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Where do I plug this sucker in?
- Thread starter rbonner
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Here is a link to a Dave Matthews Band live version of "Too Much." I wonder what he uses to power all those Ampeg cabinets. I saw some documetary footage of the band including some interaction on stage between songs. They were able to speak in a normal tone of voice at a pretty good distance. I wonder if all that stuff is really needed (especially since they used IEM's.)
billfitzmaurice
Commercial User
- Sep 15, 2004
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- Owner, Bill Fitzmaurice Loudspeaker Design
It's the same stage setup they used for the gig I crewed. Only two bass cabs are actually used, the rest are purely for show, to impress the bejesus out of all the 16 year old gear groupies (and more than a few who, though perhaps older, are certainly no wiser) in the crowd who are clueless about how speakers and sound systems actually work. The spare cabs are just that, spares, and rather than leave them on the truck they stick them on the stage purely for the look.
I think what Bob is doing is great whether it makes any sense or not. Hell, a lot of people spend fortunes on things that make them happy and this isn't anywhere near as crazy as some things I've heard.
But hey, maybe that rig could be put into medical use? I'm pretty sure if you played the intro riff of "my name is mud" trough that rig it would pretty quickly cure even the most stubborn cases of constipation.
The next step would be buying a reactor from some old nuclear submarine and bringing your own power.
But hey, maybe that rig could be put into medical use? I'm pretty sure if you played the intro riff of "my name is mud" trough that rig it would pretty quickly cure even the most stubborn cases of constipation.
The next step would be buying a reactor from some old nuclear submarine and bringing your own power.
People have different experiences in life and even within their own professions. I shouldn't have to explain this to adults; they should be experienced and wise enough in life to actually know how to behave in public.
But sometimes, people let their EGOS get in the way, and let the worship of many on a forum like this to go to their heads. They think they can make quip, harsh or possibly immature posts to something they don't agree with.
With fan worship comes the responsibility to raise yourself above this type of behavior.
***
As far as being an Electrician, Stage power and blowing one’s ass off, as an Electrician I have worked with FIXED POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS. This means panels, wires and fixed equipment. Not anywhere was there COMPANY SWITCHES with quick-disconnect connectors for 600 amps. I don't think that makes me an idiot does it?
When working in 480, you don’t have many portable units, but there are a few and the twist lock outlets are usually dangling from a power distribution track systems from the ceiling with pigtails to plug the portable gear into. But after reviewing these 208V products I think I can handle stage power systems without turning crispy critter on you.
Due to my in-depth electronics experience as a youth, I was able to be certified as an electrician and in broadcast engineering / business industrial radio repair while in college (First Class Radiotelephone; now General Radiotelephone) and after while building hours flying really cool bomb stuff for the Government, before moving on to an airline job which was my chosen profession.
The closest I’ve been to stage distribution systems was even before there were fancy DISTROS and Cam-Lok connectors when I worked on a light controller system for the DRAMA department in electronics shop in HS.
Through intelligent responses to my OP I have learned that most MEGA venues can provide 200, 400 or 600 amp COMPANY SWITCHES that can be tied into. The info also included links to several large PORTABLE DISTROS.
I will still visit my local venue and chat with engineering just to see what they have there for power. I doubt the chief engineer will think I'm a whack job as I'm EXTREMELY PROFESSIONAL in all business conversations.
Anyway, using this knowledge I can now plan for the final construction of these systems. I thank those who have had experience with those products to guide me in the right direction.
I'm glad everybody else is a total undisputed expert in every aspect of AUDIO, POWER and LIFE EXPERIENCES… Without them this post would have no meaning.
BOB
But sometimes, people let their EGOS get in the way, and let the worship of many on a forum like this to go to their heads. They think they can make quip, harsh or possibly immature posts to something they don't agree with.
With fan worship comes the responsibility to raise yourself above this type of behavior.
***
As far as being an Electrician, Stage power and blowing one’s ass off, as an Electrician I have worked with FIXED POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS. This means panels, wires and fixed equipment. Not anywhere was there COMPANY SWITCHES with quick-disconnect connectors for 600 amps. I don't think that makes me an idiot does it?
When working in 480, you don’t have many portable units, but there are a few and the twist lock outlets are usually dangling from a power distribution track systems from the ceiling with pigtails to plug the portable gear into. But after reviewing these 208V products I think I can handle stage power systems without turning crispy critter on you.
Due to my in-depth electronics experience as a youth, I was able to be certified as an electrician and in broadcast engineering / business industrial radio repair while in college (First Class Radiotelephone; now General Radiotelephone) and after while building hours flying really cool bomb stuff for the Government, before moving on to an airline job which was my chosen profession.
The closest I’ve been to stage distribution systems was even before there were fancy DISTROS and Cam-Lok connectors when I worked on a light controller system for the DRAMA department in electronics shop in HS.
Through intelligent responses to my OP I have learned that most MEGA venues can provide 200, 400 or 600 amp COMPANY SWITCHES that can be tied into. The info also included links to several large PORTABLE DISTROS.
I will still visit my local venue and chat with engineering just to see what they have there for power. I doubt the chief engineer will think I'm a whack job as I'm EXTREMELY PROFESSIONAL in all business conversations.
Anyway, using this knowledge I can now plan for the final construction of these systems. I thank those who have had experience with those products to guide me in the right direction.
I'm glad everybody else is a total undisputed expert in every aspect of AUDIO, POWER and LIFE EXPERIENCES… Without them this post would have no meaning.
