View Full Version : Basic Equipment For theatre work
i dont know if i can post this as this is a DJ forum but here we go. if this is not allowed then feel free to deleate.
as i did sound tech as well as music performance at college i was thinking about supplying equipment (wet hire only) for people to hire
As i have never done theatre work before what kind of equipment would i need. The main problem i have would be mics. Would i need to use shotgun mics??? Anything outboard i know already. Just need advice on how to pickup the speaking without having to spend a fortune on radio mics for everybody.
Plus any other tips would be grand.
Many thanks
Tom
don't run before you can walk :-)
If you know nothing about theatre.. don't expect to be able to start supplying sound solutions to a theatre.
1) people have their own kit
2) they have trusted soundees already
:)
Paul James Promotions
11-10-2007, 09:21 AM
don't run before you can walk :-)
If you know nothing about theatre.. don't expect to be able to start supplying sound solutions to a theatre.
1) people have their own kit
2) they have trusted soundees already
:)
Bit negative isn't it? I know nothing about theatre, but have now done two theatre shows.
don't run before you can walk :-)
If you know nothing about theatre.. don't expect to be able to start supplying sound solutions to a theatre.
1) people have their own kit
2) they have trusted soundees already
:)
i understand what you are saying but i was thinking about people who go on the road??? then wont have anything then will they. i would have most of the gear from band pa hire that why i was asking about what kind of equipment i would need.
im going to see beauty and the beast (birthday treat for my girlfriend)on saterday so i might go ask the sound tech and ask his advice if i dont get much help on here.
i understand what you are saying but i was thinking about people who go on the road??? then wont have anything then will they. i would have most of the gear from band pa hire that why i was asking about what kind of equipment i would need.
im going to see beauty and the beast (birthday treat for my girlfriend)on saterday so i might go ask the sound tech and ask his advice if i dont get much help on here.
No I don't think I am being Jamie.. i am just saying how it is from where i work... a theatre. We have various big artists and small ones coming along... including lee evans, sean lock, russel howard, marty wilde, That'll be the day, Bonnie Langford etc.. so i see a few shows come and go.
People who go on the road? Meaning who?
The 'tours' i have worked with when they come to the theatres where i work.. bring their own sound guys along.. and plug into the theatres sound system.. or bring their own huge systems whereas with lighting the smaller shows normally just use a theatre guy to 'improvise' a bit.. or the bigger shows also bring their own lighting guy along.
I am certainly not trying to put you off.. just pointing out how it is where i am. Our main soundman who comes in at the moment spent a number of years doing technical degrees etc... so for him it certainly wasn't a case of just jumping in and getting the sound job. and lots of others doing courses too.. like this: http://www.cssd.ac.uk/undergrad.php/22/theatre_sound.html
Not sure what kit you have already.. but this is the desk that is normally in at our theatre for fairly small shows:
http://www.astecdjs.co.uk/n618915111_1211652_7938.jpg
Not exactly small.. but it just about does the job.. when you take into consideration things like the band mics & singers / actors mic & general stage mics..
I'll add you on msn to have a chat :-)
i understand what you mean sam. i didnt know that people bring there own sound tech and everyone else. i always thought that people like me could be hired in these things but i know that theatre work is a lot harder than usual band stuff. lots more to think about and que up.
as i said i was thinking about it but if thats the case might not go for it. just stick with bands. easier for me as i already know what to do.
colint
11-10-2007, 06:45 PM
I must admit I totally agree with Sam on this one!
I've worked in sound (Dj & pro install) for over 30 years and theatre sound is very complex and not something to take lightly,
Apart from the amount of equipment you would need (and the cost of it) just for a basic show you'd need training in theatre sound just to set it all up properly if you really want to go this route why not get yourself on a theatre tec's course as a starter?
DMX Will
11-10-2007, 07:20 PM
Hmmmm,
I don't know what to suggest on this one, if you want to do bands, forget theatre and decide what you want to do.
You need to specialise, even within "bands" pick a genre you like and one that you feel you can add something too. If you want to be doing places where there is no sound setup, or one that you need to add too, get yourself a van, 32 channel mixer, proper outboard (behringer does not count) rack 45m snake (at least 24/4) and don't compromise on cables/mics.
Just my 4.5p
Hmmmm,
I don't know what to suggest on this one, if you want to do bands, forget theatre and decide what you want to do.
You need to specialise, even within "bands" pick a genre you like and one that you feel you can add something too. If you want to be doing places where there is no sound setup, or one that you need to add too, get yourself a van, 32 channel mixer, proper outboard (behringer does not count) rack 45m snake (at least 24/4) and don't compromise on cables/mics.
