System for speaking events. - Our DJ Talk

DJ Young · 11-24-2009, 12:25 AM

Help me build a system for speaking events only. I would like to be able to cover a small gym up to about 500 people. Remember this system is for 95% spoken word, and the other 5% will be music from presentations.

How many speakers would you use?

What size woofers?

Lavalier or headset mic?

Your opinions are welcome and appreciated.

young...

ahoustondj · 11-24-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ Young

Help me build a system for speaking events only. I would like to be able to cover a small gym up to about 500 people. Remember this system is for 95% spoken word, and the other 5% will be music from presentations.

How many speakers would you use?

What size woofers?

Lavalier or headset mic?

Your opinions are welcome and appreciated.

young...

Here Ya Go!Megaphone-red.jpg

DJ Young · 11-24-2009, 12:49 AM

I have one of those already.

young...

soundinmotiondj · 11-24-2009, 12:58 AM

Keep in mind that most "house systems" in auditoriums do not include subs, or any real content <150Hz. Spoken word content goes down to 80-ish Hz...but you can get by with a high pass as high as 150Hz. For trivia, phone calls high pass at 300Hz. If you can get the tops down to 100Hz, that is more than good enough.

Any 8" or bigger top will do. I would go with four cabinets - distributed across the front of the audience. You need stands. You want the high frequency element 1-2ft over the heads of the audience - that means stands that are at least 6ft tall...and 7.5ft would be better. If there are risers or bleachers - you want to raise the speakers until they point directly at the back row of seats.

You do not need subs for the spoken word. If you really want subs, bring a pair, and make sure they are wall/corner loaded. Boundary loading is critical for big rooms.

A common mistake in a big room is to turn the bass up all the way. Don't. Setup the tops and bring the volume up until the mid/highs are right. Then bring up the subs as little as possible to barely fill in the bass. Anything more than that will boom. Remember, this is not a bumpin' club environment. You do not need a lot of bass to keep music for a presentation and spoken word sounding "natural."

I would use the best mic you have - odds are that will be a handheld wireless. If you want to use bodypack, the headsets are easier for most speakers to use - the mic stays in a constant place relative to their mouth. Lav's don't really work unless you park the presenter at a podium, and don't let them move around.

Do you need more than one mic?
Will the music for presentations be coming from a single source (e.g. laptop) or from a dual deck CD player?
Do you prefer passive or active speakers?
What is your budget?

DJ Young · 11-24-2009, 02:07 AM

I was figuring on 4 boxes with 8" or 10" drivers. I wouldn't require a sub and I have an EV RE-2 handheld system. I was looking for suggestions on a good headset mic. I would, obviously, buy the bodypack that goes with my current system. This is really a hypothetical situation that I am looking at for a couple of events I would like to put on if I can get the backing. My budget is limited due to a complete lack of funds and full-time job at the present moment.

I am just wondering what others would recommend is all?

young...

ahoustondj · 11-24-2009, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ Young

I was figuring on 4 boxes with 8" or 10" drivers. I wouldn't require a sub and I have an EV RE-2 handheld system. I was looking for suggestions on a good headset mic. I would, obviously, buy the bodypack that goes with my current system. This is really a hypothetical situation that I am looking at for a couple of events I would like to put on if I can get the backing. My budget is limited due to a complete lack of funds and full-time job at the present moment.

I am just wondering what others would recommend is all?

young...

If you are looking to move around and do wireless then the bodypack idea is good. If you want a decent and inexpensive mike thats on a headset, this is what i have been using for the past 9 years. http://www.ourdjtalk.com/album.php?a...8&pictureid=41

Fred Wright · 11-24-2009, 05:35 AM

For such an application I'd recommend a pair (or two) of dually 10" 2-way cabinets. Some bands use them for monitors They're directional and project very well.

Projection is key for what you're going to be doing. We've been running a pair, mostly as tops for years. Used indoors and out, they project a nice, warm vocal tone.

ahoustondj · 11-24-2009, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ Young

I was figuring on 4 boxes with 8" or 10" drivers. I wouldn't require a sub and I have an EV RE-2 handheld system. I was looking for suggestions on a good headset mic. I would, obviously, buy the bodypack that goes with my current system. This is really a hypothetical situation that I am looking at for a couple of events I would like to put on if I can get the backing. My budget is limited due to a complete lack of funds and full-time job at the present moment.

I am just wondering what others would recommend is all?

young...

Midrange Horns my friend, horns will give you better coverage and projection. You also will need the bass otherwise the vocals/voice projection can sound flat! Full spectrum is still aplicable even for vocals but the emphasis will be on the frequencies that cover the various vocal spectrums.

jokerswild · 11-24-2009, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ Young

I was figuring on 4 boxes with 8" or 10" drivers. I wouldn't require a sub and I have an EV RE-2 handheld system. I was looking for suggestions on a good headset mic. I would, obviously, buy the bodypack that goes with my current system. This is really a hypothetical situation that I am looking at for a couple of events I would like to put on if I can get the backing. My budget is limited due to a complete lack of funds and full-time job at the present moment.

I am just wondering what others would recommend is all?

young...

I love my headset... it's the HM-7 that goes really well with the EV RE-2 and I have the Omni-lav..... see Ben for pricing on the HM-7 with body pack.... you'll love it.

Jeff Romard · 11-24-2009, 09:44 AM

Do you still have the NX25 system Chris? If so for spoken word that should be plenty for that amount of people

DJ Young · 11-24-2009, 03:40 PM

I never did Jeff. I have the EX-1000 system. It's a good system for music but I find it lacking for spoken word. I was thinking of using that with two more powered 8" speakers to get the coverage I need. What I wanted was to not have to lug around the sub for these events. Heck, what I want is for the hosts to provide the system but I figure, if they don't have it I can rent them one.