BOB
One thing you are overlooking, at least in my experience, is that backline does not tie into house power, ever. Backline uses stage power. Reasons include the fact that audio uses house power. Ground loops, etc. The fact that YOU can tie into house power won't matter at all, when there is none to tie into. I am sorry if my experience suggests going in a different direction, and you take offence at that. You seem like a smart guy. Read up a little about sound. There is a reason that nobody is doing what you are looking to do. Know all that and still want to do it?? Have at it. Hell, pay me to hook the damn thing up. If you sound like a twinkie out front because of it, hey... at least you look cool, and have the worship of all the folks here who need a big rig, for whatever reason....
As I'm reading this thread, this image from Back To The Future keeps popping into my head.
This is a good example for the guys trying to play loud rock with a single speaker.
Never use a single ACME-160e cabinet if you want to make decent stage volume; always stack at least two. Or you may suffer the same fate as this speaker 3 seconds from when this frame was filmed.
Trust me you will not suffer from COMB FILTERING...
BTW for those that wonder, the 6 SVT stack blurs my vison as I play, it vibrates my eyeballs. I want to see if I can explode my spleen (or yours) with enough power.
Rock On. BOBNaw thats OK I think I can hook up my own rig... I would only bring people on board to any project who believe in one. This is business exerience speaking from many completed real projects.
And I doubt anything will sound like a twinkie. Between you and BFM I lose more respect for you guys with each post. Well I'm about done here.
Thanks...
So, let me get this straight.... You lose respect for guys who make their living doing large scale audio, because they dare suggest that what you want to do might not be the best way??
Ok, I have a new project I want to do. I will ask you, Mr. Airline Pilot, about it, because you are more knowledgeable than I in that field. I want to affix the wings to my aircraft using gaff tape. I know it isn't the norm, but I think it'll be cool. How would I go about that?? I don't want to be told the reasons it won't work. No naysayers in my camp! I just want the how. If you disagree with my idea, I will lose respect for you. OK, go:
I have no doubt you will get this project done. Probably the huge GTR rig too. You are clearly driven. Good for you. Having mixed bands with WAY too much SPL coming off the stage, I KNOW why it is not a good idea. Oops, there I go again, "doubting" you.
My honest suggestion, don't bother talking to the venue guys. Call a few LARGE sound companies. Rat Sound being one. Dave, the owner, is a GREAT guy. Ask them what THEY will be providing for stage power. Once you get a consensus, build according to what will work on the actual gig. I will type this last part slowly: you will NOT be tying backline power into house power, ever, on a show large enough to "require"(cough...) a backline rig like you are building. Ever, not once. Won't happen. Stage power, that is what you want to know about. Call the big dogs. Rat, Clair, MD Sound, 8th Day, for starters.
Glad I could help....
Ok, I have a new project I want to do. I will ask you, Mr. Airline Pilot, about it, because you are more knowledgeable than I in that field. I want to affix the wings to my aircraft using gaff tape. I know it isn't the norm, but I think it'll be cool. How would I go about that?? I don't want to be told the reasons it won't work. No naysayers in my camp! I just want the how. If you disagree with my idea, I will lose respect for you. OK, go:
I have no doubt you will get this project done. Probably the huge GTR rig too. You are clearly driven. Good for you. Having mixed bands with WAY too much SPL coming off the stage, I KNOW why it is not a good idea. Oops, there I go again, "doubting" you.
My honest suggestion, don't bother talking to the venue guys. Call a few LARGE sound companies. Rat Sound being one. Dave, the owner, is a GREAT guy. Ask them what THEY will be providing for stage power. Once you get a consensus, build according to what will work on the actual gig. I will type this last part slowly: you will NOT be tying backline power into house power, ever, on a show large enough to "require"(cough...) a backline rig like you are building. Ever, not once. Won't happen. Stage power, that is what you want to know about. Call the big dogs. Rat, Clair, MD Sound, 8th Day, for starters.
Glad I could help....
Not sure about your tape idea but I have no respect for those in this thread who wish to pee all over the subject matter, be condescending to another human being, and try to justify that somehow.
Folks if your not up for the conversation please by all means move on.
BTW for those that wonder, the 6 SVT stack blurs my vison as I play, it vibrates my eyeballs. I want to see if I can explode my spleen (or yours) with enough power.
Haha That made me laugh out loud when I read it...
Who says I am not into the idea?? I have answered the core question, time and time again. It is not VENUE power he needs to be concerned with. It is STAGE power, which is ALWAYS provided by the sound company. I even added the bit about audio distribution amps, to the fellow who asked how one would go about hooking up to all those heads.
The fact that I think it is a bad idea, driven by an ego, or whatever, makes no difference in my advice. Wanna do it?? Go for broke! Just think about how these shows actually go down. The sound company ALWAYS provides stage power. THAT is where you want to look for your answer.
The fact that I think it is a bad idea, driven by an ego, or whatever, makes no difference in my advice. Wanna do it?? Go for broke! Just think about how these shows actually go down. The sound company ALWAYS provides stage power. THAT is where you want to look for your answer.
I once opened for Air Supply and the bassist used an SWR 810 rig, so it's not like they're opposed to the big power.
billfitzmaurice
Commercial User
- Sep 15, 2004
- 16,860
- 278
- 76
- Disclosures
- Owner, Bill Fitzmaurice Loudspeaker Design
I certainly hope so. You ask the opinions of accredited professionals with decades of experience doing this stuff for a living and when they point out the flys in your ointment you choose to belittle their advise and chastise them on a personal level. That's childish at best. If you aren't interested in learning something, do the teachers a favor: drop out of school.
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