Sound system setup for a fair. Overview of the labor and work involved - Event Video 48

Setting up a small sound system for a cultural event. Presonus 32SC for FOH with the Presonus NSB 32.16 (digital stage box).
Day 1: Load-in, setup and testing
Day 2: Performances, stage changes, and load-out
This video covers more of the labor involved with setting up a sound system and managing the stage.
Performers:
"To Nordiske Feler" - m. profile.php?id...
"ScanDans" - www.scandans.com/
"Scandimonium" - jill.padd.com/scandimonium/
"Vasa Drangar Swedish Men's Choir of Atlanta" - www.vasadrangar.com/
"GangSpil" - www.trad.dk/

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

People that don't setup A/V systems have no clue! It takes a while!

[@wilhelmelofsson]

Loved to watch this episode as I'm from Sweden/ Nordics. Was fun to hear some Swedish songs and the Swedish Lucia and traditional songs! Been following you for a while as Ive recently started my own rental sound/light company in middle Sweden. You give me inspiration for future gigs. Keep up the good work! //Wille

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for your comment! We enjoy working with these performers. Good to see you started a rental company! Good luck with it!

[@KhoaAnhMusic]

Thank you so much! I learned a lots about PA set up by watching your videos. From Vietnam with respect!

[@stageleftaudio]

Glad to help!

[@beckwith5880]

it was a great day and a pleasure to be back at FOH with you my friend

[@stageleftaudio]

Many thanks my friend!!

[@david_matheny]

Great video! Love Presonus equipment.

[@hendromukti89]

The sound system keeps you young, sir.

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes it does!!

[@deewizzard598]

great job . that was a lot of work boys

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks 👍

[@robertwayland8477]

Done that type of work totally miss it

[@WhoFlungPoo2024]

Moving mics and monitors after setup. Always a potential nightmare. Been there. Done that. Looks like you did a nice job.

[@mylife4109]

I stopped using PreSonus because of latency issues. I don’t use any of their stuff in my recording studio or on my professional sound gear. Loved the video and you do great work with sound and running your setup for events.

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment. For the events we have done with our Presonus consoles, (this is the first with a digital snake solution), this was also the first event we experienced an extended latency... I'm still researching possible causes. Thanks for watching!

[@sidneysoe2345]

Hi we have the same issue with Presonus stagebox and sc console. Audio drop for 1 second and everything went back to normal. Sometimes audio drop happens a few times in a row. Could not figure out what caused the audio drop.

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

I run a PreSonus 32SC, 32R, with NSB32.16. I use LYXPro CAT6 cables. No problems since switching to these!

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@rickcolbert2299]

I saw in a quick glimpse in your intro… you are using crank up stands for your line arrays. What kind of stands are those? I have been looking for something like that but everyone points me to Genie lifts. I have only 4 per side. I don’t need huge and those look perfect. Thanks for taking the time to show what is takes.

[@stageleftaudio]

Those crank stands were manufactured (and sold by) Penn-Elcom. However, as of several years ago, they no longer manufacture/sell those stands. I think another company bought the design and took over manufacturing, but the stands are no longer available through Penn-Elcom.

[@gabelgabel5616]

I love your video and it fun to learn with you and is there going to be more big event video soon?

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for your comment! Hopefully, a few bigger events next year!

[@michaelwilliams9508]

Hi i would like to know what are you using and how to use it for communication? Thanks love your videos

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment. Here's a video we did covering the comms we use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3S1daSwYrlsq8U

[@TalentLe8159]

For checking monitors I recommend having a tablet thats running UC surface connected to the console with a router so you can check monitors with the tablet

[@stageleftaudio]

Great idea.

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

Definitely! I don't run my PreSonus system, or the Allen & Heath systems, without tablet control!

[@eventrightllc]

How do you like you C112V? I have the CM12V and CM15V, but haven't jumped on the main PA speakers yet - boy they look pretty though.

[@stageleftaudio]

The C112V cabinets are great. Their SPL rating (along with the CM12V) is quite a bit higher than other passive cabinets of the same "family". It's easy to get decent volume with them. For larger shows (when we are flying our FOH speakers), we use the C112V cabinets as monitors along with the CM12V. The nondescript image of the C112V cabinets keeps them somewhat discreet to the guests.

[@SteveCaddy]

Great content as usual. What influenced your choice of FOH speaker height? They look like they are only about 5-6 feet up, which is about head height, and up against the stage look rather low. Wouldn't you get better coverage from them if they were a little higher, or would that have affected coverage in the front rows without having a front fill?

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment. Good question. There are several logistical concerns with this event. Most everything involved with how we setup this event is in response to what the client is needing. The low speaker height (as you referenced) is to ensure coverage for the front rows. But the low height also helps with keeping the sound projection within (or very close to) the range of the seating area. If the speakers were higher, the sound would project further/over the seating area and would introduce a noise problem with the vendors (which was an issue when I first started working with this client). Also, the low height helps keep a "line-of-sight" available to the stage for the "outside" (or flanking) seating areas. On this particular event, their seating area was very wide (at the limit of the horizontal coverage of the FOH horns). I'll be promoting a center-fill speaker for their event next year, especially if they are planning for a very wide seating area again.