Still looking for recommendations on a decent, value priced speaker that will get me the coverage I want.

I'll probably buy the HM-7 headset and body pack that goes with my RE-2 system. I do have a Shure WH20 headset mic that I suppose would work too.

young...

11-24-2009, 12:25 AM	#1
DJ Young Stop selling, start connecting. Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wasaga Beach Posts: 2,149 Thanks: 12,273 Thanked 4,600 Times in 1,620 Posts	System for speaking events. Help me build a system for speaking events only. I would like to be able to cover a small gym up to about 500 people. Remember this system is for 95% spoken word, and the other 5% will be music from presentations. How many speakers would you use? What size woofers? Lavalier or headset mic? Your opinions are welcome and appreciated. young... __________________ Trying to keep a positive attitude in a negative world.

11-24-2009, 12:49 AM	#3
DJ Young Stop selling, start connecting. Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wasaga Beach Posts: 2,149 Thanks: 12,273 Thanked 4,600 Times in 1,620 Posts	I have one of those already. young... __________________ Trying to keep a positive attitude in a negative world.

11-24-2009, 12:58 AM	#4
soundinmotiondj Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 231 Thanks: 16 Thanked 393 Times in 169 Posts	Keep in mind that most "house systems" in auditoriums do not include subs, or any real content <150Hz. Spoken word content goes down to 80-ish Hz...but you can get by with a high pass as high as 150Hz. For trivia, phone calls high pass at 300Hz. If you can get the tops down to 100Hz, that is more than good enough. Any 8" or bigger top will do. I would go with four cabinets - distributed across the front of the audience. You need stands. You want the high frequency element 1-2ft over the heads of the audience - that means stands that are at least 6ft tall...and 7.5ft would be better. If there are risers or bleachers - you want to raise the speakers until they point directly at the back row of seats. You do not need subs for the spoken word. If you really want subs, bring a pair, and make sure they are wall/corner loaded. Boundary loading is critical for big rooms. A common mistake in a big room is to turn the bass up all the way. Don't. Setup the tops and bring the volume up until the mid/highs are right. Then bring up the subs as little as possible to barely fill in the bass. Anything more than that will boom. Remember, this is not a bumpin' club environment. You do not need a lot of bass to keep music for a presentation and spoken word sounding "natural." I would use the best mic you have - odds are that will be a handheld wireless. If you want to use bodypack, the headsets are easier for most speakers to use - the mic stays in a constant place relative to their mouth. Lav's don't really work unless you park the presenter at a podium, and don't let them move around. Do you need more than one mic? Will the music for presentations be coming from a single source (e.g. laptop) or from a dual deck CD player? Do you prefer passive or active speakers? What is your budget? __________________ "You have to bring some funk to get some. You just can't walk in a place and expect to get some funk. If you ain't bring no funk, then you can't get no funk... Another thing is, you can't fake the funk or your nose will grow." --Bootsy Collins

11-24-2009, 02:07 AM	#5
DJ Young Stop selling, start connecting. Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wasaga Beach Posts: 2,149 Thanks: 12,273 Thanked 4,600 Times in 1,620 Posts	I was figuring on 4 boxes with 8" or 10" drivers. I wouldn't require a sub and I have an EV RE-2 handheld system. I was looking for suggestions on a good headset mic. I would, obviously, buy the bodypack that goes with my current system. This is really a hypothetical situation that I am looking at for a couple of events I would like to put on if I can get the backing. My budget is limited due to a complete lack of funds and full-time job at the present moment. I am just wondering what others would recommend is all? young... __________________ Trying to keep a positive attitude in a negative world.

11-24-2009, 05:35 AM	#7
Fred Wright Administrator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Delaware, USA Posts: 11,897 Thanks: 65,307 Thanked 27,239 Times in 9,207 Posts	For such an application I'd recommend a pair (or two) of dually 10" 2-way cabinets. Some bands use them for monitors They're directional and project very well. Projection is key for what you're going to be doing. We've been running a pair, mostly as tops for years. Used indoors and out, they project a nice, warm vocal tone. __________________ Fred and Shirl ~ Night Wolf Entertainment. Est. 1993. Lifetime member of the GAS support group. Roadie test: Spell XLR. I have determined that complaining about my smoking may be hazardous to your health.

11-24-2009, 09:44 AM	#10
Jeff Romard The Master Of Music Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia Posts: 9,559 Thanks: 34,084 Thanked 16,902 Times in 6,621 Posts	Do you still have the NX25 system Chris? If so for spoken word that should be plenty for that amount of people __________________ "Many of Life's failures are from those who gave up not knowing how close they were to success" - Thomas Edison Cape Breton and Eastern Nova Scotia wedding and party DJ

11-24-2009, 03:40 PM	#11
DJ Young Stop selling, start connecting. Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wasaga Beach Posts: 2,149 Thanks: 12,273 Thanked 4,600 Times in 1,620 Posts	I never did Jeff. I have the EX-1000 system. It's a good system for music but I find it lacking for spoken word. I was thinking of using that with two more powered 8" speakers to get the coverage I need. What I wanted was to not have to lug around the sub for these events. Heck, what I want is for the hosts to provide the system but I figure, if they don't have it I can rent them one. Still looking for recommendations on a decent, value priced speaker that will get me the coverage I want. I'll probably buy the HM-7 headset and body pack that goes with my RE-2 system. I do have a Shure WH20 headset mic that I suppose would work too. young... __________________ Trying to keep a positive attitude in a negative world.