Hi all--
Been providing sound equipment for about half the dances I do, many of
them private gigs in all sorts of indoor and outdoor locations. In really
live setting, like old mostly-concrete school gymnasiums, the most
valuable tool in my rack is the 31-band equalizer, which I've learned to
use moderately well to identify and suppress the sound frequencies that
echo loudest and cause feedback. The process ("ringing out") is tedious
and I'm wondering if anyone's been using a digital "feedback-destroyer"
sort of appliance to automate the task.
The trickiest part of setting up has been adjusting monitor placement and
levels for the musicians. They usually ask me to make adjustments after
the dance is in progress. Give them too much, and the mics start picking
it up, sometimes creating a shower-stall reverb effect or feedback. My
dream: inconspicuous wireless monitor headsets with volume controls for
musicians.
Besides that, I've seen enough other people's rigs to realize that usually
you get what you pay for, quality-wise. I started out with cheapo mics and
found that replacing them with Shures made a huge difference. My first
speaker stands were very affordable, but the knurled knobs to clamp the
poles in place gradually stripped their threads so they're now history.
Haven't gone to a wireless mic yet, but someday!
Whenever I can, I do small gigs with no equipment at all, perhaps like the
era when this genre of music and dance was more or less contemporary...
Chip Hedler
Hi All,
We are shopping for sound equipment. We hold dances in a small extremely
live hall. We get from 30 to 50 dancers. We also do gigs in other halls
for up to 100. We are a community band: good musicians with, sometimes
several sit-ins (also good): We are 2 Fiddles, 1 recorder/clarinet/saxophone
(i.e. one person, who switches between these instruments), 1 Silver flute, 1
Irish (wooden) flute, 1 guitar (with pick-up soon I hope), 1 keyboard, 1
Bodhran, sometimes 1 added Bodhran, rarely another guitar, a stand up
Acoustic Bass, and an Acoustic Piano (in place of keyboards). With Caller at
most we need 12 inputs. Below is a list of the equipment we are
considering. We are relatively new to equipment of this caliber. Ease of
use is an issue. We are choosing from among the following. Do you have
experience with these? Do you have preferences?
MIXERS:
1. Allen & Heath PA20 - 16 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs, and a
built-in equalizer
OR
2. Soundcraft MPM12/2 - 12 mono inputs plus 2 stereo inputs. Would
require an added equalizer, possibly the dbx 231 31-Band Graphic Equalizer,
from Sweetwater
Speakers
We are thinking of using 10" powered speakers, 2 for the room, and 2 for
monitors. The two we are choosing between are:
1. Mackie SRM 350
OR
2. RCF ART 310A
To this we would add a caller's monitor TC-Helicon VoiceSolo VSM-200
MICROPHONES
1. Dynamic Vocal Mikes - Either Shure SM 58, OR Shure Beta 58
2. And for General Purpose Mikes: Shure SM 57
What has you experience with this equipment been.
Thanks for you help,
Rickey Holt.
Hi,
I've been giving serious consideration to a Roland AC-90. Peter, you described it exactly. It's light weight, has both XLR and 1/4" input. Also has Aux inputs in the back for an iPod (RCA and 1/4". the cool thing about it is that it has a recepticle to mount it on a speaker stand built in. Here is a link: http://www.roland.com/products/en/AC-90/index.html Download the owner's manual for a complete description.
-------------- Original message --------------
From: Peter Amidon <peter(a)amidonmusic.com>
> Hi,
>
> I am adding to the request.
>
> I need advice on what self-powered speaker with
> at least an XLR and a quarter inch input in the
> back. I would love a speaker big enough for
> dancing with groups of children; right now I use
> my amplifier with an EV X300 (I'm spoiled).
>
> I would be using it with my wireless headset
> system (the XLR connection) and my iPod
> (I have an adaptor into a quarter inch input).
>
> Of course I would love it if it were not too heavy.
> It needs to be able to go on a stand.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Many thanks.
>
> Peter Amidon
> peter(a)amidonmusic.com
> 802-257-1006
> cell 917-922-5462
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)sharedweight.net
> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
Thanks to Lisa Seiverts for an entertaining evening of dancing ,
and to Nat Hewitt and friend for excellent tunes. I applaud
Lisa for doing such a great job calling basically a never-ever dance
and doing mostly contras! I picked up plenty of points for calling that
type of dance, just by being on the dance floor. To be sure it was not a
difficult crowd (plenty of youthful energy!) but still a bit of a
challenge...
There were a few experienced dancers on hand, they set up their
digs by the hoarse shoe pits (near the river!) the common ground
landed us all in the same place....
