New to sound - NEED HELP!

[NoseGear]

Normally you would see me posting in the lighting section of Blue Room as I'm a light tech. However, I started at my new college a couple of weeks ago and put myself forward in the drama department for lighting. With an event coming up in under a month I was told to go see the college theatre technician who rambled on about how he's the only person trained to use the lighting board and wouldn't even tell me which board they use. To cut ramblings short, he suggested or rather forced me onto doing the sound which I know nothing about.

 

I'm all for being an all-rounder so I'm willing to learn.

 

What do I need to know to run this talent showcase type event? There'll be singers, dancers, live musicians etc.

Any help from anyone?

 

Faris

[kerry davies]

Faris, nobody here could even guess at what you need to know other than if the theatre technician is the employed person then whatever he says goes.

 

He may not want your help and basically you have to prove your worth in his environment, not always easy and usually fraught with diplomatic pitfalls. Unless he is new himself then he will know what is needed and I would suggest you follow his lead in his workspace.

 

People may give lists of things but nobody knows your capabilities, the equipment available, the abilities of the performers, the space itself, the relationship with the employee, anything! Nobody can advise other than to be courteous, patient and keep a low profile at first. Build trust slowly, you have lots of time.

[NoseGear]

Thankyou! Just wasn't sure what to expect with sound. So I'll just be a helpful hand and see how it goes.

[pritch]

It does sound like you may have a bit of a diplomatic issue on your hands here! Don't go in being a know-it-all; admit that you know nothing about sound, but are willing to learn. Ask intelligent questions; don't annoy the chap. You might find that he starts to trust you and treat you as a valuable member of his crew.

 

Alternatively, you might find that he has a massive chip on his shoulder about something or other... if so, you're a bit stuck.

 

Sound's a funny one; stick a few lights up, and unless you have a coach party from the Really Tall Hat Society sitting between your FOH bars and the stage, then things will be largely the same whether you've got an audience in or not. A full house can really change the way that something sounds, though - and that's something that I found difficult to cope with when I started teaching myself sound.

[paulears]

You know, I remember the days when you went to college to be taught things by your teachers/lecturers. Telling you, you are doing sound, without any actual training seems self-defeating really. Rather like telling you your driving test is next week, and you're just going to have to pick it up yourself.

 

If I was you, I'd talk to whoever is in charge, not an unfriendly, unhelpful technician who doesn't seem interested in what is coming up - explain your case and find out what on earth is going on.

 

I get really fed up with the attitude people have that the acting, singing and dancing is all important, and technical things 'just happen'.

What do I need to know to run this talent showcase type event?

You should NOT need to ask us - because we have no idea what you have, equipment wise, and we don't know you - so can't be certain our advice will be at your level. The people with the answer to this one are employed by your college - so ask them! If they can't teach you, how will they be able to assess you?

[NoseGear]

Thanks for the support guys! Its good to know this isn't what its supposed to be like. I'll try my best and I'll report back here.

[tommulliner]

What do I need to know to run this talent showcase type event? There'll be singers, dancers, live musicians etc.

Any help from anyone?

As for your 'talent showcase', from my experiences, expect to have to: play backing tracks on several million types of media (Ipod, phone, random mp3 player, CD, laptop......), balance microphones and instruments plugged into the desk if not amplified themselves. Just keep levels at a sensible, audible level; its a talent show, not a rock concert!

 

All the best,

Tom.

[TimmyP1955]

Just remember that half of what you are told is total BS (much like history class in an American school).

[justintyme]

One thing I would say is, try and get hold of the CD's iPods, tracks etc. before you have you play them live. Most amateurs don't understand modulation so one track is super quiet, the next blows your ears off. Also, in my experience, most home produced CD tracks come with 3 to 10 secs silence before the track starts. It sounds ok when they play it at home, but when they then have to stand infront of the audience and wait for a10 secs before the sound appears, it can usually turn a mild little mouse into a raging lion the second they get off stage and confront you! And its no use pointing out they gave you the track, its always your fault!

If possible, sort the tracks out first, check time to start, modulation and make plenty of notes.

Good luck

[Bobbsy]

This ^^^^

 

I always try to have my laptop along and, wherever possible, I'll rip the CD or transfer the MP3 player stuff into it in advance. I then normalise the levels and trim the start cues.

 

Obviously there isn't always time--but it's a worthwhile exercise whenever you can manage it.

 

Bob