Live sound

[jacko198]

Hey guys,

I am currently doing a written assignment on Live sound, and i was wondering if anyone has got any links to decent websites that break it all down.

I am writing about the signal, and how it goes from the mic, to the speakers. So different types of speakers, amps, mixing consoles etc. Techniques for combating feedback and so on.

Any help would be apreciated!

Thanks
Jack

[bishopthomas]

What kind of class is this? It seems like something that should be taught rather than assigned a paper about. Check out the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook.

[jacko198]

Thanks.
We have been taught, but not in much detail as im doing an audio engineering diploma, so we learn more the recording side

Dont ask! ha

[equallyscrewed]

a bit off topic, but where are you learning it? uk?

xcx

[jacko198]

I am learning at Sae in liverpool, why you ask?

[c.gymer]

SAE should have a copy of the Yamaha book mentioned earlier. If they don't then there are some at Amazon. Read that and Robert's your Mother's brother. A must for anyone doing live sound in my opinion.

[equallyscrewed]

Originally Posted by jacko198

I am learning at Sae in liverpool, why you ask?

Just curious. no real reason why.

No idea if theres websites about it but a school like sae should have certainly taught you about the signal flow...

Mic...Stagebox...multicore....Desk...EQ....multicore...box...crossover...amps...speakers.
Thats pretty basic. Then for techniques etc look up ringing out monitors, feedback ferrets (pretty crap but will show them youve researched) and use of mics with good off axis rejection.

You could discuss the pros and cons of the use of digital desks in live situations (scene recall, no outboard needed etc). What if its a big festival ( T in the P, Leeds, Reading) - what happens with the speakers that are out in the crowd far away from the stage? Sound travels from the stage at the speed of sound but it travels through the cables close to the speed of light. This means delays have to be used. Mention the critical distance and the use of pink noise to alter the frequency response of the system.

Mention all that and an A is yours mon frere.

xcx

[c.gymer]

All the above (except the pink noise bit I think) is in the Yamaha book.

If your at SAE, chances are your tutors will read this site so make sure you show that YOU have done the research (what books you have referenced, papers read etc). Otherwise you'll be setting yourself up for a hard fall.

Questions are always welcome here, but when it comes to writing papers for school people tend to get a bit pissy about sharing specifics (and rightly so in my opinion). Bear that in mind if you ask any further questions of this sort.

Best of luck with the paper (I'm writting a couple myself right now, having gone back to university. Philosophy papers make for a strange change to reading and posting here!)!!!

[jacko198]

Thanks guys! Ill take alook into that book

And i never thought about delay lines and digital desks, good idea's