Anyone a sound engineer or know about microphones, etc.?

[cotomom]

I am producing the elementary school play and am in need of some simple guidance for better brands, set-ups, etc. of sound equipment.

I know fairly well what I need....

choir mics
lavalier body mics
sound board
amp
speakers

But just a bit of guidance w/ brands/quality, frequency and interference ideas.

Long shot, I know.... but I didn't know where else to ask!

 

[piratesmate]

DH runs the sound board at church & when we were building our new facility 15 yrs ago he helped design the sound system for it. This is his passion.

He said it doesn't really matter what brand & equipment you get. You could get top of the line equipment & if you do NOT have someone good, who knows what they're doing, it will still sound lousy.

You're not looking to actually buy, are you? I know our local community theatre group rents most of their stuff from a big company in the city. I would think that they could answer some of your questions for you. For microphones, we like the Shure mikes.

If you don't know someone who really knows what they're doing with sound equipment, there are several options. You could check with the company you rent from...probably the most expensive option.

OR - If your local school district has a GOOD drama department, they probably also have a good AV department. You could call them & ask if there's someone who might do it for you. However, check with some people who have attended school plays etc to see how the sound has been. Our district does all kinds of plays, but I've never been to anything where the sound was good. However, the district directly to our south has an outstanding drama AND AV dept & I wouldn't hesitate to use one of them.

OR - If there is a large church in your area that does contemporary worship music (drums, guitars, etc - not just a piano or organ), you might try calling there to see if one of their people would be willing to do it. Fees will vary from area to area so I can't help with that.

Good luck!

 

[Papa Deuce]

I am producing the elementary school play and am in need of some simple guidance for better brands, set-ups, etc. of sound equipment.

I know fairly well what I need....

choir mics
lavalier body mics
sound board
amp
speakers

But just a bit of guidance w/ brands/quality, frequency and interference ideas.

Long shot, I know.... but I didn't know where else to ask!

can I recommend a website?

explain your situation FULLY and your budget. Let them know you are NOT a DJ.

http://www.djchat.com


There are a few idiots here but there are also a few world famous DJ / Event coordinators.

PM a guy named Bernie Howard. Also, I agree with the above, you need a good sound person to make it sound good.

 

[Valentine]

We always hire a sound person for our performances. Yes.. after many years of renting we did finally purchasing our own Lavalier's.. they are Sennheiser's and are great to work with.. but can get hairy if you don't know how to work with them... setting frequencies and levels.... So.. we own the mikes.. but rent everything else.. INCLUDING a technician..and Board Operator...and then we have one of our folks.. usually the asst. Director, sit with the operator to give cues... Always go with a professional!!! It will make your life so much easier.. from set up to tech week.. to breaking down... Here in New York we use a few different folks depending upon the type of show we are doing... The most frequently used services is Strike Sound. They have a website, strikesound.com and perhaps you can take a look at it to see what clue words you may need to use to find someone local... OR.. you can even call him.. his name is Jack. I know he does do out of state stuff.. and maybe he has someone in CA.... Long shot.. but hey.. you never know!

Good Luck... or should I say.. "Break-A-Leg"
Kathy

 

[cotomom]

Thanks everyone! I take your advice very gratefully!

I'm overwhelmed even thinking about all of this sound stuff. I'm coming from a place where I hardly can set up a PS2 for my kids!