Ive received several queries as to why we almost always have sound issues and glitches at both local and major International concerts. I do have a few answers to that endemic problem we face. 1. Lack of thorough preparation. Concert sound requires a lot of both advance and advanced professional preparation. Different music genres for instance, require different sound specifications. It gets even more pertinent when you have several different genres performing on the same stage. The problem is, many times venues are not available several days in advance to set up well, and when they are, it becomes expensive for promoters. What has to be must be, and the adage you reap what you sow firmly comes into play here. 2. Configuration of PA Rigs. Different venues require different sound configurations. Dont just rig up speakers, turn on the power and start events. It becomes even more vital when PAs from different manufacturers are banded together in the same rig. You may have well serviced, well maintained speakers but, are you sure the person youre hiring extra speakers from is as meticulous as you are? It takes so much time to configure one rig, let alone having to configure several different brands of speakers. 3. The use of mp3s. The vast majority, if not all, local artists who use backing tracks use mp3s. These are highly compressed tracks, only meant for your small music players. The bigger the PA, the poorer your mp3 tracks will sound. Artists must endeavor to use the original studio tracks that are in WAV format. Having said that, the original studio mix too must be of high quality. 4. Microphone use. The vast majority of local artists need microphone use training. So many Events companies have lost their tweeters and mid range speakers due to artists literally yelling into microphones. Thats one of the reasons why as the event goes on, the PA rig starts sounding poorer than it started. 5. Lack of high end PA Rigs. These cost a fortune, but its the way to go. Our neighbors in Kenya now possess several top of the range PA Rigs and high end mixing desks. We have made huge strides here in Uganda with stage decks, roofs, screens and lighting. More investment is needed in top of the range sound technologies. 6. Lack of unity. As far as I can tell, theres no Events company here that can successfully pull off a major International concert working solo. You may be great in one field but not so competent in another. For an event to be memorable, it would be great if companies would join forces and work hand in hand. In the long run, itll be to the benefit of the sponsorship brands and ultimately, the fans who attend concerts. Unity is strength. 7. Expatriates. The hiring of experts to help out at events is prudent. We are still growing, theres still a lot to learn. Our local technical teams can learn a lot from experts whove worked at major music events for many years. Being overconfident in ones own abilities is a weakness. We need to be open-minded so as to improve on our skills. Im confident that with more preparation, unity, humility and hard work, things will only get better. Lets do this.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 09:38:43 +0000
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