Technical planning - sound for events

 Weeks 4 and 7 

Sound is important within events as it sets the atmosphere and mood as guests enter the event space. Sound is vibrations which produce pressure changes in the air, creating a wave effect of high and low pressure (sound wave). In event spaces, sound causes echoes, reflections, absorption, diffraction and refraction all caused by waves. There are 5 basic components to sound which are known as SMASH (Source, mixer, amplifier, speakers, happy days). The basic sound chain consists of a microphone, CD player, amplifier, speaker and a mixing desk, which connects most of these components through the line level. We learnt how to connect these components to each other using inputs. Furthermore, we looked at the basic functions of  a DJ mixer. For our event, we have hired a DJ who will be bringing her own mixing desk and macbook to play music from so therefore the only sound equipment required will be speakers. 

It is important to prevent safety hazards at any event to avoid injuries. With setting up sound equipment, all wires must be taped down or hidden away to avoid any injuries. Health and Safety risk assessment must be used at our event, just like any other, to minimise the risks that could. For our event, we will set up our speakers so they are placed in line or behind the DJ mixing set, meaning they are out of the way for people to easily damage. With the lighting for our event, it will be in the middle of the Hospitality Suite so it can be everywhere so its important the set up is secured and wired are tucked away or taped down. The red carpet upon entering should be securely fitted down either using tape or barriers to avoid guests tripping over it.