SYSTEM DESIGN AND SPECIFICATION

Grozier systems are custom designed for each facility. So there is an opportunity to think through the PROS and CONS of different system features so that the system is a minimal encumbrance to sound engineer, the facility staff and management, yet still has the required effect.

How Many System Microphones?

The general requirements for a system will be determined, in part, by the noise regulation that is imposed. However, where possible, the number of microphones should be minimized. Typically, for a large music facility, two or three microphones are sufficient. One may be at the Mix location and the others at the facility perimeter in the direction of the closest community. One microphone should be expected to cover about a 60 degree arc from the stage. However, if there are communities all around, more microphones will be necessary.

An acoustical consultant will be able to determine the acoustical directivity of the music facility and be able to help specify microphones locations for the critical directions only.

Microphone Positioning

The location of the Grozier system microphone(s) is important.

The microphone must NOT be placed in a location where the sound data can become contaminated.

Fans may be tempted to grab the microphone or scream into it, so place them out of the way of temptation. Also place the microphone above the crowd such that the concert sound is dominated by the music, not by a few fans nearby.

An important part of the credibility of sound data is its calibration. So when the microphone is set out at sound-check it will need calibration. So choose a microphone location that is accessible from inside the music facility. This makes the job easier and adds to security.

In-house Wiring

Outdoor amphitheaters are often situated in areas that are hit by thunderstorms. When there is a lightning strike nearby, conducting cables and electronic instrumentation can be damaged. One way to avoid this is to use fiber-optic connections. This type of connection is more expensive that copper wire, but in the long run can be more cost effective. Copper cabling has an additional disadvantage that, when in winter conduits fill with water and freeze, significant damage to cabling can result.

Radio links are also possible, though care must be taken to ensure that there there is no data contamination from any of the myriad radio links present during a concert which include those used by security, management, performers etc. Unless there is topographical difficulty making a direct connection, radio links less secure and a single glitch in the signal may result in an unwarranted sound level infringement.

How Will The Concert Sound Be Managed?

If there is a noise regulation, there is bound to be a music group that will challenge it. Since the automatic control of sound is unacceptable to most facilities, someone is usually assigned to watch if the visiting sound engineer complies with the limits. Perhaps this is the production manager. This person needs the appropriate information in the right locations so that he can determine if his requests are being heeded. If he is often office-bound, then key sound level information must arrive at his desk there in a timely manner.

The tour group sound engineer must also be given appropriate sound level information, from second to second, as the concert proceeds. Information must be quickly transmitted to him so that he can see that the action he takes has the desired effect.

The sound engineer typically has just one brief minute to understand the presentation of the sound limits. Data that requires him to have special knowledge of engineering acoustics is entirely unacceptable.

There also may be a requirement for data to be simultaneously present to a local government official. Clearly this individual cannot share the same data presentation as the production manager, he needs his own readout at a remote location. Fiddler's Green provided an on-site trailer with a printer.

If a report is required of each concert by the local government, then it is easier and quicker to have the Grozier system on the facility's computer network. Then the manager can simply attach the concert report to an e-mail and send it off.