Tech Tip #4: Sound Systems

The ProAV article, “How to Troubleshoot a Sound System” by Dan Daley inspired me to elaborate on how to work with a sound system that’s not cooperating. Any given system has the potential to give you and your audience a headache, but here are some tips that can lessen trouble shooting time during setup as well as ease your woes.

First, here’s a synopsis on how a sound system works. Audio technicians add layers of extra equipment to enhance the sound for every room and situation. Usually, technicians forget the basics. Every system follows the same route no matter how you set it up. All sound systems have a source of sound. Whether it is a microphone, CD/DVD player, MP3 Player, or computer, there needs to be something to amplify. The flow of audio travels to some kind of mixing device. Once mixed, it travels out of the mixer to sound manipulators. Sound manipulators consist of compressor / limiter, noise gates, effect units, delays and so on. After the sound is manipulated, it travels to the amplifiers. Finally the sound is broadcasted through speakers to the audience. When trouble shooting a sound system, always check the source first. Think in terms of separate areas - departmentalize where the trouble might be (ie. Source – Mixer – Manipulator – Amps – Speakers).

Next, look deeper into each department. Start with the source and think about the main problems that arise. The usual suspect is cable. Every sound technician should treat each cable like an expensive piece of gear. It's a pain, but bench test all of your cable after every use. Even open the ends and check every soldered connection to see if your cable is loose or if the solder is beginning to break away from the connector. Paying attention to your cable will greatly reduce setup time, every time.

The mixing console can seem intimidating. This can be easy. Nothing is infallible when electronics are involved, and with your mixer, channels can go bad. When you know that your source and cable are properly working, you should be able to visibly see some kind of meter, LED lights or analog needle, on each channel. If you do not “see” sound coming into the channel, switch channels on the board. This swapping will most likely solve your input problem. The same should be considered with your mixer’s output. Although specific distribution of sound is sometimes required to specific events, uncooperative outputs might mean that you need to make some creative adjustments.

Sound manipulation pitfalls also happen when a technician adds multiple devices between the mixing and amplification stage. With sound manipulation, there are usually two concerns that arise when trouble shooting a system, broken gear and swapped input/output. After you have looked at your mixer, bypass all of your manipulators and go straight to the amps. If you can hear sound, add each manipulator in line one at a time to find your trouble piece of gear. When setting up your system, keep close attention to your wiring path. Make sure that you have the correct cable connected to the correct input/output.

Amps are usually overlooked and can be the problem too. Power regulation, airflow, and cabling are usually at the root of amplifier problems. Double check to make sure that your amps are able to pull the amount of power recommended for the unit. Amps can also overheat – so check to make sure they are well ventilated.

Remember, speaker and amp selection go hand in hand. Overdriving your amps can cause catastrophic failure to your speakers. Make sure that when your system is setup and all your connections are made, you ease the sound into your speakers. You might be looking for replacements if you don’t.

These tips should help you figure out how to get your sound system back on track at your next meeting. Feel free to contact me at 815.469.1422 or info@warnerav.com for advice on your next meeting or event.

Praise for Warner AV

While cleaning up my desk, I came across letters from our clients and friends over the years. We want to thank everyone for their business as much as they have thanked us for ours. It's been an amazing time, and we look forward to working with you in the future.

• “…hard work, attention to details, driving days with the truck, treating our attendees and clients like family – and all while keeping a positive attitude…” – Amanda Boller, Bankers Life and Casualty (September 2010)
• “If you are looking for a company with dedicated individuals, excellent equipment inventories, reasonable labor rates, and 100% customer satisfaction, than I highly recommend Warner Audio Visual.” – John Trout, McDonald's
• “…nothing short of complete satisfaction for over ten years…developed a relationship with us that emphasizes trust, value and service… wouldn't hesitate to recommend Warner Audio Visual to anyone.” – Richard Murray, Johnson Wax (July 1995)
• “a partner whose interest was in helping us communicate our business objectives and doing it in a way that was consistent with Whirlpool’s culture and style.” – Bill Langbehn, Whirlpool (July 1995)
• “the Warner crew delivers a show that is technically perfect, as well as great to look at and listen to…the “can do” attitude when “can’t do it” situations arise.” – Ron Springer, Esprit Productions (March 2003)
• “That gym is not every soundman’s dream and you did a fantastic job.” – Pat Martin, McCord Gallery Cultural Center (October 2004)
• “You did an unbelievable job…guiding me through all my labor options…my main client (VP of Sales, CEO) were ecstatic about the results…” – Brian Sullivan (August 2007)
• "Your crew accommodated every need and made a challenging event seem carefully choreographed…handled every curve we threw at them with technical mastery and grace.” –Jason Smith, Escena Productions (September 2007)
• “Not only were they professional and very skilled, but their friendly spirit drew them in providing a quality sound system and their ingenuity in providing sound effects were all greatly appreciated.” – Reverend Dr. Wayne Basch, The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (December 2009)
• “You have our admiration and respect.” Donald Woodard, Dynamic Shows (January 2010)
• “…every review has been positive, the clients are thrilled and they [feel] they got a good value…” – Tom, Thomaswerks (April 2009)
• “…an incredible help with much of the staging pre-production and was invaluable on site…” – Blake Batterson, Business Media Productions (December 2003)
• “I don’t imagine that there are many agencies of our size that have enjoyed an anniversary with a highly professional audiovisual and lighting production like the one you provided” – Steve Rhea, Rhea & Kaiser (May 2003)
• “…a stunning work of both artistic and technical skill…a tremendous enhancement to the success of the evening…” – Henry McKinney, United States Navy Memorial Foundation (October 2003)
• “You have a top-notch team, and you performed well beyond our expectations.” - Henry McKinney, United States Navy Memorial Foundation (October 2003)
• “…a “can do” outfit that nitpicks every detail…covers all stages of production, from cargo pick up and delivery to ballroom specs in hotels throughout the world…friendly easy-to-work-with professionals…” – Richard Murray, American Airlines (July 1995)

AG Connect Show

Here are some pictures from the AG Connect Show in 2011. Enjoy!

AG Connect - slideshow maker

NACR Broadway-themed Sales Meeting

NACR hosted a Broadway-themed annual sales meeting in Orlando, FL at the Royal Pacific Resort last week. Approximately 220 sales people attended the meeting. 

Technicians Cory Wetzell and Dave Ruke helped to create a Broadway-themed meeting by creating a circle front projection screen. Presenters had fun entering the stage by making dramatic moves as a backlit sillouette.


NACR Sales Meeting - free slideshow

For more information on this event, call 815.469.1422 or email info@warnerav.com.

American Academy of Dermatology Tradeshow

Project Manager, David Ripp, set up and ran booths at the American Academy of Dermatology Trade Show for three pharmaceutical companies - two under Johnson and Johnson and one under Bayer.

AAD - slideshow with music

The total square footage of the booths for this humongous gig was 9,500.  The big technology features were large video walls and synched videos. David Ripp also set up iPad App integration. Warner AV oversaw the lighting and rigging for all of the booths.