Just my 4.5p
basically anything with a guitar i will cover. even just small acoustic bands. but really metal music as this would my favourite.
the snake im hoping on getting would be a 50m, 24/8 with xlr returns.
well in the end i would like to do very large show like live 8 and all that. ut for moment i would only need a 16 channel mixer as most bands only need about 13 channels plus i can rack mout it and can saves on large mixer cases
was thinking about getting this mixer - http://www.allen-heath.com/UK/DisplayProduct.asp?pview=69
i was think about getting a few bits from behringer but not all of it as i like there stuff. all the mics i would like to get would all be senheiser and summer cable and neutrik connections.
but still thinking what speaker to get. either make them or buy them. active or passive :confused: . still thinking about everything all the time
DMX Will
12-10-2007, 08:43 AM
Passive. Active stuff is not used in big installs generally as a rule, nor is it tend to be used by big bands with their own sound tech. Not sure why really, but I'm not a fan of active really anyway!
Don't make them, you'll have no hope of getting big work without some decent branded speakers. Well, that's my opinion anyway.
all opinions are welcome. i would rather hear what people have to say instead of doing what i want to do and fail at the end of it.
DJ Frankie
12-10-2007, 09:27 AM
My advice KMA is to go for it!!!
These forums are great at times but not everyone will ever agree on plans people have.
I have no expierence in theatre work I only did a stint when I was younger, but if you reallly feel strong about it then do it. Whats the worse that can happen.
Passive. Active stuff is not used in big installs generally as a rule, nor is it tend to be used by big bands with their own sound tech. Not sure why really, but I'm not a fan of active really anyway!
Don't make them, you'll have no hope of getting big work without some decent branded speakers. Well, that's my opinion anyway.
@ Will - Spot on, that man!
@Tom - don't try and run before you can walk. I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm but I think you need to start in a small way to gain the experience and start making some money first.
A few tips - buy respected rider-friendly brands that other hire companies are using, possibly look at buying ex-hire/install kit as long as it's not been thrashed.
When buying a desk, if you need 13 channels now, don't buy a 16 channel desk, as sure as god made littel apples, you'll need 17 channels next week/month.
If you work with a band or a few bands and do a good job, provided the band/s have regular work, so have you.
HTH
@ Will - Spot on, that man!
@Tom - don't try and run before you can walk. I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm but I think you need to start in a small way to gain the experience and start making some money first.
A few tips - buy respected rider-friendly brands that other hire companies are using, possibly look at buying ex-hire/install kit as long as it's not been thrashed.
When buying a desk, if you need 13 channels now, don't buy a 16 channel desk, as sure as god made littel apples, you'll need 17 channels next week/month.
If you work with a band or a few bands and do a good job, provided the band/s have regular work, so have you.
HTH
i wish to start small anyway. to start off with ill only have 2 tops and 2 subs which is enough to start off with. but i still need to buy the mixer and some outboard to start of with
i have based 13 channel on 7 drums mics, 1 bass, 2 guitars and 2 vocals. most bands i have seen and even played with this is a maximum where i live, but i see where you are coming from. i was thinking of 16 channel as this can be rack mounted and i dont have to buy another case for the mixer.
where i live there are a lot of local band who i could do sound for but then i need to think about prices but not to high that they wont hire me but still enough for me to make money on.
I must admit I totally agree with Sam on this one!
I've worked in sound (Dj & pro install) for over 30 years and theatre sound is very complex and not something to take lightly,
Apart from the amount of equipment you would need (and the cost of it) just for a basic show you'd need training in theatre sound just to set it all up properly if you really want to go this route why not get yourself on a theatre tec's course as a starter?
Why thank you! (you make it sound like a bad thing?! haha)
I agree.. and if you want to go into the industry there isn't any point in skimping in equipment.. you will just constantly need bigger and better.
You should really look at doing a tech / theatre sound degree or something like i sent you the link to... other than having a 'ive done this' ... it also gives you lots of experience which a) helps your confidence b) shows you how to do things right. and c) gives you lots of stuff to put into a portfolio.. or onto your business website.... like the shows you have worked on... making you stand out from the crowd.. and get the work
Don't make them, you'll have no hope of getting big work without some decent branded speakers. Well, that's my opinion anyway.
Exactly!
My advice KMA is to go for it!!!
These forums are great at times but not everyone will ever agree on plans people have.
I have no expierence in theatre work I only did a stint when I was younger, but if you reallly feel strong about it then do it. Whats the worse that can happen.
Not always the case.. both myself and will are in the theatre right now.. and we are saying how it is.. and from what we have learnt and been told by pro. soundies - i really wouldn't want to see someone give iot a try.. buy lots of kit.. and be let down.... although of course it may work out exactly the way you want it to
@ Will - Spot on, that man!
