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Title: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Garry Wilson on November 20, 2012, 09:35:16 PM
Murphy Fine Arts Center/Gilliam Concert Hall  - Morgan State Unv, Baltimore, MD
http://www.murphyfineartscenter.org/pages/MFAC_Rental/gilliam/index.asp

check the specs:
http://www.murphyfineartscenter.org/pages/MFAC_Rental/gilliam/techSpecs_gill.asp

Seating Capacity: 2,036

Jazz Concert

What I have: x2 SRX725 and x2 SRX728 per side, I also have x2 SRX722 and x4 SRX718 available, which I thought maybe a 722/718 stack on the inside of each main stack to hit the seats close to the stage. Enough rig? I forgot to mention I do have a set of 715s, maybe front fill.

I am able to get a friend's set of SRX725/725, he has the same quantity of boxes, but I don't want to add that expense if I don't have to. Amps are Crown Macrotech-I.

My biggest concern is a ground stacked system in a venue with balcony seating, a little high.

I'm good on the monitor system requirement.



I know they have equipment listed/owned by the venue, but what I been told is most soundcos bring in their own rig, maybe MSU charges a pretty penny to use their system.


Garry
98.6 Sound
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Bob Leonard on November 20, 2012, 09:48:44 PM
It's enough to fill the venue, but the real question is will it fill the venue properly. Properly splayed the 725s can work wonders, but not more than a pair at a time. After that combing becomes a problem. You may wish to run a dual PA seperating the vocals to a pair of 725s and the backline to another pair of 725s.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Spenser Hamilton on November 20, 2012, 10:33:01 PM
It's enough to fill the venue, but the real question is will it fill the venue properly. Properly splayed the 725s can work wonders, but not more than a pair at a time. After that combing becomes a problem. You may wish to run a dual PA seperating the vocals to a pair of 725s and the backline to another pair of 725s.

+1, any idea how the second balcony is selling?

We do a 1250 seat theatre with a similar rig. 2x725 and 2x728 per side, front fills are either 2x715 or 4x712 depending on the show. Main floor sounds great, the balcony sounds good in lower seating but seems to lose coverage near the back, we've tapped into the house balcony fills in the past, their SPL limits were a problem for louder shows though.

Main floor and first balcony should be fairly easy to cover with the main PA. I'd consider some fills on the top level (and possibly on the first balcony as well), find out what (if anything) is in place already as a starting point.

I think this might be one of those times a properly hung and shaded line array would surpass a trap rig.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Brad Weber on November 21, 2012, 07:47:10 AM
I know they have equipment listed/owned by the venue, but what I been told is most soundcos bring in their own rig, maybe MSU charges a pretty penny to use their system.
Have you researched why those that brought in their own rigs did so?  Were they similar performances?  Have you looked into the cost to use the house system?
 
You might also want to consider the comments on the venue tech spec page cautioning that the venue was designed for acoustic performances, identifying very specific maximum levels and offering to "please take a moment to learn from our experiences" as it sounds like they are throwing up some red flags and that you might benefit from their input.  Have you spoken with anyone at the venue?
 
It appears that the house has dedicated speakers (KF650s and KF300s) for each balcony and looking at the pictures and seating chart I'd be rather concerned about getting reasonable coverage of the main floor and the balconies from ground stacked SRX725s.  You also didn't mention what processing or the number of amps you have available but that might be a factor if you start considering fills, etc.
 
Also consider some of the common issues with ground stacked speakers in such a venue.  For example, a reflection off a side wall that due to the vertical relationship does not affect the main floor but is very noticeable in some areas of the balconies.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on November 21, 2012, 08:05:40 AM

Use the house system.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Mike Christy on November 21, 2012, 08:29:52 AM
Like always, Dick has the words of wisdom and experience. With that said, Ive had to do similar halls (2k) with 2 QRx212 (for coverage) over 2 subs a side, it was more than enough SPL wise - material was religious with mixed ages in attendance. Although, balcony was empty.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Garry Wilson on November 21, 2012, 11:49:55 AM
Murphy Fine Arts Center/Gilliam Concert Hall  - Morgan State Unv, Baltimore, MD
http://www.murphyfineartscenter.org/pages/MFAC_Rental/gilliam/index.asp

check the specs:
http://www.murphyfineartscenter.org/pages/MFAC_Rental/gilliam/techSpecs_gill.asp

Seating Capacity: 2,036

Jazz Concert

What I have: x2 SRX725 and x2 SRX728 per side, I also have x2 SRX722 and x4 SRX718 available, which I thought maybe a 722/718 stack on the inside of each main stack to hit the seats close to the stage. Enough rig? I forgot to mention I do have a set of 715s, maybe front fill.

