Zim headed for good times

necessary to provide a sound reference to the musicians performing on stage.
This was sometimes also known as fold back.
A monitor system allows performers to clearly hear what they are saying, singing or playing so that they can perform with confidence and provide performance of the highest quality.
It may not be an exaggeration to say that a good sound system is the key to a successful concert or event. The type of equipment you select for your concert, wedding or event determines quality of sound and the complexion of the performances. From simple things such as cables to microphones, speakers, mixing desk each of these components contribute to the final mix for a performance.
Did you know that backtracks (CD) give a lot of challenges when trying to mix during a performance due to the already set levels in studio mixing and mastering process?
Different studios set levels that may sound normal in the studio but when you try and amplify and use the same music on a bigger stage it is a taunting task for the engineer to get the sound right. On the other hand, live instruments are easier to mix.
Hard Sound is one organisation that regards music as a passion and not just a business opportunity.
Over the past 15 or so years they have been in business, they have invested a lot of time and dedication in research development of both music and sound reinforcement systems and acquiring relevant technical skills.
The recent Heroes gala demonstrated that Zimbabwe is heading for good times in the entertainment industry, judging by the level of professionalism that we witnessed on that day.
Out of interest I talked to the team at Hard Sound just to get the details on how they made sure that the sound was of high quality.
Knowing this was a free show, the crowds would be huge and so the need to provide a good sound system was necessary to avoid blowing up speakers.
The equipment used comprised of 32 mid high line array units, 24 horn loaded subwoofers plus 10 stage monitors and side fills.
Subwoofers are designed to provide powerful and long throw bass. Side fills give the performers a feel of the sound in the house.
Success begins at the preparation stage as each detail is given amply time to be attended to. Preparations for the gala started on Tuesday.
Rigging
This involved setting up towers/stage positioning/flying speakers and the general outlook. Projection (Aluminium towers) flying 32 mid high pieces wearing about 600kg on secure aluminium towers with a carrying capacity of 2 000kg to avoid material failure.
Wednesday – running all the cables (involved even burying cables in the ground to avoid the crowds from tripping on them). In setting up, safety is of paramount importance and must not be overlooked.
Thursday – The day was set for system tuning. Every performance/venue requires its own settings. The use of computer software to map the field and position the speakers. During the system tuning one can already have a picture of the sound before even switching on the system for performance.
Friday morning – it was dedicated for band sound check. A number of the bands came for a sound check in the morning.
Outdoor concerts are very demanding to a point that even the type of microphones used should have high feed back rejection and use noise gates and compressors.
One needs to use the correct mics and microphoning techniques. Always avoid using vocal mics to mic drums.