@Tom - don't try and run before you can walk. I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm but I think you need to start in a small way to gain the experience and start making some money first.
A few tips - buy respected rider-friendly brands that other hire companies are using, possibly look at buying ex-hire/install kit as long as it's not been thrashed.
When buying a desk, if you need 13 channels now, don't buy a 16 channel desk, as sure as god made littel apples, you'll need 17 channels next week/month.
If you work with a band or a few bands and do a good job, provided the band/s have regular work, so have you.
HTH
Totally agree... i was speaking to Dave who runs his own sound company.. he started off with really small equipment because he said he didn't think he would ever need more that 16 channels... few months down the line he had the beast i showed in the picture... something like a 32/48+ channel desk (can't remember).... and he often uses all the channels.... But he still does small 5 piece band work with it.... and it is fine for that too.
I have various contacts with guys who can get you ex-install / hire / tour kit if you want it... normally really good prices.. but still good quality.
i wish to start small anyway. to start off with ill only have 2 tops and 2 subs which is enough to start off with. but i still need to buy the mixer and some outboard to start of with
i have based 13 channel on 7 drums mics, 1 bass, 2 guitars and 2 vocals. most bands i have seen and even played with this is a maximum where i live, but i see where you are coming from. i was thinking of 16 channel as this can be rack mounted and i dont have to buy another case for the mixer.
where i live there are a lot of local band who i could do sound for but then i need to think about prices but not to high that they wont hire me but still enough for me to make money on.
I don't think you can be looking at getting any theatre... 'resident' or touring work with your 'starter' kit. Although for a sake of a case it may be worth buying a bigger desk... so you can easily expand without further expenditure?
The main piece of advice I have found on various websites all about becoming a lighting designer.. or soundman.. or just general industry websites is that you need to be prepared to start at the bottom and make your way up the ladder.. and realise that there may be times where you have to resort to the crappier jobs.. like a rigger or followspotter instead of Lighting Designer for example.
when i said i based it on 7 drum mics ect, i mean is thats what i have seen being used. if it was me i would rather have 2 sets of drums, 4radio and 8wired mics ect and so on.
when i said i based it on 7 drum mics ect, i mean is thats what i have seen being used. if it was me i would rather have 2 sets of drums, 4radio and 8wired mics ect and so on.
ummmmmm :confused: and how are you going to connect all that to a 16 ch A&H Mixwizard?
well not with that mixer. i would use a bigger mixer. but "to start off with" i would use that and when i can afford a bigger mixer then i would get somthing like a 24 channel
TONYTIGER
12-10-2007, 05:12 PM
Passive. Active stuff is not used in big installs generally as a rule, nor is it tend to be used by big bands with their own sound tech. Not sure why really, but I'm not a fan of active really anyway!
Don't make them, you'll have no hope of getting big work without some decent branded speakers. Well, that's my opinion anyway.
Things are changing will kv2 audio had a amazing active rig doing the festival circuit and even Martin Audio are pushing new frontiers but i agree most active systems don"t give enough head room for live work.
False economy buying something you'll soon outgrow - you can often pick up a second hand GL series for a very good price nowadays, easy to use, nicely laid out, does what it says on the tin and you won't get nasty looks/comments from BEs and others in the know.
there are some real bargains to be had on secondhand analogue desks now, with genuine reasons for sale, due to lots of sound companies taking the plunge and going digital. We picked up a virtually brand new secondhand Venice a few months ago from a company that had done just that.
i dont like digital mixers. to me it dont feel like a mixer as there are less buttons and k n o b s to turn. analogue feels like a real mixer to me.
i dont like digital mixers.
Read my post again, Tom. I wasn't suggesting you go digital, I said that there are secondhand analogue bargains out there on quality kit being sold by those that have gone digital.
to me it dont feel like a mixer as there are less buttons and k n o b s to turn. analogue feels like a real mixer to me.
Have you used one / heard one? Ease of operation, and what it SOUNDS like should be amongst your purchasing decision criteria, not how many buttons and kn0bs it's got
Read my post again, Tom. I wasn't suggesting you go digital, I said that there are secondhand analogue bargains out there on quality kit being sold by those that have gone digital.
Have you used one / heard one? Ease of operation, and what it SOUNDS like should be amongst your purchasing decision criteria, not how many buttons and kn0bs it's got
i know i was just giving an opinion on them
and yes at college. i found the digital studio at college much harder to use and the screen was quite small and hard to read. with analogue what you see in front of you is what you get. much easier for me to work with.
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