I am able to get a friend's set of SRX725/725, he has the same quantity of boxes, but I don't want to add that expense if I don't have to. Amps are Crown Macrotech-I.

My biggest concern is a ground stacked system in a venue with balcony seating, a little high.

I'm good on the monitor system requirement.



I know they have equipment listed/owned by the venue, but what I been told is most soundcos bring in their own rig, maybe MSU charges a pretty penny to use their system.


Garry
98.6 Sound



Thanks for all the input, I will put it all into consideration. I was at the venue this past Saturday, but in the smaller Lamb-Turpin, during intermission I took a peek into the larger hall. I did meet the house engineer and talked with him for a bit, he was on duty for my gig. I didn't know at this point whether I had the future gig, it hinged on my performance for this first gig (new client via referral). I got the call for the future gig in the larger space yesterday. I will be contacting the house engineer for his insight.

My plan is to use my LS9 at FOH and a 2nd LS9 in monitor world.  Promotion/marketing of the show starts in a week or so, gig is in Feb.

www.986sound.com
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Matt Vivlamore on November 21, 2012, 03:35:21 PM
Garry,  I have 2 thoughts on this room.

1) I would lay the SRX728 on its side and stack on top of it.  Tilt the SRX725 back enough and to have it the top balcony and then focus the SRX722s to cover the main floor seats.

2) I would stand the SRX728 upright and stack the SRX725 on top to cover majority of main floor and use the SRX715 for in fills.  Then on the first balcony use the SRX722 to cover the balconies maybe add a little tilt back on these as well.  It looks like this set-up will need some delay in the system, but shouldn’t be a problem with LS9.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on November 21, 2012, 03:45:33 PM
Garry,  I have 2 thoughts on this room.

1) I would lay the SRX728 on its side and stack on top of it.  Tilt the SRX725 back enough and to have it the top balcony and then focus the SRX722s to cover the main floor seats.

2) I would stand the SRX728 upright and stack the SRX725 on top to cover majority of main floor and use the SRX715 for in fills.  Then on the first balcony use the SRX722 to cover the balconies maybe add a little tilt back on these as well.  It looks like this set-up will need some delay in the system, but shouldn’t be a problem with LS9.

Or you could avoid 90% of the grunt work and just use the installed EAW house system which is already set to cover the entire space...............
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: John Penkala on November 21, 2012, 03:50:47 PM
Murphy Fine Arts Center/Gilliam Concert Hall  - Morgan State Unv, Baltimore, MD
http://www.murphyfineartscenter.org/pages/MFAC_Rental/gilliam/index.asp

check the specs:
http://www.murphyfineartscenter.org/pages/MFAC_Rental/gilliam/techSpecs_gill.asp

Seating Capacity: 2,036

Jazz Concert


What I have: x2 SRX725 and x2 SRX728 per side, I also have x2 SRX722 and x4 SRX718 available, which I thought maybe a 722/718 stack on the inside of each main stack to hit the seats close to the stage. Enough rig? I forgot to mention I do have a set of 715s, maybe front fill.

I am able to get a friend's set of SRX725/725, he has the same quantity of boxes, but I don't want to add that expense if I don't have to. Amps are Crown Macrotech-I.

My biggest concern is a ground stacked system in a venue with balcony seating, a little high.

I'm good on the monitor system requirement.



I know they have equipment listed/owned by the venue, but what I been told is most soundcos bring in their own rig, maybe MSU charges a pretty penny to use their system.


Garry
98.6 Sound

Garry,
        I am with Dick. If the house system is properly deployed, it will seriously outperform your rig in SPL, and more importantly coverage and clarity. I would use that if possible.

JP
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Matt Vivlamore on November 26, 2012, 03:00:58 PM
Garry,
        I am with Dick. If the house system is properly deployed, it will seriously outperform your rig in SPL, and more importantly coverage and clarity. I would use that if possible.

JP


I would think that the house system is out of the question since the Client has hired Garry to provide the Audio Production for this event.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on November 26, 2012, 03:18:00 PM

I would think that the house system is out of the question since the Client has hired Garry to provide the Audio Production for this event.

I would think the promoter wants to go cheaper than to pay for the "premium" of the house system.

There's one such hall near me.  Anyone bringing in their own rig for a show is either super-high end or just wants sound on the main floor.

