Sound & Lighting Equipment Explained
Very few couples consider sound reinforcement and lighting when choosing a DJ or live entertainment for their wedding reception. The quality of the sound system or PA system is extremely important. It's one thing to have great DJ song selections, or a terrific live act, but that amounts to very little if the sound is poor and the lighting inadequate.
SOUND SYSTEM
For those that decide to save money and take the do it yourself (DIY) approach to music, there are many pitfalls. DIY music is often let down by an inadequate sound system. Using one's hi-fi or home surround sound system just doesn't cut the mustard in most applications. Hiring equipment to plug your ipod, CD player or laptop into can be almost as expensive as hiring a DJ. Whatsmore very few couples will know what to hire and risk getting sub standard equipment.
Those that are looking at booking professional DJs or musicians should find out exactly what sound reinforcement equipment they will be using. The minimum requirement for loudspeakers should be boxes with 12” speakers (and horns) preferably coupled with a subwoofer. Some high quality 10” speakers will work well with a sub but will be inadequate on their own. There are some very good 15” speakers that do the job without any need for a sub but 15” speakers with a quality sub is a very effective combination. Speakers can either be active (built in amplification) or passive – requiring an external amplifier or powered mixing desk.
Let the DJ or performers know how big the venue is and how many guests will be attending. Make sure that, in their opinion, their sound reinforcement is adequate for the room.
Apart from speakers and amplifiers there are a number of other variables that will effect the sound (e.g the quality of the mixer and input/playback equipment). There are some equipment brands that are better than others. DJs and musicians that use speakers, amplifiers and mixing desks etc made by the likes of Yamaha, Mackie, RCF, Soundcraft, Allen & Heath, Nexo, Electro-Voice & JBL should be favourably considered. There are widely used cheaper brands that simply don't perform, or will sound vastly inferior, but I won't mention there for fear of legal action!
Microphones can make all the difference to sound of a vocalist and musical instruments. I use Electro-Voice & AKG wireless microphones and a Rode condenser mic – all quality brands. Sennheiser, Shure, Audio- Technica are other quality brands that vocalists use. The market is flooded with some very cheap and nasty mic brands and generic products out of China.
Brands that make decent specialist DJ equipment (CD players, turntables & mixers etc) include Numark, Technics, Pioneer and Vestax to name a few. DJs that use laptops as opposed to CD decks & turntables should be using either a professional sound card or a USB direct injection box. Often they will only use the built-in sound card of the laptop. Not only is the sound usually poor, but earth hums/loops are almost always a consequence unless they have an external earth hum eliminator or they don't use mains power and just use the laptop battery.
LIGHTING
Effective and varied lighting can add a great deal to the DJ music experience. DIY wedding music often lacks the visual appeal because couples don't give any thought to using effects lighting. Any DJ worth his/her salt should have good lighting. Couples should ask what lighting they have. LED lighting has become all the rage and because they are so energy efficient DJs can run banks of LED effects lights without having to use 3 phase power or risk blowing a fuse by using too many power hungry incandescent lights. I personally use and love LED lighting for both stage and DJ use. Live performers should have some basic stage lighting.
SMOKE/FOG MACHINES & BUBBLE MACHINES
Some/fog machines enhance effects lighting but can trigger smoke alarms. Be sure the first check with the venue before hiring or utlising a fog machine. Not all venues allow them. Similarly bubble machines are not permitted by many venues as there is a liability risk with having slippery bubble fluid on dance floors. The same applies for snow machines. Bubble machines can add a nice touch to the bridal party entry and bridal waltz.
So beware cheap sub-standard equipment and ensure whoever you book uses reliable brand name gear that will be adequate for the venue and wont let you down!
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.earlcolemusic.com
SOUND SYSTEM
For those that decide to save money and take the do it yourself (DIY) approach to music, there are many pitfalls. DIY music is often let down by an inadequate sound system. Using one's hi-fi or home surround sound system just doesn't cut the mustard in most applications. Hiring equipment to plug your ipod, CD player or laptop into can be almost as expensive as hiring a DJ. Whatsmore very few couples will know what to hire and risk getting sub standard equipment.
Those that are looking at booking professional DJs or musicians should find out exactly what sound reinforcement equipment they will be using. The minimum requirement for loudspeakers should be boxes with 12” speakers (and horns) preferably coupled with a subwoofer. Some high quality 10” speakers will work well with a sub but will be inadequate on their own. There are some very good 15” speakers that do the job without any need for a sub but 15” speakers with a quality sub is a very effective combination. Speakers can either be active (built in amplification) or passive – requiring an external amplifier or powered mixing desk.
Let the DJ or performers know how big the venue is and how many guests will be attending. Make sure that, in their opinion, their sound reinforcement is adequate for the room.
Apart from speakers and amplifiers there are a number of other variables that will effect the sound (e.g the quality of the mixer and input/playback equipment). There are some equipment brands that are better than others. DJs and musicians that use speakers, amplifiers and mixing desks etc made by the likes of Yamaha, Mackie, RCF, Soundcraft, Allen & Heath, Nexo, Electro-Voice & JBL should be favourably considered. There are widely used cheaper brands that simply don't perform, or will sound vastly inferior, but I won't mention there for fear of legal action!
Microphones can make all the difference to sound of a vocalist and musical instruments. I use Electro-Voice & AKG wireless microphones and a Rode condenser mic – all quality brands. Sennheiser, Shure, Audio- Technica are other quality brands that vocalists use. The market is flooded with some very cheap and nasty mic brands and generic products out of China.
Brands that make decent specialist DJ equipment (CD players, turntables & mixers etc) include Numark, Technics, Pioneer and Vestax to name a few. DJs that use laptops as opposed to CD decks & turntables should be using either a professional sound card or a USB direct injection box. Often they will only use the built-in sound card of the laptop. Not only is the sound usually poor, but earth hums/loops are almost always a consequence unless they have an external earth hum eliminator or they don't use mains power and just use the laptop battery.
LIGHTING
Effective and varied lighting can add a great deal to the DJ music experience. DIY wedding music often lacks the visual appeal because couples don't give any thought to using effects lighting. Any DJ worth his/her salt should have good lighting. Couples should ask what lighting they have. LED lighting has become all the rage and because they are so energy efficient DJs can run banks of LED effects lights without having to use 3 phase power or risk blowing a fuse by using too many power hungry incandescent lights. I personally use and love LED lighting for both stage and DJ use. Live performers should have some basic stage lighting.
SMOKE/FOG MACHINES & BUBBLE MACHINES
Some/fog machines enhance effects lighting but can trigger smoke alarms. Be sure the first check with the venue before hiring or utlising a fog machine. Not all venues allow them. Similarly bubble machines are not permitted by many venues as there is a liability risk with having slippery bubble fluid on dance floors. The same applies for snow machines. Bubble machines can add a nice touch to the bridal party entry and bridal waltz.
So beware cheap sub-standard equipment and ensure whoever you book uses reliable brand name gear that will be adequate for the venue and wont let you down!
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.earlcolemusic.com
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