Choosing The Right Equipment

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Matt Davis on December 15, 2008 at 3:30pm

Hey Buzz,

I'm not an expert on lights but as far as sound - you can't go wrong with 2 JBL Powered 15'' EON speakers with speaker stands. (This way you won't have to bother with an amp. These speakers are totally self contained). (You could ask for 3 EON speakers if you think you'll need a monitor in addition to the speakers)They are easy to set up and easy to operate and the new one's are very powerful. Don't forget to tell them you will need all the cables!I would also request a wireless mic. The Shure PGX Wireless is pretty much a standard reliable mic. (Make sure there are fresh batteries!) Are you running music? If so what do you normally use? I'd be happy to recommend a board. A small Mackie is always good.

- Matt Davis

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rusty Z - The HypnotiComic on December 15, 2008 at 3:51pm

I would call a DJ or equipment rental company in Alberta that is familiar with the venue and hook them up with the client. Otherwise you could have major problems.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Marc Savard on December 15, 2008 at 4:10pm

Buzz,

Great Question. I agree with Matt wholeheartedly on his gear recommendations.

When the client is providing the gear, I always provide a list of what I am expecting. I have been to an event early in my career, where I had to use speakers that a guy custom build from scratch. Let's just say, he should not be in the audio business. Ever.

There are pletnty of audio and lighting rental places in all major cities. The nice thing about hypnosis shows is that you do not need much for gear to make a great show.

In my opinion, here is a basic rundown of must haves.

1. A handheld dual diversity wireless microphone. I feel that a handheld microphone is best because if you wear a headset, it is difficult to talk to your volunteers. Secondly, a corded microphone is a tripping hazard and should not be used. Dual diversity means that it has two antennas, and if one loses signal, the other jumps in to hold it. It is also wise to get one that is programmable in it's channels, then if you happen to pick up some kids on a walkie talkie, you simply change the channel.

2. Sound powerful enough to accomodate your audience. In this case 400 people. I would recommend any small powered speaker. Powered speaker means it has the amplifier built in. Before audio nuts freak out and jump in, yes, I don't think they are as good as Meyer speakers powered by some seperate QSC amps, but for 400 people, they will do the trick fine. Something like JBL powered speakers, or Mackie self-powered speakers are great and most sound companies will stock/rent both. Make sure that you request speaker stands, that way the speakers are not sitting on the floor.

3. Sound Board/Mixer. You will need one of these to plug in your sound playback system if you use music cues, and also to plug in your microphone. A small Mackie 1402 is perfect, even the 1202 will get you by. If they still make it...? I don't know. Know what connectors your playback system will use, and make sure the sound board can accomodate it.

4. Stage montiors (these are the name for speakers that are used on stage for the performers, so that they can hear and of course the hypnotists suggestions can be heard by the volunteers - I know that YOU know this Buzz, but I am assuming that there are some hypnotherapists who have never performed a show might be reading this post and find that valuable) Here is the fine line for monitors. If the room is small enough and depending how it is shaped, you might be able to hear enough from your FOH speakers if they are positioned to he sides of the stage (Front of House = speakers in front of the stage directed towards the audience to hear).

If the room is bigger like 400+, your speakers will be pushing sound substantially louder and can cause you some feedback issues. So they would need to be placed farther ahead of you and the stage and closer to the audience. This puts your stage and volunteers behind the FOH speakers and can make it challenging for them to hear. Placing a stage monitor speaker on each side facing your volunteers on the stage can be very helpful. I feel that the room you are describing can go either way depending on the setup of the stage etc. Might not be a bad idea to request some. Make sure they are either self-powered, or they will need to provide an amplifier with those too.

5. Lighting is not required. You can do a show in daylight. However, it does add a professional feel and makes the hall seem more theater like. If lighting is required for the show, usually 2 small ligthing trees (tripod with attached lights) and a dimmer board is sufficient. I prefer ellipsoidal lights that are croppable so that there is no extra light shining where you do not want it. But, I am picky. Haha :-) The lights I prefer are a Source Four Jr with 375 or 575 watt bulbs. I think that they will be more expensive, and probably not necessary. The new LED lights they make nowadays are pretty cool, but I have no experience with them, maybe someone can share theirs. I always request lights if the show is indoors.

6. Back drop is the last piece I would suggest for you to have rent. If it is cost effective, then fine. But I would try not to spend your clients money on a piece that they might not see value for. A black backdrop however does absorb light and doesn't reflect it out into the audience. A white wall makes it difficult for your audience to watch a 90 minute show on. That's the flip side I guess.

I think that your client should probably expect rental costs of the gear to be 20-30% of your show fee. Why do I say that? Well, I feel in my opinion that there is a certain level of professionalism that the clients who pay bigger money expect. Can a $500 hypnotist perform as good of a show as one that has a great reputation, tons of marketing, and experience that charges $10,000 given the right situation and great volunteers? Yes. Should the $10,000 hypnotist arrive at the event with 2 little lights, and 2 small speakers? Maybe not. A client who pays big money should be accustomed to paying higher production fees, etc and the level of production in their past events may have been higher, etc, so they might have a level of expectation from you, the act they just hired. Basically saying, get enough to get by, but try not to look cheap, or more importantly sound cheap. You are going to be compared to the other $10,000 acts that they have had. Bands, magicians with props, dance companies, so know what you competition is doing and be sure to stay in line. Sound cheap = Means - nothing worse than paying $1200 for your hypnotist and NOBODY can hear him cause the sound equipment sucks. I am also expecting some disagreement with my 20-40% rule, and welcome the discussion on that.

My experience is that in my case when someone hires me to do a corporate event, I bill myself as a "Las Vegas Headliner" as I do 6 shows a week on the strip at Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile V Theater.. When they call my office, they are not expecting me to only charge $500. Secondly, when I arrive at an event, for the price range that I charge, I usually show up with my female stage assistant, my sound/lighting guy, and my video guy, plus myself, of course depending on what 'package" they have chosen. Usually my production requirements fit in with the program they already have. For example, on corporate events of 1000 people or more, they usually have the budget for production, cause even to greet the guests and speak for 5 minutes, they will need some quality sound. Usually sound and lights are already rented, so my office just coordinates with the hired tech company and fills in the gaps as to what we need.

I hope this helps. If anything is garbled and unclear, please ask me to clarify. :-)

Marc

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion