Sound Reinforcement Report

Sound Reinforcement committee report for August 4, 2015: The new speaker system set up is becoming routine to those who have operated it. The sound really shined at Uke Fest 3! when our set ups were varied, yet every subtle nuance of each of the tonewoods was apparent and clear. Jim and Liz Beloff were open mic'd, singing around a condenser mic old-tyme-radio style, and they sounded natural as can be. As the sound captain, I'd like to encourage those who haven't had a chance to operate with the new speakers to give it a try. The sound is good almost out of the box, and mixing by ear is much easier. The new frequency cuts are at ~260 and ~1K. For the soundies copied above, attached is a diagram and some pictures that Mike Agranoff made up to show the recommended connections between the snake and the console. The new system is flexible in that the operator can run a variety of combinations depending on need. Using just the returns on the snake, the system can be run with one channel for house and up to three monitor mixes. With auxiliary cabling, four monitor mixes and two house channels are possible (as was done with CALAN). Most set ups can use two monitor speakers on one mix. Since two of the soundies prefer to run the main speakers on one line (instead of left and right), Mike Agranoff lobbied hard to make that the default set up. The cables jumper for this is marked. Operators can wire and run the system as they like. Since all sound systems are put away with the set up for next time, those running it other than standard should return it. Also, I've seen copies of e-mails floating around suggesting that Mike Agranoff is the default head sound on open stage nights. That is NOT the case. With the many set ups, open stage nights are too good a training ground and a place to become fluent with the new set up. Mike has signed on for September, but I would encourage others to sign up for October and beyond. I'll endeavor to be at all of them to help and coach anyone until we have a full team to cover any eventuality. Right now we have only four who can run it solo, and we should have twice that many. Permanent MUF Sound While there has been no official announcement, I've heard from MUF committee members that it appears that proponents are pushing the current proposal. Construction costs outside of the electronics are being quoted, and the search of acoustic treatments for that room are being explored. They seem to have settled on a new chair for that room with a padded seat. Acoustically, those chairs will help some. With the exterior projects at MUF on hiatus for nearly a year, this interior project may grow legs faster than we think. We may know more by next month. Mixing tip of the month: To reduce the chances of ringing and feedback from mics during a show, before the sound check and with the mic channels up, raise the master volume slowly until ringing is heard. Cut that frequency on the graphic equalizer until the ringing stops. Repeat until the desired headroom is achieved. Your show will be ring free. Respectfully submitted, Mike Del Vecchio Sound chair