Generator Requirements?

R

Rob Bernstein

Freshman
Oct 23, 2013
66
1
6
Framingham, MA
Never needed a generator so I'm looking for some experienced opinions.
Doing a small outdoor gig at a college, 5-piece band. Venue is asking what I need for power.
Band needs are minimal, 2 guitar amps and a bass amp.
I'll be running 4 powered floor monitors (JBL and Mackie), QSC PL3402 (x2), QSC GX7, and my Soundcraft SI Expression 2.
Any quick and easy way to figure out what spec I need to give them for the generator?
Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Generator Requirements?

If this is daytime (no lights), that will all fit on a 5000W gas generator. But you don't want a 5000W gas generator (they tend to be noisy). You want a diesel generator, and even the smallest available for rent (typically 25 kVA) will be plenty for what you're doing.

Is there shore power at your outdoor venue?
 
Re: Generator Requirements?

Rob Timmerman said:
If this is daytime (no lights), that will all fit on a 5000W gas generator. But you don't want a 5000W gas generator (they tend to be noisy). You want a diesel generator, and even the smallest available for rent (typically 25 kVA) will be plenty for what you're doing.

Is there shore power at your outdoor venue?
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Not sure how far we'll be from any available power, I'll have to scope it out. And good point about the gas generator, I don't want that buzzing in my ear all night. It is an early evening gig, so most likely there will be some lights.
 
Re: Generator Requirements?

Lyle Williams said:
Spend $20 or so on one of those green power meters. http://www.amazon.com/P3-P4400-Electricity-Usage-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=pd_cp_pc_1

Run your gear through it. Find the real numbers rather than having people who haven't seen you rig or musical style guess.

If you use a generator you'll need very long power cables to get the thing far enough away.
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Modern diesel trailer-mounted generators are typically fine relatively close to the stage. I've done plenty of gigs where the generator was within 50' of the stage with absolutely no noise or fume issues. And I typically need to run *less* power cable when a generator is involved than with shore power.
 
Re: Generator Requirements?

Rob Timmerman said:
Modern diesel trailer-mounted generators are typically fine relatively close to the stage. I've done plenty of gigs where the generator was within 50' of the stage with absolutely no noise or fume issues. And I typically need to run *less* power cable when a generator is involved than with shore power.
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If you get a silenced diesel as a rental then that is true. The rental company will probably provide power cables to your location if asked too.

if something smaller is provided, it will make quite a bit of noise.
 
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Re: Generator Requirements?

Lyle Williams said:
Spend $20 or so on one of those green power meters. http://www.amazon.com/P3-P4400-Electricity-Usage-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=pd_cp_pc_1

Run your gear through it. Find the real numbers rather than having people who haven't seen you rig or musical style guess.

If you use a generator you'll need very long power cables to get the thing far enough away.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I just ordered one of these so I can get real-world numbers on my power consumption.
 
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