Blog Layout

Most companies talk about their speaker brand. Do I care?

Sean Walker • November 8, 2024

Kara, Panther, GSL, KSL, XSL, HDL, Leopard Oh My!

So often when you talk to audio companies, they are OBSESSED with whatever brand of speaker they happen to have purchased. All claiming it's the best and that the others aren't as good. Well, you know what?  They are right! Well, kinda. Almost all speakers made today from any brand that you have heard of are just fine.  They all have their strengths and weaknesses, NONE of them are perfect.  Also, there is SOOOOOO much more that goes into making your show sound good than just the speakers.


But for some reason all they want to talk about is their speakers. Well what about you? What about your event?  Do you or you attendees care what name is on the speakers? NO! Not even a little.  What you care about is that the show is flawless and that you look like a super star to your client or boss.


So, when you are getting bids from audio companies, don't let them get you excited about the new speakers they just bought and need to pay for.  You make them get on board with customer service. Do they have a prediction file for your room/venue?  Can they work with your budget?  Do they have any experience with the type of event you are doing?   All FAR more important questions than make and model of speaker.

By Sean Walker December 29, 2024
Do you use "One Stop Shops" Thinking they are easier for your events?
By Sean Walker December 29, 2024
Here is an article written by our good friend and trusted Systems Engineer Michael Lawrence about the 50,000 person show we did in Seattle for the 4th of July!
By Sean Walker December 29, 2024
Choosing a Corporate Audio Partner can be hard. Here's how to make it easy!
By Sean Walker December 29, 2024
We have all seen these documents shared as the "Right" way to get quotes for your audio.
By Sean Walker November 8, 2024
The Top Seattle Audio Companies!
By Sean Walker November 8, 2024
What does change Corporate Audio Costs
October 11, 2024
Poor Gain Structure and Failing to Monitor Audio Levels Step 1 of making sure you are optimized for success is to ask the production team to calibrate their rigs to each other. To do this, the Audio Engineer will send a 1K sine tone at -18 DBFS to the video team. Don't worry if you have no idea what I'm saying, THEY DO! That should be adjusted on their end so that it is ALSO -18 DBFS on the video rig. The number of times that this has NOT been the case is all of them. lol. If this step is not completed properly it's akin to driving down the freeway in your car at full throttle with the brakes on to try and slow down to a regular speed. Madness! Continuously monitor audio levels throughout your event. Adjust as needed to maintain consistent sound quality. Overlooking Soundcheck Never skip soundcheck. Soundcheck is when you and the tech team get to test all equipment thoroughly under show conditions before going live. This helps identify and fix any issues before it's go time, ensuring everything runs smoothly during the event. Poor Microphone Placement and Gain Structure Microphone placement and gain structure is crucial. Same idea as above, but no tone this time. Position mics close enough to capture clear audio with as little background noise as possible, but far enough to avoid distortion. Test different placements during your soundcheck if need be, and be sure your speakers know where the microphones are so they stay on point come show time. Neglecting Backup Plans We cannot stress this enough, always have a backup plan for your event. Is the internet and or hosting service redundant? Is the redundant line with the same provider as the primary? If so, it's NOT redundant! Trying to Wear too Many Hats There is a limit of what you can ask of your tech team and have flawless results. Be sure to ask them if they have enough crew for the level of complication for the event.
More Posts
Share by: