20/07/2009 [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).
First up, lets look at Band Rehearsals....
Band Rehearsal 1
If you rehearse with real drums and other instruments at realistic levels, you’ll need some vocal amplification for well-balanced, productive rehearsals. Even if the band is relatively quiet, vocalists need to practice with microphones and amplified sound if amplification will be used on stage. Compression can also help to make the vocal sound stand out. This simple system featuring the EMX312SC powered mixer, a pair of AX12 speakers, a SM10V for monitoring, and a couple of good microphones is ideal.
Equipment list :
Powered Mixer : EMX312SC * 1
Main speaker: AX12 *2
Monitor speaker : SM10V
Band Rehearsal 2
Rehearsals in larger rooms with many musicians require substantial sound support. Here’s a system that will comfortably handle multiple sources – full drum-set mic setups, brass sections, and more – while powering four main speakers and two monitors. The EMX5016CF features 16 input channels and delivers a healthy 500 watts per stereo channel to four S112V speakers. In this system a pair of powered MSR400 speakers are used for monitoring.
Equipment list :
Powered Mixer : EMX5016CF * 1
Main speaker: S112V * 4
Monitor speaker : MSR400 * 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 more small scale setups covering live performance in a bar or small club.
To learn more about Yamaha Pro Audio products why not visit http://www.yamahaproaudio.com.