Ossipee Valley Bluegrass (and folk) festival is very laid back and
nicely laid out
with the Main venue in the middle of the camping area
and there is always picking going on in the 'tent city' along with
guitar/banjo/fiddle
contests.
The only downside I found is the food venues ( better to bring your own)
As Natt Hewitt commented If they want more of a folk crowed they will
need
to do better than Bluegrass food :-) (or something the same)
Hope other dancers and those interested in traditional music get to
experience this
Fest before it gets too big.
This was my 2nd year at OVB and I've had a great time both years.
Located in Cornish Maine, just a little ways from the NH border
in Late July
See ya on the floor
Gale
Our dance group in Charlotte NC is considering a long-term lease on an unused gym. Terms are great, we have a strong lead on a temporary portable floor while we raise money for a better floor. Acoustics, however, are horrendous. It's a big concrete box. What are some relatively quick and cheap ways we can get the acoustics to an OK level while we do the fundraising to do the job right? We need to move in fast as we presently have no better alternatives for our weekly dance. We're thinking about hanging quilts and heavy curtains from ropes along the walls and maybe up in the high ceiling.
Any ideas? Suggestions?
Thanks.
Gretchen Caldwell
gretchendance(a)yahoo.com
Charlotte NC
>Gretchen,
>I knew a ballet group that was meeting in a large warehouse room -
>they covered the walls with large grey cardboard egg flats - you may
>have seen them, they carry more eggs than the traditional cartons,
>though those can also be used. I think one of their members/friends
>had a chicken ranch....Not sure where you can get them, or how much
>they cost, but they do absorb sound and keep it from reflecting all
>over.
>Martha
OMG
This is what can happen when you improvise with sound deadening material:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Station_nightclub_fire
Cardboard? Cardboard!? CARDBOARD!!!
Gretchen,
I knew a ballet group that was meeting in a large warehouse room -
they covered the walls with large grey cardboard egg flats - you may
have seen them, they carry more eggs than the traditional cartons,
though those can also be used. I think one of their members/friends
had a chicken ranch....Not sure where you can get them, or how much
they cost, but they do absorb sound and keep it from reflecting all
over.
Martha
On Jul 24, 2007, at 9:00 AM, callers-request(a)sharedweight.net wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. How can we improve acoustics in a gym? (Gretchen Caldwell)
> 2. Re: How can we improve acoustics in a gym? (Jack Mitchell)
> 3. Re: How can we improve acoustics in a gym?
> (richgoss(a)comcast.net)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:57:58 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Gretchen Caldwell <gretchendance(a)yahoo.com>
> Subject: [Callers] How can we improve acoustics in a gym?
> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net
> Message-ID: <20070723195758.10913.qmail(a)web33805.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Our dance group in Charlotte NC is considering a long-term lease on
> an unused gym. Terms are great, we have a strong lead on a
> temporary portable floor while we raise money for a better floor.
> Acoustics, however, are horrendous. It's a big concrete box. What
> are some relatively quick and cheap ways we can get the acoustics
> to an OK level while we do the fundraising to do the job right? We
> need to move in fast as we presently have no better alternatives
> for our weekly dance. We're thinking about hanging quilts and
> heavy curtains from ropes along the walls and maybe up in the high
> ceiling.
>
> Any ideas? Suggestions?
> Thanks.
>
> Gretchen Caldwell
> gretchendance(a)yahoo.com
> Charlotte NC
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:32:09 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Jack Mitchell <jamitch3(a)mindspring.com>
> Subject: Re: [Callers] How can we improve acoustics in a gym?
> To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
> Message-ID:
> <13792894.1185222729535.JavaMail.root@mswamui-
> cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Gretchen--
>
> Heavy curtains will definitely help. You may want to see if you
> can put some hooks into the walls that you could then hang the
> curtains from. If you've danced at the Carrboro Century Center
> before and after they put in the curtains and sound panels, that's
> a great example of the difference. Also, the Grange (Greensboro)
> was much improved when they added the acoustic panels on the
> walls. Quilts will help some, but they tend not to be as absorbent
> as good heavy curtains.
>
> Jack
>
> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Gretchen Caldwell <gretchendance(a)yahoo.com>
>> Sent: Jul 23, 2007 3:57 PM
>> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net
>> Subject: [Callers] How can we improve acoustics in a gym?
>>
>> Our dance group in Charlotte NC is considering a long-term lease
>> on an unused gym. Terms are great, we have a strong lead on a
>> temporary portable floor while we raise money for a better floor.
>> Acoustics, however, are horrendous. It's a big concrete box.
>> What are some relatively quick and cheap ways we can get the
>> acoustics to an OK level while we do the fundraising to do the job
>> right? We need to move in fast as we presently have no better
>> alternatives for our weekly dance. We're thinking about hanging
>> quilts and heavy curtains from ropes along the walls and maybe up
>> in the high ceiling.
