26/08/2009 [Music Production]
The term "live sound" covers a lot of ground, and no two applications are exactly alike. You might only need to amplify a single microphone for a business meeting, or mix many sources and deliver several kilowatts of power at an outdoor concert. For both these scenarios, and everything in between, Yamaha has the gear you need to get the job done with maximum quality, efficiency and ease.
When choosing equipment for your application, you’ll need to consider the following points:
1.Scale
How big is your audience? How big is the venue or area you need to cover? For larger setups, you will need to have enough speakers and power to cover the area, Smaller venues with space limitations require equipment that can provide the required functionality and performance without getting in the way.
2.Sources
Do you only need one or two microphones for speech or vocals? Will you be supporting live music using numerous microphones and line-level inputs? Do you need to handle recorded sound effects or background music? All these factors will determine the size and type of mixer you’ll need, as well as monitoring and output equipment (equalizers, power amplifiers, and speakers).
3.Indoors or Outdoors
The requirements for indoor and outdoor sound can be quite different. While power, coverage and sound quality are relatively easy to handle indoors, these factors often require extra care outdoors where there are no room reflections to reinforce the sound and your audience may be spread out over a large area. You also have nature to deal with when working outdoors, so you need a setup that can withstand less-than-favorable weather conditions.
In a series of articles called "Innovative Solutions for Live Sound" we will be looking at some 'real-life' situations and highlighting the gear that can help you. Read on and you'll also find a great chance to get hold of the entertaining and informative Yamaha 'Exploring Sound Reinforcement' DVD (while stocks last).
As part two of this series lets look at small, versatile PA systems for smaller live venues…
‘Piano Bar’
Here’s a system that’s ideal for small venues hosting musical entertainment ranging from solo pianists to jazz trios with a vocalist. The volume may be low, but vocalists need solid monitor sound to deliver their best performance. Compression can be a real advantage, too. In this example, an EMX512SC powered mixer delivers the house sound via a pair of S112V speakers, while a single SM12V provides quality monitor sound.
A great setup for a small Jazz club with audiences of between 30 and 50 people.
Equipment list :
Powered Mixer : EMX512SC * 1
Main speaker: S112V *2
Monitor speaker : SM12V
‘Sports Bar’
There’s no denying that while much of the impact of a sports event is visual, sound plays a huge role as well. Sports bars that show live or recorded sports on 50" or larger screens have the visual aspect pretty much covered, now here’s a sound system that can really bring the action to life. And when it’s not sports time, it serves as an outstanding BGM system as well. An MG82CX handles the required inputs with room to spare, and a pair of MSR250 powered speakers deliver big dynamic sound.
This system delivers 4 mic channel inputs and is powerful enough to satisfy audiences of up to 50 people.
Equipment list :
Mixer : MG82CX * 1
Powered Speaker: MSR250 * 2
You are obviously interested in Pro Audio gear so now its your chance to get hold of a copy of the Yamaha 'Exploring Sound Reinforcement' DVD!
The disc includes five sections covering basic sound system components and how they all fit together, sample system setups and mixing and monitoring techniques, plus good working practices and troubleshooting, presented in a logical, “signal flow” style. The presentation intersperses hands-on demonstrations, tips and techniques used in real live sound situations with advice from experts and, as a special offer, we have 20 copies to give away. Just email your details to musicproduction@gmx.yamaha.com and we'll send you one free of charge! (unfortunately offer available for the first 20 applicants and only while stocks last).
In the next "Innovative Solutions for Live Sound" we'll be taking a look at larger scale setups covering live performance on stage and in the open air.
To learn more about Yamaha Pro Audio products why not visit http://www.yamahaproaudio.com.
