Basic Receptacle Testing

We’ve had a few posts recently about blown up gear due to power problems. Here is a basic metering procedure that should give you a good indication of the safety of a standard North American receptacle (NEMA 5-15R or 5-20R). Standard disclaimers: Performing this test can give you reasonable assurance …

Networking

TCP/IP Networking Primer

OK, so here’s a basic primer on TCP/IP networking. Applicable to basic computer networking, including audio devices with a TCP/IP (aka “Cat5”) port and standard networking. I’m not going to bother to explain the acronyms. Make up a cute and memorable name for each if you like. So the overview …

Fundamentals of RF Coordination for Live Sound Part 1 - The RF Environment

Wireless

Fundamentals of RF Coordination for Live Sound Part 1 – The RF Environment

As live sound audio engineers, we are often required to deploy multiple channels of wireless audio equipment to satisfy the ever-growing trend of eliminating visible cables from performance areas. The job falls into our laps simply because its audio gear, and operating it perfectly should be within the parameters of …

Wireless

Optimizing Wireless Microphone Systems for the Real World, Pt. 3

In part one of this series, We covered the basics of gain structure as it pertains to wireless mic systems, and transmitter placement. In part two, antenna types and cable loss were discussed. Now, we’ll touch on antenna placement. Transmitter Antennas As already briefly mentioned in part one, transmitters should …

Wireless

Optimizing Wireless Microphone Systems for the Real World, Pt. 2

In the last article, I covered the basics of gain structure and why proper setup is important with wireless microphones. Also, part 1 described proper transmitter placement, including the fact that many pastors and CEOs alike should have to spend 6 weeks in microphone basic training before being allowed to …

Measurement and Optimization

A Tale of Two Processors

It is widely known that different Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) sound different. I have heard this difference ascribed to everything from sample rate to the quality of the limiters, whatever that means. Certainly there is a difference to be found, but I suspect it is not going to be discovered …

Wireless

Optimizing Wireless Microphone Systems for the Real World, Pt. 1

In today’s sound reinforcement, broadcast, and even recording landscapes, wireless microphones and IEMs are a heavily-used tool. Cleaner stages, freedom of movement and mobility are all possible because of wireless technology. This series of articles aims to provide readers with some of the basics involved with getting the most out …

Measurement and Optimization

Advanced Subwoofer Techniques

There are a few tricks you can pull out of your sleeve to make your low frequency arrays work better. By building directional subwoofer arrays, energy can be kept off the stage and walls and kept on the audience where it belongs. These arrays require a little more signal processing …

Measurement and Optimization

Run and Gun Subwoofer Arraying

Of all the tweaking I do as a system tech, the most common is fixing mediocre subwoofer setups. Problems in this area are so prevalent that most audio professionals take them for granted or assume there is no room for improvement. There is often a better solution, which furthermore is …

Loudspeaker Fundamentals: How to Power Your Drivers

Loudspeakers

Loudspeaker Fundamentals: How to Power Your Drivers

The entire industry knows that loudspeaker drivers are fragile, and that careful attention needs to be paid to how much amplifier power is applied to each component in a sound system. This is especially true in our world of Live Sound, where we are always trying to push our speakers …