Q: Why hire a pro sound company when a DJ will provide a system at a much lower cost?
A: DJ systems, some of which may sound pretty decent, are designed to reproduce recorded music, for which the dynamic range has been compressed or limited to comfortably fit the constraints of broadcast and recording media such as CD’s, or nowadays, MP3 files. These systems can be run nearly wide open, with little fear of damage due to overpowering, since the source material is inherently limited to a specific maximum level.
Live audio, on the other hand, has a dynamic range of typically 20 dB-SPL to over 120dB-SPL. In lay terms, while recorded music may go up to 100 mph but never exceed it as an absolute maximum, a single hit of a guitar note, kick drum, or snare drum may go from zero to 150 in a few milliseconds, hundreds of times per song. Thus, the equipment designed for live sound must be engineered accordingly to handle these high transients consistently, without distortion, and without self-destructing in the process.
A 15” and horn speaker for a typical DJ setup (or small PA such as is used for a solo performer) may be a $300 box, where a 15” and horn for a touring-grade system, which may appear to be similar on the outside, may cost $3,000 to $6,000 and require ten to twenty times as much power to operate properly.
Q: Why should we hire Swanson Event Sound and Lighting?
A: Because we care about you, and your business, we have the right type equipment and talent to do an excellent job while staying under budget. Your business is important to us, and we will do everything necessary to ensure your event is a success. Our goal is for you to be happy with the outcome of the event.
Q: How do you ensure that our event will go off without any problems?
A: In nearly case, one of our engineers performs a site survey for any venue that we have not worked previously. This site survey is performed at no charge to the client, and in fact, is usually done before a final quote is given, to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises.
Q: What does the site survey entail?
A: The site survey covers everything we need to know to determine the amount and type of equipment to bring to the venue, the availability of adequate power to operate the sound and lighting systems, the load-in constraints, which will affect both the personnel requirements and the amount of time needed to load, set up, sound check, and later strike and load out the system. During the site survey, we also establish a relationship with the appropriate individual who will be our contact at the venue, paving the way for a smooth resolution for any problems that may crop up later, and we make sure all the details such as parking, venue access, loading facilities, etc. are covered up front.
Q: How far will you travel to put on a show?
A: We will travel nationwide to put on a show. We have traveled as far as Foley Alabama, and have done events right outside our front door.
Q: Why does it have to be so loud?
A: It does not unless the client wants it to be. We try to maintain a level for all age levels to enjoy. We are constantly scanning the audience, checking our decibel meters, and verifying with our client that the volume is appropriate for the genre of music, the venue, and the client. Our engineers are trained that the sliders work both ways – up and down, as appropriate.