How big a generator?

[XsSpeed]

My band was asked to play with 3 other bands at a outdoor skate fest in a couple weeks. The guy running it wants to know what size generator he should rent.

We're running a sunn coliseum 300 and Randall 150 and the PA is prob 400watts. The other bands probably have similar set ups with maybe another Amp or 2 thrown in.

Is there a good generality to go with for a generator size for small outdoor (skatepark) gigs?

 

[Megas3300]

Well it isn't the output power of the amps you should add up, it is the amount of power they draw from the supply. Some amplifiers need to draw 60Watts to make 10 Watts out of the speaker. Tube Amps are especially fantastically inefficient. It all depends on what they have to pull from the mains.

I would consider at least 2000 Watts, but look higher, it is better safe than doing a sudden unplugged gig.

 

[georgestrings]

Many an amp has been cooked by a generator over the years - I wouldn't bring my amp to such a situation... There would have to be a provided backline, or I'd pass...


- georgestrings

 

[dieselbass]

there is a watts/volts/amps formulae that may help you if the equipment only gives amp draw. Also, any larger gen set will be a little loud if you don't have a sound barrier. We just ran a 95KV diesel behind a wall of palletized block and it worked well.

 

[the Arsonaut]

Might I suggest at least a 5000watt generator, since I'm not going to bother providing you with the mathematical formulas to derive amperage/voltage (it's amps x volts =watts, input wattage / 110 volts will give you ampacity).
Also, I could recommend 12/3 power cable (that's 12awg/3conductor) which will carry power from the generator to your breakout (where you distribute power to amps...you're not going to perform next to the generator...wait, are you? huffing exhaust for the win)
The amp's wattage or ampacity will be located next to the power goesinto, on your amps...usually looking like

600watts
120volts / 60hz

You're going to add those wattage #s up, and keep them below 2/3 your generator's regular rated output. Or not.

Amps are going to draw, PA is going to draw; any lights you end up using, will draw...crappy lil home despot power cords are going to draw...
Save at least a half gallon of gas for the half pipe...I guarantee they'll never forget your finale...