Amplification

CarolineOrch

STRINGSPACE:

Generally, string quartet amplification is only required for events with over 130 guests. However, some inside locations will benefit from adding string amplification with fewer guests. If the space can get quite noisy, you may want to consider adding amplification.

Here are our Stringspace AV requirements:

Amplification for Strings:

Option 1 – wireless DPA microphones:

If your AV company has DPA mics, this is a fabulous option. DPA mics give a magnificent, clear, beautiful sound.

DPA specs (for string quartet):

  • 4 x 4061 (or 4099) DPA microphone with microdot to XLR adaptor
  • 3 x DPA black instrument clips for violin
  • 1 x DPA black instrument clip for cello
  • 4 x black XLR cables for each musician

A high-quality PA system that includes:

  • 1 x mixer desk
  • 2 x foldback wedges
  • 2 x Speakers on stands
  • A professional AV operator

The 4061s are small lapel DPAs. 4099 DPAs are set a little further from the string. Both sound amazing!

Your professional AV company can connect up to the DPA XLR connectors using their cables etc.

Option 2 – microphones on stands:

  • 1 x microphone on a stand per player.

A high-quality PA system that includes:

  • 1 x mixer desk
  • 2 x foldback wedges
  • 2 x Speakers on stands
  • A professional AV operator

Stringspace DPA hire information:

DPA mics: in Sydney, there is an option to hire DPA microphones direct from Stringspace. The additional total price is $400 + GST (for up to 4 x DPA mics).

Our DPA’s are not wireless. We use D1 cables. There is no wireless capability. Confirming our DPAs are XLRs. We have up to 8 DPAs available to hire for Stringspace events in Sydney. 4 x 4099s and 4 x 4061s. The 4061s are the small lapel DPAs. 4099 DPAs are set a little further from the string. Both sound amazing!

Our DPA clips are DPA MH 6001. We have 3 x rubber violin clips.

Extra info: We don’t have shure connectors for our DPAs. We have DPA microdot. XLR are the 3 dots on the end of the DPA. Microdot is the red dot pin in the centre of the gold screw.

Pro-audio people can connect up to the DPA XLR connectors using their cables etc.

Stringspace Orchestra AV DPA amplification:

12 player string orchestra will require 12 x 4061 (or 4099) DPAs, 12 x instrument clips and 12 x black XLR cables. The professional AV operator will plug in and operate these DPA’s through their mixer and PA speaker system.

For larger-scale outdoor events, string quartet requirements will look more like this:

  • 4 x speakers
  • 1 x mixer desk
  • 1 x power generator running
  • 2 x vans

SINGER & STRINGS:

Requirements:

Singer + strings:

  • 1 x Shure SVX wireless (or a 58 Mic and lead)
  • 1 x Mic stand
  • 1 x high-quality PA system (see list below)
  • 2 x foldback wedges
  • 1 x comfortable high stool (if possible)

+

A High-quality PA system that includes:

  • 1 x mixer desk
  • 2 x foldback wedges
  • 2 x Speakers on stands
  • A professional AV operator

+

Strings:

  • One microphone on a stand per player (or one between 2 is good too)
  • Professional AV operator to set up and monitor the levels throughout your event.
  • If your AV company has 4061 DPA mics, this can be a fabulous option too. 4061 DPA mics give a wonderful, clear, beautiful sound.

DPA mics: in Sydney, there is an option to hire DPA microphones direct from Stringspace. The total additional price is $400 + GST (for up to 4 DPA mics). Your professional AV operator will be required to plug in and operate these DPA’s through their mixer and PA system.

Soundcheck: sound check/rehearsal w. singer fees are the same as performance fees.

 

FAQ – Recommendations:

  1. How many microphones on stands for strings:
  • String quartet = 2 – 4 mics
  • String trio = 2 – 3 mics
  • String duo = 2 mics

2. Can I use our venue PA system:

Usually, venues have a PA system which is best to only use for speeches.