[@thomas_ger4098]

Had the same question. Wouldn’t it be also possible to have the speakers setup higher with a tilt?

[@stageleftaudio]

That would certainly work better for the seating area, however, if the speakers are any higher (than what is shown in the video), it would cause a line-of-sight issue with the flanking seating areas; the guests in those seats would not be able to see a good portion of the stage (or performers).

[@kelvinkalaluka8185]

Hi SL, informative video as usual. Well I have a question which is unrelated to this video, sorry for that. I have a pair of Behringer B215xl speakers (passive) and a pair of Alto Tx315 speakers (active). Can both pairs share the same output on the active crossover as highs? (using an XLR splitter cable).

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes they can (that is a common setup when using passive and active speakers at the same time). If you want a balanced audio output between the Alto's and B215xl speakers, just watch the volume levels between the speakers. You may need to turn one or the other up or down. Thanks for your comment.

[@kelvinkalaluka8185]

Oh great! Thanks SL, i appreciate.

[@johnmcquay82]

Great to see you're doing the Scandinavian Christmas event again. I notice a different venue this year too. Like you say, the analogue/digital equipment are tools; I've been using a digital desk for many years, but until recently only been using Analogue Snakes. I still have and use analogue snakes for my runs back to the digital stage box because it's tidier and I find much easier to work with. What are you doing with your PreSonus 16.4.2? I have one, and haven't used it much since moving to an all-digital system; I'm tempted to sell it, but I'm equally reluctant, as it's a great console, and I'm certain it'll have its uses.

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for the comment! We will always have (and will mostly use) analog snakes. The digital snake solution was ok for this show, but I think it was overkill for the required gear for the event. I still have the 16.4.2 Though, I have not used it for many months... however, I recently used it for a parade that we do every year. I considered selling it, but may actually keep it... it is a great console.

[@johnmcquay82]

@stageleftaudio I will probably keep my 16.4.2 also. I've mixed hundreds of performers on that console, and I've gotten fairly attached to it. I do need to replace a couple of intermittent aux send jacks, but aside that it's in perfect condition, and it's ideal for smaller shows. I'm familiar with the Chrisrmas Event you cover; it's great to have regular clients, proves you're doing the right thing. Merry Christmas.

[@stageleftaudio]

Exactly... ideal for smaller shows. Have a good new year.

[@johnmcquay82]

@@stageleftaudio You too, have a great New Year and an amazing 2024!

[@vadimmartynyuk]

How did you re-eq mics and monitors between different sets ? Did you find monitors in pre or post fader ?

[@stageleftaudio]

There was no re-eq of the mics; all mics had to be setup in a "base" manner that would allow us to make slight EQ changes from act to act. It's that kind of situation that makes this event the most difficult we do each year. The monitors were pre-fader.

[@vadimmartynyuk]

@@stageleftaudio did you have a dedicated monitor mixing engineer since you had monitors prefader ?

[@stageleftaudio]

Not for this event. All monitors were managed from FOH.

[@susanacampos4550]

Hello, where can I get a ramp like this for my truck?

[@stageleftaudio]

This ramp: (we use the 8ft length). www.ezaccess.com/products/suitcase-singlefold-ramp

[@wilhelmelofsson]

Why did you choose the large format mics instead of example Beta 58s? Whats the benefit?

[@igorermakovich8485]

У АТ3035 средняя мембрана, ~ 20mm, ещё лучше были бы микрофоны с маленькой мембраной, навроде sm81, они более устойчивые к обратной связи, чем студийники с большой диафрагмой. А выбор конденсаторников обусловлен тем, что они, в отличие от динамических микрофонов, лучше берут звук на расстоянии.

[@stageleftaudio]

Large format mics (condenser mics) are more sensitive than Dynamic mics; which is why they are used for choirs and for distant mic'ing. The Beta 58 is a good mic, but is designed for the singer to be directly close to the mic for best results.

[@stageleftaudio]

Да, динамический микрофон приведет к меньшей обратной связи, но не подойдет для записи хора или для удаленной работы микрофона. Спасибо за ваш.

[@braydenbarriault6879]

I must know, why are you using large diaphragm condensers for vocal mic’s?

[@stageleftaudio]

Those mics are used mostly for choirs and for quiet singers. The mics are very sensitive and can pick up a vocalist at a much further distance away than if the mic was a regular dynamic mic. If this event was a rock-show type of event, we would not be using the condenser mics, but would be using regular dynamic mics.

[@kevinhileman]

I’m curious, why didn’t you raise your mains?

[@stageleftaudio]

This event is a little different with the setup requirements. Most everything involved with how we setup this event is in response to what the client is needing. The low speaker height is to ensure coverage for the front rows. But the low height also helps with keeping the sound projection within (or very close to) the range of the seating area. If the speakers were higher, the sound would project further/over the seating area and would introduce a noise problem with the vendors (which was an issue when I first started working with this client). Also, the low height helps keep a "line-of-sight" available to the stage for the "outside" (or flanking) seating areas.

[@tylerscochran]

Great show! What are you using for comms?

