so, i have a fair amount experience with speaker setups and such, but never anything this big. I think i know what i want, but this is my first time and i wanted to check if anyone has more experience in this area.
the plan, starting from front to back:
into the mixer, stereo monitors for the dj, 32 band stereo eq, limiter, three way cross over.
the speaker setup would be for each side of the stage, 2 400 watt top speakers, and a medium sub. per side.
I'll also be supplementing the low end with 2 more subs or one very big one at center stage.
I may also run some supplementary self powered speakers to the back.
its an open space, so I'm thinking reflections and harmonics shouldn't be a big issue?
my main concern is sub harmonics.
thoughts? thanks!
designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
BUY MATCHING SUBS! Don't get one type for here, and one type for there.
Then, cluster your subs in the center, you will gain a coupling effect which will provide a better db response, plus the bass will spread a lot better in an open space. If you have a hard wall behind the stage (concrete) then it would be best to place the subs at center stage, FACING the wall about 10" away from it.
Recommended subs: JBL SRX series 18 inch. Fairly lightweight, must be fed 1000+watts, great sound and very low hz response! (31hz I believe!).
Tops: JBL SRX, EV X or better series, Peavey SP series, (and if we are talking 500+ people, you may want to get line array'able cabs). Whatever you get, 12" should be fine as long as you have the subs/crosses there to cut the hz at around 80-100.
One thing you haven't addressed is HOW LARGE A CROWD? There will be a big difference in how many speakers you need to cover 150 people vs 1500!
Probably just need a two way cross, unless you already have tops with the option for separate mids/highs.
150 or less: 2 good tops @ 500w each, and at least 2 subs at 500w each.
500: at least 4 tops, and at least 4 subs.
and it just gets worse from there on up!
Outdoor sound is a bitch! Hope this helps a little.
Then, cluster your subs in the center, you will gain a coupling effect which will provide a better db response, plus the bass will spread a lot better in an open space. If you have a hard wall behind the stage (concrete) then it would be best to place the subs at center stage, FACING the wall about 10" away from it.
Recommended subs: JBL SRX series 18 inch. Fairly lightweight, must be fed 1000+watts, great sound and very low hz response! (31hz I believe!).
Tops: JBL SRX, EV X or better series, Peavey SP series, (and if we are talking 500+ people, you may want to get line array'able cabs). Whatever you get, 12" should be fine as long as you have the subs/crosses there to cut the hz at around 80-100.
One thing you haven't addressed is HOW LARGE A CROWD? There will be a big difference in how many speakers you need to cover 150 people vs 1500!
Probably just need a two way cross, unless you already have tops with the option for separate mids/highs.
150 or less: 2 good tops @ 500w each, and at least 2 subs at 500w each.
500: at least 4 tops, and at least 4 subs.
and it just gets worse from there on up!
Outdoor sound is a bitch! Hope this helps a little.
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
awesome!
At first I was thinking of putting all 4 subs at the front and center, but thought of spreading them out to get more coverage. but that re-affirms my original thoughts.
the crowd will hopefully be up to 500. the space is fairly enclosed though, not more than 30m square. so your description of the 500 sized crowd sounds pretty close to what I planned.
i did an outdoor event with 4 jbl 15's and 6 jbl 10's once, and it sounded amazing, even without a sub. jbl is always a great bet.
At first I was thinking of putting all 4 subs at the front and center, but thought of spreading them out to get more coverage. but that re-affirms my original thoughts.
the crowd will hopefully be up to 500. the space is fairly enclosed though, not more than 30m square. so your description of the 500 sized crowd sounds pretty close to what I planned.
i did an outdoor event with 4 jbl 15's and 6 jbl 10's once, and it sounded amazing, even without a sub. jbl is always a great bet.
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
I've seen many beginners/non-professionals do this! Why?!Lightyear wrote:If you have a hard wall behind the stage (concrete) then it would be best to place the subs at center stage, FACING the wall about 10" away from it.
It might make sense in particular circumstances, but to use this technique whenever you find a concrete wall is quite simply absurd.
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
Pretty sure you gain roughly 3dB for every surface you put your sub against. Wall/Floor = 6dB. Corner (Wall/Wall/Floor) = 9dB.Z3NO wrote:I've seen many beginners/non-professionals do this! Why?!Lightyear wrote:If you have a hard wall behind the stage (concrete) then it would be best to place the subs at center stage, FACING the wall about 10" away from it.
It might make sense in particular circumstances, but to use this technique whenever you find a concrete wall is quite simply absurd.
A Sub doesn't always have to be in the center (it's omni-directional).
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
no walls will be involved in this case. its a grassy feild with a playground overlooking halifax harbor.
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
Is it better? YesLightyear wrote: (and if we are talking 500+ people, you may want to get line array'able cabs).
Is it necessary for 500 people? I don't think so
+1000 wold make me consider a Line Array
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
a line array is def. out of the budget, lol.
first year event, so the sponsors aren't so strong.
first year event, so the sponsors aren't so strong.
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clive_damagedgoods
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Sat Sep 03, 2011 3:23 am
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
Folded horns, folded horns, FOLDED HOOOOOORRRRNS.....
speakerplans.com - speak to Rog.
Build some 186 horns. They are what the word 'epic' was made for.
speakerplans.com - speak to Rog.
Build some 186 horns. They are what the word 'epic' was made for.
Re: designing soundsystem for medium sized outdoor even.
This is complete fantasy!mskopyk wrote: Pretty sure you gain roughly 3dB for every surface you put your sub against. Wall/Floor = 6dB. Corner (Wall/Wall/Floor) = 9dB.
A Sub doesn't always have to be in the center (it's omni-directional).