Musical Theatre (Equipment)

[SdotSaint]

Hey guyz itz my first year doing Tech at my school and I have 2 Setup for the Musical (YEAH!!). I've seen this site since last October/November but was too lazy to sign up (would have been better eh...).

I've done Masses, Lithurgies and some shows before (with usually one vocalist) but this is different. People moving around 5 people needing mikes. I need stuff/Tips that will help me stop feedback (or some cone effect a guy I know was talking about) and what mikes I should get.

My school has 2 wireless mics (I'll get the names of these things tommorrow), 2 Lapelles, 2 Boundary mics, 2 Omni mics 4 Shure mics and a Condenser mic. I've done stuff with these and I don't like them that much... (I probably don't know the Gold that is starring in my face but...I'm a newb...)

I'd love to mic the choir with 2-4 overhead mics that pic up very good (It was once used on my choir at a show....why I didn't ask what it was...? cuz I didn't know anything about tech...) and get 4 Head set mics I'm looking right now at the AKG C 420's for the headset and the jury is still out on the "overhead" mics that I want (no not those mics that hang from the ceiling these mics just go on very big stands.)

As you can see... I barely know what I'm doing but I'm pretty sure if If I keep reading those FAQ's and asking question I'll do an ok job. So please if you can help me.... thank you very much

SdotSaint




When I rule the world...your death shall be quick and painless!!

 

[mshilarious]

If you have a decent PA, then put the boundary mics downstage on the floor, those can work very well. On the other hand, if the PA or room is real bad, those can be feedback machines. Probably not a good idea to feed the boundary mics into the monitors.

Use whatever wireless mics you have or can scrounge for the leads. Are the wireless mics lapels? That's ideal, but for a school production it's no big deal to have the leads using handheld mics for their solos.

If you need more coverage upstage you can try spots which can be overhead or cleverly hidden in scenery/props.

 

[boingoman]

Post an actual list of your gear, with brand/model#

Also, prosoundweb has a ton of info on theater sound, and googling "theater sound" will get you a lot.

Basic idea- the speakers should be in front of the performers to get the best GBF.

In a musical, don't use monitors, or just use them strategically, not like in a music performance situation.

You may have to hang or hide your choir mics, as people generally don't like big mic stands on stage during a musical. Kinda kills the vibe.

Know the show inside out. A big part of theater sound is riding the faders all night long to keep good quality and no feedback. For instance, a common technique is if two performers are very close together, it may sound better to only use one of their mics, as lavs are many times omni, and if they are both on, there may be comb-filtering, which will make the sound thin.

Keep open mics to the absolute minimum at any given time. Available gain before FB goes down as the number of open mics goes up. If the chorus isn't singing, mute 'em, for example.

Good luck!

 

[paddyponchero]

the jury is still out on the "overhead" mics that I want (no not those mics that hang from the ceiling these mics just go on very big stands

The kind of stands you're talking about are very expensive - they have to be VERY stable, I don't know what your budget is but why have you ruled out suspended mics? The audio technica AT853 mics do a fine job over a choir and can be had relatively cheap on ebay (especially the installed version)

It should be possible to get a pair between $120 and $160 like this pair that sold recently

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41466&item=7301610983&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[xstatic]

For musicals, use your headset mics before lapel mics (as long as they are decent headsets. Lapel mics can give you a lot of fits with onstage performers. IIn addition to owning a studio, running a pro audio comapny and privately contracting, I am also the house sound guy at a theatre here. I have worked with countless braodway road shows. Every one so far has shown up with headset mics.

 

[SdotSaint]

Thanks guyz... I've been looking at getting those headset mics (AKG C 420) they're condensers... 300$ isn't that bad I hope I can get a couple of them... I basically need 2 mics on stands cuz were splitting the choir/chorus and having them on either side of the stage. I know the musical...im in it.....

Yes the room is crap...thatz why I don't use the boundarie mics that often... itz a cafetorium...yeah.. brick/granite/whatevertheheckitis type of wall...lotz of sound bouncing off the wall and back into the system.

I thought of suspended mics but I was convinced out of it, my friend says the pick up wouldn't be that great. wouldn't be worth the effort of constantly pulling them up also... I don't know if a mechanism can be had for that stuff though... if good ones can be had... I will look into it. (thank you)

I'll look up the model #'s and everything and post it tommorrow.

Thanks for the help.


P.S. I'm also starting to do work in the recording studio @ school and I'd love to know how 2 use the threshold... I read dB...I don't know what it means...truly...and I want to cut off the breaths/paperturning and other stuff. If you can help me splendid!, If not I'll keep looking into those FAQ's (Thank you whoever provided those links). Ciao!!






Well Brocolli...Mother says you are good for me.....but I'm afraid I'm NO GOOD FOR YOU!!