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you. We use Pro Intercom (I don't recall the exact model). It supports 3 stations; we are using 2 stations for this event.

[@LucasWasson]

@@stageleftaudio Those Pro Intercom stations are killer, do you own their larger base station for larger events or find the three station setup is fine for you?

[@stageleftaudio]

They are decent units! For the events we do, the three station setup is perfect.

[@LucasWasson]

@@stageleftaudio I see in the video you have the extra strobe station as well. Have you found those to be useful?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes! The strobes are extremely useful. The head-set packs have a red call-light on them, but they are difficult to see. The strobes were a well needed addition.

[@jasonlajuene2036]

Are you using cond mics on stage ?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes.

[@eliezeryamzon5224]

Where did you buy your ramp?

[@stageleftaudio]

The ramp is called EZ-Access. It is all aluminum and 8ft. long. Take a look at ezaccess.com. I bought the ramp through EZ-Access, but had to pick it up at a Home Depot.

[@xtyentertain4057]

It seemed a lot of set-up for the event. I stopped using manual equipment, so there will be less work and less set up. Thanks for sharing.

[@stageleftaudio]

There was a bit more work involved with this event. Thanks for your comment.

[@ROLANDOCAYANONGJR-pn6vq]

wow nicw idol

[@jimugc2866]

Why is there no lights or fixture?

[@stageleftaudio]

Those were not requested from the customer.

[@TomVereecke]

Do you also bring a backup digital snake, since it's essentially just a computer, which can crash?

[@stageleftaudio]

Good question. Our backup is analog snakes (whichever one we need to bring for an event). I considered having a backup digital snake solution, but It was very cost prohibitive!

[@JBF-GST-Tanda]

@@stageleftaudio Talking about backups, it's such a pity that Presonus doesn't provide dual-cable backup solutions for AVB-based stageboxes.

[@stageleftaudio]

Actually, the Presonus stage boxes are dual-ported. The second port can be used as a primary (as a backup) or as pass-thru to another stage-box, or as a primary for a second console.

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

​@@stageleftaudioif you have a 32R, it also doubles as a digital snake. Big events like this, I run a 32R on stage, and an NSB32.16, running the 32SC FOH.

[@stageleftaudio]

Nice!

[@progi99]

It's a very difficult place to work with sound, but you did a good job

[@mitas3484]

You rocking 4x NX45?

[@stageleftaudio]

Not for this event... all speakers were passive (Yamaha CM series). All powered with a single QSC PLD 4.2

[@georgesnow]

4 NX45 would be overkill for an event like this .. Perfect for wide coverage of a rock show outdoor though

[@mitas3484]

@@georgesnow yeah I saw the boxes side by side, and I was like damn they need some Volume haha

[@georgesnow]

@@mitas3484 it's for spreading the coverage for a wide audience, not providing more output power

[@stageleftaudio]

The seating area was very wide. If we do the event next year, we may need to bring a center-fill speaker so the main tops can be splayed more.

[@jimugc2866]

My god, That's a lot of work. I hope the payment is worth

[@stageleftaudio]

Most jobs are a lot of work!

[@novarizal5566]

In this type of event, much better brings 2 crew, because the schedule is crowd , a lot of Change stage settting , include monitors, mic placement,etc... can reduce much ammount of your sweat sir...

[@stageleftaudio]

Agreed!

[@yilmazozturk6643]

kolay gelsin.turkiyeden selamlar....

[@stageleftaudio]

Teşekkür ederim!

[@abbyjust83]

That poor old man carry things by himself, where is the crew sir?

[@stageleftaudio]

You are looking at it!

[@abbyjust83]

@@stageleftaudio you awesome sir, greetings from indonesia💪

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you!

[@novarizal5566]

Memang seharusnya ada crew lagi buat bantu pindahin microphone biar kerjanya sedikit lebih ringan....mengingat acaranya padat....

[@Richard1977]

You seriously needed 5 hours for load in and setting-up? Seems more like 2,5 - 3 hours tops. You wouldn't get any longer in 98% of that type of jobs over here in the Netherlands. And the more equipment you have on wheels, the less time you need.

[@stageleftaudio]

We didn't need 5 hours, but it ended up that way. Our normal setup time for an event this size is about 4 hours. The stage location, load-in time, an extra safety safeguards added more time for this setup.

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

2 people, long load in distance. 5 hours makes sense. Been there!

[@stageleftaudio]

For sure... it can be a lot of work!

[@LIXOSonidoyDiscos]

Thanks for this video. Latency with DSnake and your PreSonus is serious for you? Latency affected your monitor system, too?

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment. All digital consoles have some latency. Some consoles have more than others. The issue we were experiencing appeared to be a large amount of latency with the response of the console. However, after doing some recent research, the issue may have involved a wireless mic the emcee was using. I'm still looking at the issues.

[@jacekalchimowicz1321]

Why do you need these headphones with a microphone on a yellow cable?

[@stageleftaudio]

Those are communication head-sets. We use those to talk directly to the FOH (and monitor) locations.

[@jacekalchimowicz1321]

@@stageleftaudio Thank you for your answer. Happy New Year from Poland.