I'm on tour w/ the Harlem Globetrotters and I need live sound advice

[erich]

It's funny, I've been freelancing in live audio for almost 8 years, but I've never posted in this section of gearslutz. so, hi all! moving on...

This winter I'm on tour with The Harlem Globetrotters, my first time in (more or less) a tech director role. The organization has three tours going on at the same time, and since I'm the new guy, I'm kinda stuck with the back-up rig: small phonic console, (i know, i know) dbx 1046 quad comp, dbx graph eq, and a bunch of shure ULX series lavs, with WL50 and Countryman B6 elements to choose from.

I guess the main thing I'm looking for advice on is how to get a consistent, intelligible vocal from the showmen. (two players, a ref and the Generals coach, at minimum) It's tough because their vocal dynamics are all over the place, and generally the arenas are just not set up for this kind of reinforcement. I'm doing what I can against the feedback, but moisture is a major issue; not only sweat, but there's at least one segment where water is thrown on the performers.

The B6 tends to overload really easily, (it's the gray band, highest sensitivity) but I can get a good level out of it- and it's moisture resistant. The WL50 is nice too, but is really prone to crapping out from the moisture. Also, since everything runs through the graph, it's tough to customize each mic channel, and since the players wear theirs on the jersey, the ref's on his shirt and the coach on his lapel, the levels can really vary.

So i'm just throwing it out there to see if anyone has any tips based on this setup. Also, any general advice about being out for a long tour (4 months) would be appreciated, as this is my first time.

[Remoteness]

I bet DannyL and JvB can lend some excellent advice on this topic.

[valleysound]

You've got the quad comp to compress each vocal. You should be able to squeeze the vocals to sound pretty uniform. One big issue would be that as you compress the vocals, you get that much closer to feedback.
You have to use the graphic to both set the tonal quality and fight feedback at the same time, with different mics too! Welcome to the world of live sound! You can use the limited channel strip to get the different elements to sound a little similar before you attack the graph.
Condensed version.

[bishopthomas]

At the risk of sounding rude... How in the hell did you land this gig if you're having to ask these questions here? Seriously, I need some tips.

[erich]

well im not asking these questions like i desperately need advice. im just throwing it out there because it seems like an unusual scenario to me, and i was wondering what other people thought about it. obviously, everything that valley sound said was exactly my approach as soon as i got my hands on the gear. trust me, no one is dissatisfied with my service.

as far as landing the gig, i busted my ass getting to and from the interview, (boston to long island by bus/train on less than 24 hours notice) have enough experience and education to handle the gig, i travel well and i'm very professional and easy to get along with.

has anyone tested the three different versions of the countryman b6 side by side? i'm thinking we'd be better off with the -20db version (blue band) because the guys really project during the show and the current mics (0db version) distort, but i wouldn't want to lose their normal talking voice in the crowd noise.

[mixedupsteve]

You could try the -20 or the -10. The more sensitive cap is probably making the wireless transmitters compander kick in. Can you get it up any closer to their mouth?

[DannyL]

Many years ago I did an aerobics video. I hid the mic in the hair of the instructor. Worked really well. Now, if your ball player shaves his head, that prettty much rules out this technique. Do you have any digital delay available? Sometimes, adding a couple ms delay will give you a lot more gain before feedback on a mic.

Danny

[MichaelPatrick]

I don't have advice about waterproofing the caps, but it sure sounds like a great application for an automatic mixer, like this...

Shure - Mixers and DSP - SCM410 Four Channel Automatic Mixer

[erich]

Originally Posted by mixedupsteve

You could try the -20 or the -10. The more sensitive cap is probably making the wireless transmitters compander kick in. Can you get it up any closer to their mouth?

i dont think it's a different cap, im pretty sure they're completely different models.

and no chance of putting in their hair. i thought about getting it in the headband but that could just be worse for moisture.

[Remoteness]

Surrounding each capsule with a non-lubricated, non-ribbed condom is your best bet for preventing them from getting damaged from moisture.

We carry (Magnum & regular sized) prophylactics on the truck for our (shotgun & SD) audience mics.
We usually apply them during outdoor events; if there's a chance of rain they get used.
It's an excellent way to prevent water damage from rain or a heavy down pour.

Originally Posted by erich

...and no chance of putting in their hair. i thought about getting it in the headband but that could just be worse for moisture.

[Kenton]

Originally Posted by valleysound

You've got the quad comp to compress each vocal. You should be able to squeeze the vocals to sound pretty uniform. One big issue would be that as you compress the vocals, you get that much closer to feedback.
You have to use the graphic to both set the tonal quality and fight feedback at the same time, with different mics too! Welcome to the world of live sound! You can use the limited channel strip to get the different elements to sound a little similar before you attack the graph.
Condensed version.

Absolutely spot on advice IMVHO. (but then you know this already) - Butcher that graphic... Intelligibility is all.
I can't believe that some people still do Lav Mic Gigs without a one.

Horrible acoustics I expect........ Basketball courts, lovely.

I've not used the B6 but I've used the E6 a lot which I believe is the same capsule - I would go for the W6 blue band and tweak the sensitivity on the pack.
But I hate using omni lav mics for live and prefer cardioid whenever I can (and if I can place it centrally on the bodyline). Obviously not viable for you though.
On the head would be best but is a PITA without an ear mount.
Transpore to anchor the cable.
You may have to make up some custom means of attaching the mics to the players as tieclips will probably not be secure enough.
Put the beltpacks in plastic (freezer) bags too so they don't get to much sweat in them. Bodybelts for the players packs too. RADIO MIC BODY BELT Medium black

Good luck.

(BTW, I never managed to get the condom thing to work well enough - too much HF loss. YMMV. Expect dead capsules - have spares.)