10 Last-Minute Tips for Running Live Sound at Your Event

Your big event is finally here! As an event planner, you’ve checked and double-checked everything on your event planning checklist, you’ve set up your microphone and PA systems, and your presenters are ready to roll. Perhaps you’ve played it safe and hired a crew of audio technicians to operate your sound system. But maybe, like many event planners who… Read the rest

6 Simple Steps To Keep A/V Equipment Safe At Your Events

One item event planners often overlook on their event planning checklists is whether or not their A/V equipment is walking out their venue’s front door. A/V equipment security is a big deal. Audio and visual equipment can be very expensive, and much of it is small and easily concealed. Items like microphones and laptops are ideal targets for theft and… Read the rest

5 Audio Production Mistakes Every Event Planner Should Avoid

Every event planner juggles a host of details for any event they plan, whether it’s a large conference, board meeting or small speaking engagement. All too often, however, event planners overlook one crucial aspect on their event planning checklist: audio production. Solid audio production is critical to the success of any event, regardless of the event’s size or venue. Audio… Read the rest

3 MegaVox PA System Features Teachers Will Love

The school year is about to start and once again teachers everywhere face the age-old problem of how to grab students’ attention in a world where distraction runs rampant. Portable classroom sound systems are an affordable and proven way to boost a teacher’s voice to all corners of the classroom, gymnasium or schoolyard. If you’re seeking an affordable sound system… Read the rest

Need A Mixer? Think Yamaha

Yamaha mixing boardA mixer is an essential device for recording and performing artists,  as well as audio engineers. You can use a mixer almost anywhere to help meet your audio needs, including at a recording studio, business conference, church event or school play. If you’re looking for a powerful, reliable and portable mixer, I highly recommend the Yamaha MG166CX 16-Channel Mixer with… Read the rest

Need a PA System? Try the Fender Passport PA System

Fender PA SystemIf you’re looking for a portable, easy-to-use amplifying device that delivers plenty of audio support and power during a performance or event, try a Fender PA system. The Benefits of Using a PA System As the technical director of an a cappella group, I love gear and favor products that deliver power and support. But I am also a… Read the rest

Wireless Mic Tips for the Complete Novice

two wireless microphone on the window3 Things You Must Know Before You Buy a Wireless Microphone Those of us in the audio industry often take certain facts for granted. We know that a microphone needs a PA system to plug into, that an amplifier needs a speaker to make a sound, and that different sound systems fit different applications. For audio novices – which can… Read the rest

This 300 Watt PA Won’t Break Your Back

Portable stereo PA systems have come a long way since the bulky monsters that strained the backs of musicians (and the shocks of Econoline vans) during the 70’s and 80’s. A few years back, Fender sparked something of a  portable PA arms race with the introduction of their Passport PA systems. Now Samson has entered the fray with their modular… Read the rest

Need Help Choosing a Back-To-School Sound System?

6 Questions to Help You Choose a Portable Sound System for Your Classroom A portable classroom PA system is an affordable, easy-to-use system that allows teachers to amplify their lessons. Why do you need a PA system for your classroom? The answer is simple: the proper sound reinforcement system allows  a teacher’s voice to reach all corners of the class,… Read the rest

Instrument Cables, Speaker Cables: What’s the Difference?

Why All Cords Aren’t Created Equal Consider the common cable: Two plugs, 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch, with a few feet of cable in between. That’s all there is to it, right? Wrong! Using the right cable at the right time can mean the difference between a crystal clear tone and a humming mess. In extreme cases, the incorrect cable… Read the rest