We get calls all the time from people who’ve purchased a piece of gear from an online store but can’t get it to work with their system. The thought process seems to include ideas like, the best gear prices are online, hiring an install company will be way more expensive, and YouTube can teach me to use any piece of equipment out there. The first two are definitely false, and while the last one might be true–and I recommend YouTube all the time–YouTube isn’t great at helping you understand how to integrate gear into an existing system, or which piece of gear to purchase.

In this blog, we’re talking about the science and technology of atmospheric effects! This is the first blog in a series about atmospheric effects. In this one, we will define haze effects, review how heated atmosphere effects work, and dive a little into the fluids used to make the effect.

In this blog we’re going to explore an essential element of the entertainment industry that sets the tone for any event or performance - Automated Fixtures. Automated, moving head fixtures, or "movers" as they're commonly known, are a type of fixture that create dynamic lighting effects that can transform any space. In this blog, we'll be discussing the different types of moving head fixtures available, their specific functions and purposes, along with the best places to use them. We'll also discuss some of the possible drawbacks and limitations of each fixture.

In my decades of teaching churches to do audio better, I have heard a pretty good collection of misinformed ideas about how sound works, and nothing seems to attract more bad practices, confusion, and sheer guessing than channel EQ. It’s the most misunderstood part of mixing, and yet it’s one of the most vital components of a good mix. It’s also the hardest part of audio to teach because it relies on developing a critical ear that distinguishes between different frequencies and tonalities and understanding what instruments should sound like. That doesn’t happen in one session or overnight.

In today's digital age, video technology plays a crucial role in various spaces, from corporate presentations and educational settings to entertainment venues and live events. As technology continues to evolve, many organizations find themselves considering upgrades to their video systems to stay ahead of the curve and meet the growing demands of their audiences. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when upgrading your video system, ensuring that you make informed decisions!

One of the hot topics at this year’s NAMM show was gain staging. Lots of people want to know what it is and why you need to know how to do it. It’s also the root of some of the more common mistakes I see in many churches and schools. It’s not intuitive, but knowing how to do it makes a world of difference in your signal quality. What is gain staging?

Even though the massive analog consoles have been relegated to studios and project venues where engineers are looking for the warmth and saturation of analog and their lack of portability isn’t an issue, it doesn’t mean analog consoles are done in live sound. A small analog console is still a great choice for AV gigs and small events with just a couple of mics and some background music. The world of digital consoles still can’t compete with the prices of small 4-8 channel analog mixers.

Planning a small event, whether it's a birthday party, a corporate meeting, or a band performance, requires careful consideration of many factors to ensure the best audio experience for your audience. One crucial aspect is determining the size of the PA system you'll need. Too large, and you risk overwhelming your space; too small, and your message won't be heard. In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps to help you decide the ideal PA system size for your small event.

Lighting dimmer racks are the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry, playing a crucial role in controlling and regulating the intensity of stage lighting. While routine maintenance is essential for their optimal performance, attempting to clean dimmer racks on your own could lead to more harm than good. In this blog, we'll shed light on why enlisting professional expertise for dimmer rack maintenance is a wise decision.

The Sennheiser EW 135P series is a workhorse wireless microphone system that delivers quality sound and performance. This blog is designed to explain the settings so that professionals in the music, broadcasting, and film industries will know how to use these wireless microphones.

In the world of live events, audiovisual (AV) installations play a crucial role in creating memorable and immersive experiences for both performers and audiences. From sound systems to lighting displays, professional AV installations are the backbone of any successful venue. In this blog, we will explore the importance of investing in professional AV installation and the significant impact it can have on your venue's overall quality and success.

What is reverb? If you’ve ever been in a large room, like a cathedral, you’ve heard naturally occurring reverb. Reverb is short for reverberation, which is a prolonging of a sound. Natural reverb occurs in rooms where the dry/original sound bounces off of surfaces in the room creating a cascade of reflections or echoes of the original that arrive at the listener at different times. The more times the sound bounces around, the more (and different) reflections are created as the energy dies out over time. The sound of the reverb is changed by bouncing off of different materials and surfaces with varying degrees of coarseness and absorption.

When it comes to creating a memorable event, every detail matters. One element that can make a significant impact on the ambiance and visual appeal is the use of gobos! These customizable lighting accessories have the power to transform any space into a captivating and enchanting environment. Let’s explore how you can use gobos to elevate your event and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Event lighting is an essential aspect of any wedding. Lighting not only sets the mood and ambiance of the event but also serves a functional purpose in illuminating the space. A well-designed lighting plan can create a magical atmosphere and transform a wedding venue into a dreamy and romantic space. In this blog post, we will discuss how event lighting can be used in a wedding to create a memorable experience for the couple and their guests.

Lekolite, most commonly known as a Leko, is light that uses an ellipsoidal reflector to reflect light through a lens that then focuses the light. They are used heavily in theatre and are great for precision lighting. This light looks complex, but once we break it down it is very simple. We’ll be using a SourceFour Leko as our example, but the parts are generally consistent with all Lekos.

One of the best feelings I’ve experienced is when I’m mixing for a huge event with a ton of people dancing, waving their arms and singing along. A successful event is more than just a bunch of cool gear performing properly, or a well-known band. It’s an event that is well attended, which means large crowds of people packed into the venue…and a whole slew of potential issues to contend with because of them.

If you’re using a reputable production company for your event, you don’t have to worry about any of those things because they’ve already done all the calculations and have the proper cabling and distribution equipment to make it happen safely. Just don’t be surprised if the power needs are greater than you expected! They’ll likely want to do a site visit to double-check your power and make sure you’re not just counting outlets.

If you were to ask yourself what a church looked like 100+ years ago compared to present time, I am sure most of you would picture a “Little House On The Prairie” type of building that could fit a congregation of no more than 40 people. Church has changed quite radically in the last century; from choirs, pipe organs and stained-glass windows, to filling up concert stadiums with flashing lights and loud music with major production costs. Today we’re going to talk about some basic lighting that can be tailored to fit any budget or stage design.

I thought it might be helpful to share some of the tidbits of information I’ve learned over the past 18 years as an installer and Master Electrician with the State of Washington. Lots of venues, especially non-profits, have been trying to figure out more cost-effective ways to get their installations done, and I’ve had to do huge amounts of research into this subject as a qualified installer helping them figure it out.