Carvin FX44 Instruction Manual - Page 39

FX44 Mixer Suggestions for Efficient Set Uo Section 7 SUGGESTIONS FOR EFFICIENT SET UP AND QUALITY SOUND LIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT At this point we would like to make some general comments on setting up and operating a sound system. The most important point to emphasize is that a little planning before the day of the performance, can prevent serious problems the night of the performance, especially if you are new to sound reinforcement work. PREVIEW THE CONCERT HALL 1) Power Requirements Try to check out the concert hail before hand to determine where you can obtain power and how far you will have to run any extension cords. Check if there enough current capacity to power ALL the equipment you may need. This will ensure that you do not blow all the circuit breakers on the opening note. To check this, you need to know approximately what the total power line (AC) current requirement for your sound system will be. You can easily determine the total AC current requirement of the system (that is, the total number of 'Amperes' required from the AC line). To do this you need to add up the total current requirements of each piece of equipment (in amps) that you plan on using in your performance. Or. you can add the total 'watts' (power capability) of each piece of equipment in the system and divide by the number 120 (the AC line voltage). This will give you the total current needed (in amps) for your system. The current capability of the AC power circuits you use should exceed your total sound equipment's use by a healthy margin. As an example, let's say you have determined your total current requirement to be 15 amps. Then, and a good safety margin (25%). You should now make sure that the house circuits can supply at least 20 amps. In any event. make sure you power up the complete system well in advance of showtime. Now, if there are any problems you can correct them before, and not during, showtime. One of the greatest problems of circuit overloading is flood or spot lights plugged into the same circuit you plan to use for the sound system. Try not to use the same circuit to power both the lighting and the sound system. Finally, don't forget to check that the circuit chosen can handle all your lighting requirements. 2) MAKE AN EQUIPMENT LIST A good way to prepare for the show is to write out a list of ALL the equipment that you will be using. Later you can use this list as a check list when it comes lime to load up before, and after. the performance. It will make sure that you do not forget or lose pieces of your gear. Your list shoud include everything from the mixer down to the last interconnect cable. If you start with a block sketch of the sound system showing the mixer, snake, main amps, main speakers, monitor amps, and monitor speakers you can then draw in each interconnect cable. On every cable drawn in label each end as to the type of connector it will need. This diagram will help you to quickly set up the system because you will not have to stop and think what connects to what. It's no fun scrambling to assemble interconnect cables when showtime is a few minutes away! A complete equipment list and system diagram can help prevent equipment loss and should allow quick and efficient sound system setup. 3) HAVE A GOOD TOOL KIT Put together a good tool kit and add it to your equipment list. Make sure your tool kit includes a generous assortment of connector adapters. Stock enough spare connectors to repair each different type of interconnect cable you use in your system. Preventive maintenance is always the best way to assure the least amount of equipment related problems. Keep your cables clean and in good repair at all times. And, be sure to clean any dirt or dust off all your mixers, cables, and speakers. Such preventive maintenance will provide you with a much more reliable system. A good basic tool kit might carry the following items; 1) Spare cables and fuse's 2) Spare connectors or adapters 3) Pliers, wrenches. and wire cutters 4) Screwdrivers appropriate for any need (Flathead and Phillips - Small & Large) 5) Soldering iron, solder, and solderwick 7-1