PA question

[PaulT]

I would like some advice on the spec for a sound system for a show.

 

It is a promenade performance in a warehouse-type space 26m x 15m (4m high), with

painted brick walls, a concrete floor and large (2.5m) windows on 3 sides. There is

no set as such; There will be between 100 and 170 people (audience and performers)

in the space.

 

We need an even spread of sound, mainly music - a DJ set but in the context a show

(rather than a club).

 

I was thinking of having two powered speakers (of between 250-500w) on stands

pointing down the space. But the musician playing the DJ set suggested we might need

more speakers, spread around the space. I think this might cause acoustic, as well

as cabling difficulties. And having an audience dancing round several speakers on

stands does not sound a good idea either.

 

The budget is unspecified, I suspect ranging from nothing to not much.

 

Thanks for any advice you might have.

Paul

[paulears]

So, ignoring the DJ content - and that's a separate topic in itself, what exactly will you be putting through it? handheld mics, headworn booms, etc and what exactly are they doing? Singing, talking, shouting?

 

Stands on sticks might be ok. You say it's promenade, so are the actors/performers in the crowd, raised up from the crowd? If any are using mics of almost any kind, then how close will they be to the nearest speaker? If the audience are a bit uncontrolled, then speakers on stands will need protecting from idiots, and if the audience are standing in true promenade style, then the stands are unlikely to be high enough. Could you hang them from the lighting support system?

 

Probably a plan would be best, and a clear description of what is going on. A DJ set in the middle of a promenade style performance sounds, er, interesting.

 

 

So do tell, what's going on?

[tolley1466]

Stands on sticks might be ok.

 

Did you mean speakers on sticks, Paul? B-)

[mostlyharmless]

26 x 15m is a big space. And 100 people isn't very many people.

 

 

What is it you want to cover, at what kind of level? For club kinds of levels I've put many many more speakers than that into system designs.

[Mark M]

250W to cover 26x15? I'd be considering adding another zero on the end personally.

[PaulT]

So, ignoring the DJ content - and that's a separate topic in itself, what exactly will you be putting through it? handheld mics, headworn booms, etc and what exactly are they doing? Singing, talking, shouting?

 

Stands on sticks might be ok. You say it's promenade, so are the actors/performers in the crowd, raised up from the crowd? If any are using mics of almost any kind, then how close will they be to the nearest speaker? If the audience are a bit uncontrolled, then speakers on stands will need protecting from idiots, and if the audience are standing in true promenade style, then the stands are unlikely to be high enough. Could you hang them from the lighting support system?

 

Probably a plan would be best, and a clear description of what is going on. A DJ set in the middle of a promenade style performance sounds, er, interesting.

 

So do tell, what's going on?

 

It is *only* music from the DJ set - no microphones (in this space anyway) - sorry if that wasn't clear. The audience will be standing up, moving around the space, being part of the show and dancing at times. The sound is not continous, the show is late at night so I doubt will be played at very high levels and actors are speaking inbeween.

 

As the audience are moving around I did not want to have lots of stands to protect. It may be possible to rig speakers from the grid.

 

The rectangular room will have the audience and performers in the middle, lighting and sound operating postion up one end. My initial idea was to have two speakers at that end, pointing down the space. That would keep the sound equipment in one area, but will it provide an even spread of sound?

[TonyMitchell]

250W to cover 26x15? I'd be considering adding another zero on the end personally.

 

 

Really? Perhaps you can share the maths behind your consideration?

[paulears]

I think I'm being a bit dense - I don't understand and am even more confused? There are no mics, the only thing going through the system is low level music? Then it's two speakers as usual for the DJ, isn't it? Why is it a problem? Sorry - but you've lost me? A DJ set? but not loud? Sounds fine.

[sonicnrg]

A DJ + 'low level' music = does not compute!

[Shez]

A DJ + 'low level' music = does not compute!

But the musician playing the DJ set suggested <snip>

 

It's a musician, not a DJ... B-)

[jodat2]

Ive operated sound systems in Gymnasiums about this size . We used a pair of 500W 15' speakers for FOH for bands and other musicians ,it worked fine and projected well to the back of the venue. I think in this situation, a couple of speakers like this would be fine. As for speaker placement, I think it would probably be worth trying to get one speaker each side of the performance space as those more enthused with the music are going to want to be closer to the stage to hear and see the DJ clearer.

[PaulT]

Thanks for all the replies. I think you have answered my question - 2 x 500W speakers on stands at end of the space - or either end of the space.

 

Sorry for the confusion - the music is being put together by a DJ but there is another person (who happens to play music in another part of the show) who is actually going to be pushing the buttons. The audience will, I hope be watching the show, rather this person. Its confusing as its a very changable show!

 

Paul

[Sound In Gloucestershire]

if the stands are an issue, have you considered stacking the speakers on top of subs? They dont have to be wired in (although I probably would) and would give a better/safer environment for the audience/crowd to walk around

[ben-collins]

I would use Active 12" RCF Arts in each corner. We had a dj set in a large venue once, and the RCF's gushed out sound, and filled the large venue very nicely! :P