Sound Production: Sound Re-inforcement

Sound Production: Sound Re-inforcement

Outcome 1

For the first outcome of Sound Re-inforcement I had to describe the technical process of sound reinforcement. The key points of this outcome according to the module descriptor are:

The purpose of sound reinforcement.
Working safely and efficiently with sound reinforcement equipment.
Basic electronic terms and components and how they are used in sound reinforcement.
Correct function and application of the components
Correct gain structure, channel equalisation, system equalisation and dynamic control by using compressors and or gates/expanders.
Time domain effects for creative purposes.
Acoustic environment and its effect on sound reinforcement quality and how to implement feedback control measures.
Operational practicalities of sound reinforcement for given situations including, but not limited to; Vocal PA, Acoustic Instrument PA, Rock, Pop, Dance, DJ, and Audio
Visual Presentations, such as System Power, Dispersion, Quality, etc.
Sources of, and the remedies for, faults in a sound reinforcement system.

I passed this outcome by completing setting up a complete live system. What I done to set it up was:

I brought out all the equipment I was going to need, e.g. desk, cables, stands, mics, effect units, monitors and speakers.
I then plugged the mains in the power distro and from there ran cables around the theatre to the desk. I plugged the desk into the mains.
I also plugged the amplifiers into the power distro.
I ran speakon cables from the amplifiers to the FOH speakers and the stage monitors.
I ran a snake box from the stage round the theatre to the desk and plugged it into the back of the desk.
Once everything was plugged in, I switched on the power distro and turned on the desk then the amplifiers.
I plugged in my phone to the desk and turned on the amplifiers and tested each individual speaker to make sure they were working.
Once they were on and working, I set up the microphones on the stage for the instruments.
Once they were set up, I sound checked all the microphones and fixed any faults.
I also plugged in a stereo EQ, Reverb unit and Compressors and placed them over certain channels.

Outcome 2

For outcome two of the module I had to specify a sound reinforcement system for an event. The key points of the outcome were:

Interpret the system requirements of a performance with regard to the performers and the venue.
Choose appropriate equipment for the sound reinforcement event.
Source sound reinforcement system components, either for hire or to purchase.
Plan the movement of a sound reinforcement system to and from an event.
Install a sound reinforcement system, including the procedure for setting up and testing the system.

To pass this outcome I had to submit two event specifications from a brief. The parts that I had to include in the specification were:

Budget for all equipment within plus or minus 5% of the budget given.
Write a detailed plan for installing the chosen system.
Write instructions on how to put the whole system together.
Write a comparison for the desks that we chose and explain why.
Draw a plan of the theatre and where all the equipment will be placed in relation to the stage.

Outcome 3

For outcome three I had to assemble, test and fault-find a sound reinforcement system. The key points of this outcome were:

Follow instructions from an Operational Guide and employ safe working practices when working alone and as part of a team.
Select appropriate equipment and connect chosen equipment Handle cables and microphone stands safely, efficiently and correctly.
Correct implementation of switch-on/off procedure.
Test the connected sound reinforcement system.
Correct integration and use of peripheral equipment.
Use a graphic equaliser for feedback control.
Adjust sound reinforcement system controls in response to technical requirements.

To pass this outcome I was a broadcast engineer for 4 bands at Real Fest which was on at college. Things that I done whilst being the broadcast engineer were:

To work to Health and Safety legislation.
Work well with the other engineers doing FOH.
To use the outboard equipment correctly.
To find and identify faults then fix them.
Achieve balanced mix.
Apply effects to the different instruments.

Outcome 4

For the final outcome of this module I had to operate a sound reinforcement system for a live sound event. The key points of this outcome were:

Implementation of safe working practices when working alone and as part of a team.
Operate a sound reinforcement system in the role of - ‘Front of House Engineer.’
Respond professionally and efficiently to the needs of musicians, venue staff, etc.
Adjust sound reinforcement system controls in response to technical and creative requirements.
Implement post-event systems check correctly.
Implement correct de-rigging procedure efficiently.

To pass this outcome I went to Fat Sam’s in Dundee to be a FOH engineer for college bands who were performing there. The duties I done whilst there were:

To work to Health and Safety legislation.
Work well as a member of a team with the monitor engineer and performers.
Have a sound check and make use of gain, equalisation, routing, use of auxiliary sends and dynamic processing.
Change anything on the system to correspond with what the performer needed.

To handle all equipment safely and professionally before, during the event.

I enjoyed learning about how live systems work and being able to be the FOH and broadcast engineer. I found it interesting learning about the analogue and digital desks and the differences about them.

However I feel that this module won’t be as useful to me in my future career as a sound designer although I will keep in mind all the skills I learned just in case I need to use them.