If the promoter wants good coverage in the balcony seating as well as the first floor, he's going to have to pay for it.......one way or another.  The older I get, the less willing I am to deal with producing someone's artistic/technical "vision" for what they've decided is enough $$$ BEFORE bringing me in.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Bob Leonard on November 26, 2012, 11:46:01 PM
Or you could avoid 90% of the grunt work and just use the installed EAW house system which is already set to cover the entire space...............

I just saw this. How much says the promoter didn't opt for the house system because it would cost more than hiring the OP??
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Brad Weber on November 27, 2012, 03:43:33 AM
I would think that the house system is out of the question since the Client has hired Garry to provide the Audio Production for this event.
I don't believe Garry really defined his role other than it being a gig.  If he is hired to provide a sound system then it has apparently already been decided by others to use something other than the house sound.  However, if he is hired to 'take care of the sound' or provide them direction then unless you know that what you will provide would offer a better result and/or better value than the house system, are you serving the Client to not explore the option of using the house system?
 
 
I know they have equipment listed/owned by the venue, but what I been told is most soundcos bring in their own rig, maybe MSU charges a pretty penny to use their system.
I just saw this. How much says the promoter didn't opt for the house system because it would cost more than hiring the OP??
Looks like possibly the same issue here, I couldn't tell for sure if Garry's comment meant he had been hired to provide a sound system and was guessing at why the promoter did that or if the house system was an option available to him but he was assuming it was best to not use it because others had and guessing at why that might be.  If the latter, then given the system Garry has available it seems to make sense to at least verify the cost and any other reasons to or not to use the house system.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: John Penkala on November 27, 2012, 07:54:19 AM

I would think that the house system is out of the question since the Client has hired Garry to provide the Audio Production for this event.

I've done many shows where I am hired to provide the desired results. Sometimes that means keeping my rig on truck and paying to use the house system. It all depends on the customer.

JP
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on November 27, 2012, 08:03:41 AM

I just saw this. How much says the promoter didn't opt for the house system because it would cost more than hiring the OP??

At our local Performing Arts and Convention Center, use of the installed systems are included with the hall rental.  The 4 stagehand minimum call includes an audio technician, carpenter, electrician (lights) and props head.  The labor call doesn't get smaller if the client hires in a system, in fact it can get bigger.

After reading this thread, it's ironic that in Wichita the PAC has clients who complain the rent is too high.  The only thing they charge extra for is follow spot hours.
Title: Re: Will my SRX rig be enough for this venue?
Post by: Garry Wilson on November 27, 2012, 06:16:16 PM
Murphy Fine Arts Center/Gilliam Concert Hall  - Morgan State Unv, Baltimore, MD
http://www.murphyfineartscenter.org/pages/MFAC_Rental/gilliam/index.asp

check the specs:
http://www.murphyfineartscenter.org/pages/MFAC_Rental/gilliam/techSpecs_gill.asp

Seating Capacity: 2,036

Jazz Concert

What I have: x2 SRX725 and x2 SRX728 per side, I also have x2 SRX722 and x4 SRX718 available, which I thought maybe a 722/718 stack on the inside of each main stack to hit the seats close to the stage. Enough rig? I forgot to mention I do have a set of 715s, maybe front fill.

I am able to get a friend's set of SRX725/725, he has the same quantity of boxes, but I don't want to add that expense if I don't have to. Amps are Crown Macrotech-I.

My biggest concern is a ground stacked system in a venue with balcony seating, a little high.

I'm good on the monitor system requirement.



I know they have equipment listed/owned by the venue, but what I been told is most soundcos bring in their own rig, maybe MSU charges a pretty penny to use their system.


Garry
98.6 Sound


Hi Fellas,

        I guess I need to clarify a bit. Assuming I get the contract, I'm being hired to provide sound for a contemporary jazz concert with some R&B elements thrown in.

 I talked with the house engineer yesterday and again today (Tue). He states there are no fly points and the house system is tuned primarily for vocals and is great for choirs, plays and orchestras. So events that don't fit this criteria need to bring in a system. He did say that they generally send him a signal to feed to the house delay speakers and that there is always a bit of work to get things time aligned. Also, the FOH position that is generally used for soundcos is more appropriate. You're in the house, not in the room with sliding glass doors.  I did ask was there an additional charge for use of the system, his impression was all was included and you just use what you need to accentuate your system.

Lastly, the house engineer stated that most of these types of event rarely have many folks in the upper balcony. Also, I just bought tickets to an event there on Sunday (Dec2)to give myself more insight. 

The quote I sent for FOH is 4x SRX728, 4x SRX725 and 2x SRX712 (front fill), I'm using Crown 2x MA-5000i on tops and 2x MA-12000i subs.  2x LS9-32 FoH/Mon

Garry

P.S. thanks for all the inputs