Lanka ❤❤❤

[@codedreamfullstuckdevelope8096]

Sir one doubt mid frequency Knob full cut while sound is better or knob boost while sound is better

[@stageleftaudio]

Always cut the frequency first to make the sound better. Boosting a frequency should be last, only if the frequency cut did not work.

[@codedreamfullstuckdevelope8096]

@@stageleftaudio Thank you sir always respect you❤❤❤

[@codedreamfullstuckdevelope8096]

Sir one doubt must need a pre amp like Behringer mx822 pro for best sound. Connected with analog mixer

[@jeddlawrence]

Just one sub? How was that?

[@stageleftaudio]

It was perfect. More than enough power for this event. We use single sub deployments for many of the shows. For the larger shows, we will use 2 or more subs.

[@jeddlawrence]

@@stageleftaudio wow... i would love to hear how that sounds...

[@nmawutor6636]

is KC Ghanaian...if so I just spotted a Ghanaian...Ayikoo

[@stageleftaudio]

I'll have KC look at this post!

[@midwayproaudio6932]

Yes, I was born in Ghana.

[@nmawutor6636]

@@midwayproaudio6932 ...Ayikoo to You Sir...I'm also a Sound Engineer in Ghana...

[@jasonlajuene2036]

info about your load ramp ?

[@stageleftaudio]

ezaccess.com/products/traverse-singlefold-ramp-work?variant=49066953703742

[@MrScumbag1010]

I setup sound for one band, that cured me, that job sucks, my hat goes off to you, for doing this job, a lot of Bull work, that A&H board is killer!! I had a day job anyway so i did not need to run sound. But it is not easy, and would never ever do it for a living.