The venue has an in-house PA system operated remotely, but they only have one mic, so we can’t really use that for anything other than speeches.

Extra info:

How loud is an unamplified string quartet? 85dB

Professional AV company recommendation: In Sydney, we recommend Andy Lysle. He has mic’d up our strings many times and regularly does sound for all the major festivals in Sydney.

Andy – 0416 188 935

DPLR – 02) 9037 3757

hello@dplr.com.au

www.dplr.com.au

In Melbourne, we recommend:

  • Harry the Hirer
  • Select AV Audio Visual Production:

www.selectav.com.au | David Parkin – 0412 302 673 | e: david@selectav.com.au

Solo Cello AV for a restaurant/bar:

  • 57″ mic on a stand OR a 4061 DPA

+

A high-quality PA system that includes:

  • 1 x mixer desk
  • 2 x foldback wedges
  • 2 x Speakers on stands
  • A professional AV operator

JAZZ BAND AV REQUIREMENTS:

Our jazz bands can provide amplification for events with up to 230 guests at no extra cost. They require 2 x 240V power outlets close to the band (see below). For this option, they will plug in and supply their small amps.

Band amplification for events with 230 – 400 guests.

A/V Requirements:

  • 2 x 240V electrical outlets close to the band (ideally, within 3 metres)
  • If no outlets are close by, we require the client to have an extension cord prepared and safely in place for our band to plug into. This may mean having an extension cord taped to the floor. Ideally, the electrical outlet will be close by, and this won’t be required.

If the band are going through a PA system:

  • DIs for the keyboard and bass
  • 1 x mic for the guitar amp
  • 1 x mic on a stand for the sax (if required)
  • 2 x overhead mics for the drums (if necessary)
  • A professional AV Team, ideally, who are familiar with the venue, to look after and supply a high-quality PA system (mixer and speakers) and a sound person on the night.

High-quality PA System:

  • 1 x mixer desk
  • 2 x foldback wedges
  • 2 x Speakers on stands
  • A professional AV operator

Our bass players usually still bring and use their small amps when using a DI. The DI is then run from the bass amp into their PA system for the best sound.

SINGER + JAZZ BAND:

  • 58 Mic and lead
  • Mic stand
  • Comfortable high stool
  • 1 x additional foldback wedge
  • Professional PA system (as above)
  • Professional operator (as above)

Please note: all venues must have access to electrical outlets.

Stringspace Orch Melbourne

Live roaming violin feature performance

Requirements:

  • The bigger the room, the more speakers required.
  • A 6-speaker PA system is usually recommended for 150 – 400 ppl
  • 2 x foldback wedges out the front/on stage for the violinist/s
  • Appropriate lighting
  • wireless battery pack with a mic that plugs directly into the violin via a ¼ inch (6mm) jack & which is appropriately sized for the violin, i.e. not too big. The battery pack will then be attached to the violinist.
  • Wireless battery packs mean our musicians are more mobile and can move around.
  • The cellists stick the battery packs to the back of the instruments, and our violinists have them attached to their shirt/skirt/dress 🙂
  • Using these packs means we are more mobile and can move around. On the odd occasion, we still plug into a PA, but not very often for a short roving performance.
  • A DPA XLR 4099 microphone is usually the best quality sound and will allow our violinist to move around the stage.
  • Band mixer – RCA

Wired microphones will obviously mean that our violinists won’t be able to rove whilst performing.

Q. Can your Sydney DPAs connect to a wifi belt pack? Only if your wifi belt pack (or radio pack) has a microdot connector.

Q. What is the difference between an electric violin and a mic’d up acoustic violin? An electric violin is useful over a mic’d up violin only when there is a lot of potential for feedback on stage, i.e. when playing with a ton of heavy drums or whatnot. Other than that, the difference is purely visual. Confirming our violinists mainly perform on acoustic violins (not electric violins).


Back to top