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Post by roly on Apr 3, 2021 22:12:00 GMT -5
CD release show with a full split for broadcast and a guide two track to the camera folks.
I already have a full split for monitors...seven mixes.
A third hardwired split is simple enough but the footprint of a splitter box on the deck will eat up precious space.
It's a big band and the client is bringing in a lighting tech who does not want to use the house hang....that means he will be using ground support which will eat up more real estate on the already congested deck.
So......Roly thought....how about sending the broadcast guy the 32 channel USB recording out from my wee Soundcraft mixer.
We tested it last night using the bands soundchecks as a dummy feed and all went well, BUT he was set up right beside FOH, not 150' away
The broadcast guy is fine using a DAW as the broadcast mixer.
So....next hurdle is testing USB over cat6 as the broadcast guy will be 150' away from me.
If it works, the only thing in the air will be two cat6 cables and one XLR for com versus 150' of multicore analogue snake which will then require a second mixer at the broadcast location.
I do this on purpose and don't plan to stop until my back or ears fail.
I like going to work...:>)
cheers
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mikem
Wholenote
Musician soundman musician soundman
Posts: 231
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Post by mikem on Apr 4, 2021 7:58:43 GMT -5
I assume that you are providing the sound production for performance....and maybe playing the gig too (I like playing in a big band).
As far as tech'ing a big band:
I always think that "minimal" is better. I'll mic-up the sax section (one mic per inst) and tell the guys to stand up and "eat the mic" when soloing.
If the guys are-pros they'll know what to do...
One/two solo-only "switched" mics for trpt section and the same for the tbn section. Tell them to turn the mics on/off for solos.
(I have found that trombonist are good about turning mics on/off - trumpeters will turn a mic on and-leave-it-on most of the time.....what's up w'that??)
My biggest concern when mic'ing a big band is monitors. It has been my experience that when a video of a performance is being made, the bandleader may be more interested in "the look" of the video, thus the band may be spread-out across a stage - with the drummer all the way on one side of the band - which will create phasing-issues for the players on the other side of the band (big problem) plus a tough spot for soloists....
I'm not a big one for mic'ing a drum kit in a big band but a little kick/OH in the monitors sent to the other-side of the band is a good idea, also send some bass to the monitors on the other side and the soloists will love you (Nothing is worse than having to read-the-changes while soloing. Good soloists would rather use their ears.)
I have used four monitors across the front of a big band plus two monitors behind the brass section.....two mixes in front and mix three for behind the brass/winds.
I always approach tech'ing a big band from a players' standpoint as I've been on the player side.....
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Post by roly on Apr 5, 2021 0:51:18 GMT -5
Just got out of a production meeting for the pending event.
Now they want yet another full split for recording.
So....one for FOH, one for monitors, one for broadcast, and one for recording.
Do these folks think I own a cable factory?
I'm waiting for them to ask for zebras on swings.
All my damn zebras are out on rentals that weekend, know how much it costs to fly in zebras? Especially on short notice.
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Post by Vibroluxer on Apr 5, 2021 20:00:07 GMT -5
I have little technical knowledge of what you are saying but it sure sounds like a good time. Have you done events this involved before?
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Post by roly on Apr 5, 2021 20:45:41 GMT -5
Hi mikem
"As far as tech'ing a big band:
I always think that "minimal" is better.
In this case, minimal is not an option (not that I disagree with your described approach).
To accommodate broadcast and recording needs, each source must be individually miced or DIed.
The band is a reggae/rock act and the client wants it loud so, for instance, tossing up a couple condensers above the percussion station won't work, not enough isolation....think loud back line and loud monitors.
Perhaps my description misled you....it's a big band, but not a big band in the sense of a jazz orchestra.
cheers
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Post by roly on Apr 5, 2021 21:04:29 GMT -5
Vibroluxer
"I have little technical knowledge of what you are saying but it sure sounds like a good time. Have you done events this involved before?"
Yes, many times, but those events took place at theatres or music festivals where the stage is large and the resources plentiful....never in a bar environment.
Cheers
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Post by Vibroluxer on Apr 5, 2021 21:14:16 GMT -5
That's some skill you have. You must be pretty damn good at it!
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Post by roly on Apr 6, 2021 2:39:40 GMT -5
Vibroluxer
"That's some skill you have. You must be pretty damn good at it!"
At my age, it would be disgracefull if I wasn't competent.....I'm not implying that I am any better than the next guy with a similar background.
I view what I do as being a trade.....all be it without reasonable pay, benefits, guaranteed hours, predictable work schedules...:>)
cheers
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Post by roly on Apr 13, 2021 21:04:49 GMT -5
All attempts to send multitrack USB audio over cat6 have failed. Dante or MADI will work but the budget for the show prohibits investing in a Dante or MADI card for my mixer.
I can stick a USB wireless mouse receiver on the end of 300 feet of cat6 and it works fine....not so with the USB multitrack source.
So.....we have gone with a hardwired split and a second mixer at the broadcast location.
We moved the broadcast location to a room behind the stage....all we had to do is cut a hole in the upstage wall to run cable to the new broadcast location.
The isolation will not be optimal for broadcast but we will bring in a pair of powered 1000 watt boxes to be used as monitors that can overwhelm the bleed through the wall.
There is still a need to run cat6 to the router in the office and cable to the camera guys.
so....still challenging.
cheers
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Post by ninworks on Apr 13, 2021 21:34:44 GMT -5
I'm waiting for them to ask for zebras on swings. All my damn zebras are out on rentals that weekend, know how much it costs to fly in zebras? Especially on short notice. I don't know about Zebras but I have a connection for Giraffes. |
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Post by roly on Apr 14, 2021 4:55:07 GMT -5
Never had a tech rider requesting giraffes.
If that situation occurs, can I count on you to be the giraffe broker?
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Post by roly on Apr 17, 2021 5:39:14 GMT -5
Dry run tonight.
All went well, broadcast guy is pleased.
If you are interested, find "Soir de Semaine Yukon" on YouTube. Broadcast time is roughly 9:30PM Yukon time.
I am doing FOH and am not responsible for the lights or the broadcast mix.
Squeeze mic is an internal omni dynamic mic and is rather unmanageable. If the squeeze girl walks into a vulnerable spot, the monitors take off, even though I have hacked the crap out of the squeeze mic eq in the monitors.
I have known the drummer since the early 70s, he's over seventy and still plays great.
cheers
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Post by rickyguitar on Apr 17, 2021 7:53:46 GMT -5
Sounds like you guys it sorted out. Good on ya. Your thread makes me recall the time I supplied sound for an Arab folk group. They spoke their Arabic language and French, and their tech spoke French and some English. It was...an adventure.
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