Skip to content

Portable AC Power Distribution, Part 2

Fig. 1: Schematic representation of a center-tapped transformer with grounded center tap. Secondary voltages for this configuration are commonly 120V RMS between either leg and the center tap, or 240V RMS between the two legs. The EGC is not shown.

Portable AC Power Distribution, Part 2

In last month’s column, we covered the concepts behind common methods of AC power distribution, and a number of power specific terms that have specific definitions in the context of the National Electrical Code (NEC). That article was to lay the groundwork for this month’s discussion of portable power distribution in the language of the code. Readers are encouraged to reference that article, and generally re-familiarize themselves with the definitions within.

Read More »
PreSonus StudioLive 32.4.2 AI Digital Mixer

PreSonus StudioLive 32.4.2 AI Digital Mixer

The much-anticipated next generation of StudioLive consoles has finally arrived. The new StudioLive AI line is offered in 16-, 24- and 32-channel versions. And the numbers refer to full channels with mic preamps — there’s none of that “24 input board with 16 mic inputs and four stereo line inputs” business. All are four-bus designs.

Read More »
Telefunken M82 Kick Drum Microphone. For a video, go to fohonline.com/foh-tv.

Telefunken M82 Kick Drum Microphone

Maybe it’s because I’m also a drummer, but whenever a company introduces a new microphone designed for kick drum, I’m all ears. So earlier this year, when Telefunken Eletroakustik announced its new M82, I was definitely interested and even more so because the M82 also has onboard tone shaping switches to tailor the response to the job at hand.

Read More »
Seal at the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City

When There’s No Familiar Ground, Start Digging

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of mixing a performance by Seal for a large corporate event held at the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City. This event was my first time working for this particular artist, and I must admit it was a completely enjoyable experience. Although I was familiar with his hits, I had no previous experience of any kind with Seal’s live shows. When taking on a fresh project, I believe two things to be of paramount importance: preparation and networking.

Read More »

EDM: Out of the Rave Caves and onto Wall Street’s Big Board

When wind or rain imperil lives and property at an outdoor concert, the authorities take notice. When recreational drugs do the same thing, it’s Wall Street that’s reacting. That’s what can be inferred by the cancellation of the last day of the Electric Zoo Festival on New York’s Randall’s Island Sept. 1 after a pair of concertgoers died of alleged drug overdoses. The cancellation was ordered by the city’s outgoing mayor Michael Bloomberg, who’s name is synonymous with the financial markets. He build a fortune worth over $20 billion by leasing specialized computer terminals for his market-data business before he was elected to (or purchased outright, depending on who you talk to) the office of Mayor of New York City.

Read More »
Pushing the limit? Make sure your metrics match those used by the sound cops.

I Can’t Drive 85

Officer: Excuse me sir, do you have any idea how fast you were driving?

Me: Officer, I swear I didn’t know I was speeding.

Officer: The neighbors can hear you seven miles away, and that’s across two rivers, a Christmas tree farm, a football stadium and an asylum for unstable musicians. I’ll have to take you in.

Me: Please officer, don’t take me in. I need this gig. So… exactly how fast was I going?

Officer: 118

Me: 118??!!! That’s impossible. This thing can’t even squawk out a hundred.

Officer: Sir, you’ll have to come with me…

Read More »
The original lapel mics were two inches in diameter, but today’s lavalier designs (such as this CR-8L from Point Source Audio) offer excellent performance in a miniature package.

Using Lavalier Microphones

Do you know when the lavalier microphone was invented? Well, lapel mics date back to 1932. Back then, any small microphone that could be hooked in the buttonhole of a lapel of a coat would qualify as a lav mic. Various models included condenser, ribbon, moving coil and carbon button mics.

Read More »
llustration by Andy Au

Politics, Negotiations and Audio

According to Wikipedia,  the word “Politics” is derived from Greek, politicos, meaning ‘of, for, or relating to citizens’). “It is the practice and theory of influencing other people on a civic or individual level. More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance — organized control over a human community, particularly a state. A variety of methods is employed in politics, which include promoting its own political views among people, negotiations with other political subjects, making laws, and exercising force, including warfare against adversaries.”

Read More »
Don McConnell, director, Audio Brands Australia

Audio Brands Australia Opens

SYDNEY — Audio Brands Australia, a Sydney-based audio distributor focused on the installation and production markets, recently opened for business. Headed up by 25-plus-year industry veteran Don McConnell, the company’s stated mission is to “provide great products and outstanding customer service.”

Read More »
Thunder Audio Nashville

Thunder Audio Opens in Nashville

NASHVILLE — Long based in Michigan, renowned independent sound company Thunder Audio has opened a new branch in Nashville in conjunction with CTK management. Located at 6705 Centennial Blvd., the new facility also offers a fully equipped private rehearsal space.

Read More »
EAW QX Series Delivers

Westminster Chapel in Bellevue, WA Installs EAW QX Series Speakers

WHITINSVILLE, MA – Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) reports recent installations at major houses of worship that have included its QX Series speakers. Among them is Westminster Chapel in Bellevue, WA. Pictured here is Larry Dragland, former Westminster technical director, who helped oversee the install. Morgan Sound owner Charlie Morgan and Jim Burdette, WJHW senior consultant, also worked on the project.

Read More »