The sound system of a venue will determine how the gig will turn out. The sound system directly impacts the quality of the music reaching your audience. Distortion, interference, and technical issues are examples of issues you may have with using a venue with a poor sound system. In the long run, it leads to a poor gig performance. Hence, this article will discuss tips to help you set up a venue's sound system.
Check Out the Venue
When you get a gig, the first step to setting up a sound system is to check out the venue. You get to assess the acoustics, layouts, and available equipment. A proper assessment lets you make informed decisions about your setup before the main day.
The Acoustics of Venue
The venue's shape, size, and contents contribute to its acoustics. The acoustics of a venue influence the sound quality. A large room with open space allows for a longer reverberation time. The reverberation time affects the sound clarity. On the other hand, a small room will have pronounced reflections and standing waves. The difference between these rooms will help you decide on the types of equipment you should come along with.
Equipment
Knowing the equipment present in the venue helps you set up the sound. Check out the mic, PA speakers, and amplifiers at the venue. Feel free to bring your equipment if you are uncomfortable using the venue.
Set Up The Sound System
Three major pieces of equipment must be placed in the right place of a venue to enhance the sound system. They include
Speaker
The speaker must be placed at a reasonable distance from the stage to avoid direct sound reflections.
Avoid putting the speaker in front of reflective surfaces like walls and windows.
Ensure the speakers are positioned to cover the entire audience area.
Connect the main speaker to a spare one to amplify the sound.
Microphone
Make use of a dynamic microphone to capture sounds from drums and guitar amplifiers.
Put the dynamic microphone close to the sound source to reduce background noise.
Use a shotgun microphone to isolate a specific sound source.
A good microphone can aid in recording your performance as it properly captures the sounds.
Cables
Your instrument cables must be properly positioned to give you a professional outlook.
Clearly label your cables with their function for easy identification. This helps to avoid confusion.
Use cable clips and ties to arrange the cables together. This will help prevent falls.
Avoid running cables near power sources. It can induce noise and cause interference.
For larger setups, use cable snakes or channels to protect cables.
Optimizing the Sound System
After all the placements and equipment arrangement, follow these steps to improve the sound system.
1 Adjust the levels of individual instruments to achieve a balanced and harmonious sound.
2. Ensure you make use of an equalizer to compensate for the room acoustics.
3. Listen for high-pitched sounds and trace the source of the feedback problem.
4. To minimize feedback, reduce the microphone's gains.
5. Place the speaker at a good angle to reduce the reflection of sounds.
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