I'm a techie at my high school, and I'm in the midst of putting together a proposal for our producer in order to acquire some better sound equipment over the next few years. However, these speakers (and, if they are passive, their respective amps) are something that I would like to purchase by April or so.
I'm looking for four relatively small speakers that are easily hung on a truss bar. It's our black box theater, and while we usually do shows in a proscenium setting we do often change it around. It's a very flexible space. We just had a musical in the round, and in June we will likely be using a 3/4 thrust setup. So, flexibility is key with the speakers. They'll be used mainly for sound effects, music, no mic's (outside of an announcement, perhaps- no sense Micing singers in there, small enough space.) Any advice?
If I'm being too vague, let me know- I'll try to elaborate. I'm just using this as a starting point for my search.
Also, I'll have dimensions of the room in the next day or two.
Thanks!
-Ben
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Yes, I've been worrying a bit about ground loop problems. We're
Yes, I've been worrying a bit about ground loop problems. We're probably going passive, but the truss is pretty sturdy. The TD has climbed out there numerous times, and we have a couple of LARGE speakers resting on top of them right now, for a show in the round last spring.
They are horrible to move, though, and don't sound very nice.
In terms of mic's part of the problem is lack of speakers in there. That, and I don't really like the sound of mic's in that small of a space. It just bugs me, that's all. It's an incredible space for playing with stereo effects, surround, etc. but as soon as you throw a mic into the mix it becomes a bit precarious. We didn't mic or amplify the pit in any way in the spring, and the actors balanced out nicely anyway. But, it is something to consider, yes.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check them out.
And, as for room specs, still working on it.
Decent active speakers are probably going to weigh too much to b
Decent active speakers are probably going to weigh too much to be flown from a simple lighting truss. In addition to that hurdle, AC power distribution to active speakers has to be carefully planned out or else you run the risk of ground loop issues. And as long as you are planning for the future, I wouldn't discount performances with singers being mic'ed up. Just because it is a small room, you may find them needing mics just to get their balance with the music.
There are many compact speakers out there that should do the job. JBL Control Series, Yamaha, and even Peavey offer reasonably priced models that should fill the bill.