Sound Reinforcement

Sound Reinforcement committee report for November 10, 2015: It's been a busy month for the sound dogs. The Getaway in October went well, with many set ups. The combining The Folk Project system with The Sanctuary system filled the room evenly, and the powered monitors provided mini-speaker systems for the work shops. We had a good crew at the Getaway, and a new face joined us named Becca. She's a natural at stage work, and we're happy to have her on the team. Andrew Dunn and Bill Henderson rounded out the team. Some help from Mike Cohen and FiL Wisneski was much appreciated during the set-up and take-down. During the Getaway a recurring hum in the monitor system seemed to be coming from the console, as we plugged the monitors directly to the monitors during the break-down as an experiment. Granted, the electrical system at Camp Bernie does introduce its own hums into audio equipment. We also had problems with channel 3, so we brought that to Dave's Sound in Whippany for repair. It's had a nice cleaning with no major problems found, so that console should be back in the rack in time for the weekend Special Concert. This past Minstrel the hum in the monitors was present. Bypassing the snake and plugging the monitor speakers directly into the console quieted the problem considerably.; We have some more investigating to do to rid us of the 60-cycle hum once and for all. It wasn't there when the new speakers first arrived. I'll be bringing a spare snake to the show this coming Friday. Mix-Master training sessions As most of you know, we've begun using the Open Stage as a training night to permit soundies to hone their skills at mixing and blending and listening. The Open Stages are ideal as there are many set-ups and many changes. And the Open Stages are informal enough that few discussions at the console won't disrupt the performance or audience members, as is the case during a formal Minstrel performance. November 6th was our first, and it went well. Alicia and Becca each engineered half the night. Learning to be fluent on the console is much like playing an instrument, and few people have the opportunity to practice at home. The open mics will be ideal, and we'll keep it going as long as necessary. Amy Livingston is being kept in the loop about training nights. Those interested in the mix-mastering should contact me for scheduling. Permanent MUF Sound The latest is that MUF is ready to purchase and to begin construction. They are looking for the Folk Project contribution. I'll admit that the sound system they're purchasing is nice, and nearly state-of-the-art, complete with a sub-woofer under the stage, permanent speakers, a digital console capable of being operated by a tablet or smartphone, features for the hearing impaired, facilities for recording audio and video and for broadcasting the shows via the internet, wireless mics, full signal processing, and more. All we'll have to do is carry out and wire the stage monitors and mic-stands. This is the dream system that MUF wants. We'll certainly do well by using it, and once we're used to the new workings our job will be much easier. My only concern is that, while this sound system and all of its features would be a nice addition to any concert series, there has been little news coming to us about fixing the acoustic problems in the room. Even their $35k sound system can't overcome the issues in that room if nothing is done. The MUF rep Matt and I have been exchanging phone calls. MUF is talking about new carpets and partially cushioned seats, which will help the acoustics some. The ceilings and walls need at least a little work. The fabric that had been hanging from the ceiling was ordered to be taken down by the fire inspector.

When we get some assurances that some meaningful steps are being taken to help that room acoustically, I'll ask. the Board to release the grant money to MUF. Our message throughout this process has been consistent, that the room has acoustic issues to be conquered. Sound absorbtion isn't what's needed as much as sound reflecting. Respectfully submitted, Mike Del Vecchio Sound chair