sound at a cinema

[crox]

we as a church may possibly be moving from a school hall, which is rubbish for acoustics, to a cinema.

 

What challenges can I expect and any hints? We currently use four rather crap speakers so we will need to invest in some new ones, but what is the best way to get a decent sound across the whole venue without a permenent install? We will have to pack down every week ...

[nothingatall666]

well the acoustics will be much much much better (loads more gain before feedback (which is what I find to be the main problem in those concrete box's))!

 

as for investing in new equipment more information is needed (size of venue, equipment used already, budget for new stuff if its needed)

have you asked if you could plug into the cinemas system?

it may mean a extra few pounds but it will mean there is less to setup/pack and possibly mean you don't have to buy anything new.

[crox]

We can't use their sound system, sadly, but we can use their screen and projector ...

 

We will have a GL2400 desk, with hopefully all instruments having in ear monitors. The singers will be the only actual monitor speakers on stage.

 

In terms of size, it is about 238 seats, standard cinema affair. I haven't looked at speakers in ages, so no idea on what is good, prices etc.

 

I was thinking of having four speakers, two each side, with them slightly angled upwards, i.e. the top speakers angled towards the back seating.

[Matt Riley]

I have to do this quite a lot in both lecture theatres and cinema venues and I have to say that I doubt the existing cinema system is suitable - namely because the speakers are often behind the screen at the front.

 

My suggestions - if you're using subs, be very aware that since there is such a lot of soft furnishings, then you may need to get some louder ones for them to have any impact. It's amazing how a pair of coupled mackie swa1501s really need to be pushed in a 200 seat lecture theatre to get a usable level. With regard to tops, think about how you will ensure even coverage. It is possible to get flying cradles for some models of speaker (D&B E series, HK actor, PS10, EV SX300, etc etc) and you could perhaps investigate using manfrotto style wind up stands with a flying cradle to aim the speakers accurately and ensure consistent coverage. You could also chuck a couple of lights a side up as well if you want!

 

Having said that, chances are you're going to struggle to find the money for that sort of solution, and so a couple of SRM 450s or RCF Arts on sticks, providing they are high enough, can also have reasonable results.

 

M

[rooftop]

We've provided PA for awards ceremonies in Screen 1 of the local Odeon a few times...

 

First thing to note is that with all of those comfy seats and fabric lined wall panels, the sound is bone dry. It also required more power than you think (we used a couple of 15" cabs and were quite surprised how hard we had to push them - even just to amplify speech). Coverage was also an issue using two "normal" speaker stands - so if you can get a couple of (say smaller) cabs up high, it would help.

[crox]

so, essentially, I am looking at, preferably, two subs and two tops, with tilt stands.

 

As we will be setting up every week, the simpler the solution the better.

[SoLiEn]

I would of thought ideally 2 subs 4 tops

[aidso]

1 X 18 and 2 X (1x15+2") a side should cover you being driven at maybe 1K into the subs and 1K into the tops a side.(Although wattage is not a great guide its a starting point) Have a look at the new E.V. Tour X or something like that. Remember you WILL need some sort of reverb. As when you hear a P.A. in a cinema it will sound really strange as there is no natural reverb at all.

[johndenim]

Ok so what is the budget here?

 

I presume as a church you have plenty?

I also understand that you have a band?

 

Comments on here are correct, soft seats and furnishings soak up loads of spl, you may need more than you think.

I'd probably ask a dealer to recommend something, let us know before you buy anything though!

 

John Denim.

[dbuckley]

Dont try and use a cinema audio system.

 

Cinema sound systems are built to the 'X curve', which basically means the speakers are very top dull, and sound naff on normal programme material.

 

Caveats - some systems can equalise "flat" audio with the HF preemphasis needed, but by nno means all.

 

This is a rushed reply, but if one is interested, a google on Academy curve will get you going.

[crox]

thanks all.

 

to be honest, budget is as much as we need. It is not unlimited, but the budget is there to get what we need to get the job done.

 

Band as it stands at the moment, is keys, elec acoustic guitar, drums, bass, and up to 6 vocalists, with four normally being BV's.

 

I am also thinking that we will need a new amp as the current one is fine for our shabby four speakers, but I don't think it will have enough to drive four good and loud speakers.

 

So the shopping list:

 

2 x subs

4 x tops

1 x Xover

2 x amps

1 x reverb unit.

 

With regard to wireless mics, I am guessing that it would be wise to have the receivers stand side rather than desk side?

[Shez]

With regard to wireless mics, I am guessing that it would be wise to have the receivers stand side rather than desk side?

 

If the mics are just going to sit in stands, do they really need to be wireless?

Aside from that, locating them at the desk shouldn't present you with any problems, as long as you buy decent (not budget) radio mics.

[crox]

the vocalist micophones won't be wireless, though we will go down that route eventually.

 

I was referring to tie-clip and handheld (1 of each). We will try with them by the desk, to start with.

 

The problem I can forsee with all of this is that the first time I will get to check out the venue, with the kit will be the morning of the first service.

 

Me thinks it will be early start, but at least I have a few months to think about it.

[Lamplighter]

Me thinks it will be early start, but at least I have a few months to think about it.

An area I would consider at this stage, is the proposed system easy to set up/dismantle. Practical considerations such as mixer in a flightcase with dog box and another with amps and outboard, plus premade looms with multiway connectors would be high on my list of priorities.

Brian

[Sir PA Super]

thanks all.

 

to be honest, budget is as much as we need. It is not unlimited, but the budget is there to get what we need to get the job done.

 

Band as it stands at the moment, is keys, elec acoustic guitar, drums, bass, and up to 6 vocalists, with four normally being BV's.

 

I am also thinking that we will need a new amp as the current one is fine for our shabby four speakers, but I don't think it will have enough to drive four good and loud speakers.

 

So the shopping list:

 

2 x subs

4 x tops

1 x Xover

2 x amps

1 x reverb unit.

 

With regard to wireless mics, I am guessing that it would be wise to have the receivers stand side rather than desk side?

 

 

Hi crox,

 

Earlier this year a very well known church who use the Odeon in Enfield contacted us wanting to do exactly the same thing. It worked out very simply, that being that set-up and pack down was such an issue (they were only given 15 minutes each side of service !! to do it) that they ended up going straight for an active system comprised of RCF ART522A's as the full range box which they put on stands 10 metres up. These were great for the job because of the light weight nature of the new digital ART boxes, we simply got the technicians here to make them some 10M long IEC leads and gave them some nice long van damme XLR's to boot. I would say go active and have a look at the new ART range with the more powerful sub. You will only need 2 x tops and 2 x subs.