>>
>> Any ideas? Suggestions?
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Gretchen Caldwell
>> gretchendance(a)yahoo.com
>> Charlotte NC
>> _______________________________________________
>> Callers mailing list
>> Callers(a)sharedweight.net
>> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:07:10 +0000
> From: richgoss(a)comcast.net
> Subject: Re: [Callers] How can we improve acoustics in a gym?
> To: Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net>
> Message-ID:
>
> <072320072107.1125.46A5187E000E85090000046522073007939C9C0109080C079D@
> comcast.net>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain
>
> If you use curtains make sure they are quite heavy, and make sure
> the wall opposite the band is well covered. One thing we did at a
> very live hall once was put batting up across the ceiling. That
> absorbed lots of bounce. Tilting your speakers down a bit (and as
> high as you can get them) also helps. I would suggest that you
> also put this question out on the contrasf(a)yahoogroups.com (contra
> sound forum) yahoo group. They would have tons of suggestions.
> Rich
>
>>>
>>> Our dance group in Charlotte NC is considering a long-term lease
>>> on an unused
>> gym. Terms are great, we have a strong lead on a temporary
>> portable floor while
>> we raise money for a better floor. Acoustics, however, are
>> horrendous. It's a
>> big concrete box. What are some relatively quick and cheap ways we
>> can get the
>> acoustics to an OK level while we do the fundraising to do the job
>> right? We
>> need to move in fast as we presently have no better alternatives
>> for our weekly
>> dance. We're thinking about hanging quilts and heavy curtains from
>> ropes along
>> the walls and maybe up in the high ceiling.
>>>
>>> Any ideas? Suggestions?
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>> Gretchen Caldwell
>>> gretchendance(a)yahoo.com
>>> Charlotte NC
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Callers mailing list
> Callers(a)sharedweight.net
> http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
>
>
> End of Callers Digest, Vol 35, Issue 5
> **************************************
Greetings
On the 2nd wknd in Aug I am calling a dance in Gorham NH
It is also the 100th anniversary of the town historical society.
I would like to call a few dances from in this time period.
Family/barn dances would be a plus, but I do hope to call some contras as well. Formations and calls will be appreciated.
thanks in advance
Gale Wood
If you use curtains make sure they are quite heavy, and make sure the wall opposite the band is well covered. One thing we did at a very live hall once was put batting up across the ceiling. That absorbed lots of bounce. Tilting your speakers down a bit (and as high as you can get them) also helps. I would suggest that you also put this question out on the contrasf(a)yahoogroups.com (contra sound forum) yahoo group. They would have tons of suggestions.
Rich
> >
> >Our dance group in Charlotte NC is considering a long-term lease on an unused
> gym. Terms are great, we have a strong lead on a temporary portable floor while
> we raise money for a better floor. Acoustics, however, are horrendous. It's a
> big concrete box. What are some relatively quick and cheap ways we can get the
> acoustics to an OK level while we do the fundraising to do the job right? We
> need to move in fast as we presently have no better alternatives for our weekly
> dance. We're thinking about hanging quilts and heavy curtains from ropes along
> the walls and maybe up in the high ceiling.
> >
> >Any ideas? Suggestions?
> >Thanks.
> >
> >Gretchen Caldwell
> >gretchendance(a)yahoo.com
> >Charlotte NC
Gretchen--
Heavy curtains will definitely help. You may want to see if you can put some hooks into the walls that you could then hang the curtains from. If you've danced at the Carrboro Century Center before and after they put in the curtains and sound panels, that's a great example of the difference. Also, the Grange (Greensboro) was much improved when they added the acoustic panels on the walls. Quilts will help some, but they tend not to be as absorbent as good heavy curtains.
Jack
-----Original Message-----
>From: Gretchen Caldwell <gretchendance(a)yahoo.com>
>Sent: Jul 23, 2007 3:57 PM
>To: callers(a)sharedweight.net
>Subject: [Callers] How can we improve acoustics in a gym?
>
>Our dance group in Charlotte NC is considering a long-term lease on an unused gym. Terms are great, we have a strong lead on a temporary portable floor while we raise money for a better floor. Acoustics, however, are horrendous. It's a big concrete box. What are some relatively quick and cheap ways we can get the acoustics to an OK level while we do the fundraising to do the job right? We need to move in fast as we presently have no better alternatives for our weekly dance. We're thinking about hanging quilts and heavy curtains from ropes along the walls and maybe up in the high ceiling.
>
>Any ideas? Suggestions?
>Thanks.
>
>Gretchen Caldwell
>gretchendance(a)yahoo.com
>Charlotte NC
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>Callers(a)sharedweight.net
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