I'm searching for advice on not only how to properly set up stage monitors but also suggestions for possible upgrades to our current system.
Our current speaker set-up is essentially 4 Mackie PA speakers (see picture below). Our two mains are set on stands just in front of the stage and face the audience. The other two are set on the front of the stage and used as stage monitors for the performers. The result is loud. The group performs well, but we always get the note that it's too loud (from the judges; the director sometimes wants it louder). However, if we turn down the monitors more, the students complain about it being hard to hear.
To make it a tad more complicating, our school performs 2 main shows a year: a Fall competitive One Act and a Spring production. The One Act production requires us to travel to different stages each year and set up our equipment within a 15 minute period. For both productions, we perform community shows in a rented space (different for each) in which we bring our equipment and set it up there.
So first off,
- What would be a better speaker set up? I've read that placing the monitors as side fills would be better. How would these speakers be placed (right next to the curtain/leg facing the back corner)? Should they be on stands? How far backstage/into the wings should they be placed as I want to make sure they do not interfere with stage managers and set changes?
Then,
- Given the requirements of having traveling productions (especially One Act), is there a better choice of speakers that you would recommend?
Thanks!
Our current speaker set-up is essentially 4 Mackie PA speakers (see picture below). Our two mains are set on stands just in front of the stage and face the audience. The other two are set on the front of the stage and used as stage monitors for the performers. The result is loud. The group performs well, but we always get the note that it's too loud (from the judges; the director sometimes wants it louder). However, if we turn down the monitors more, the students complain about it being hard to hear.
To make it a tad more complicating, our school performs 2 main shows a year: a Fall competitive One Act and a Spring production. The One Act production requires us to travel to different stages each year and set up our equipment within a 15 minute period. For both productions, we perform community shows in a rented space (different for each) in which we bring our equipment and set it up there.
So first off,
- What would be a better speaker set up? I've read that placing the monitors as side fills would be better. How would these speakers be placed (right next to the curtain/leg facing the back corner)? Should they be on stands? How far backstage/into the wings should they be placed as I want to make sure they do not interfere with stage managers and set changes?
Then,
- Given the requirements of having traveling productions (especially One Act), is there a better choice of speakers that you would recommend?
Thanks!