Yes, I can. However. this is…

2011-06-09T16:21:22.945Z

Yes, I can. However. this is probably better done off of the forum as each system is specific to the venue and operational needs. Please call me (817-249-4024) or email me at efriend@teqniqal.com.

Thank you, Erich. Great advic…

2011-06-09T15:37:49.119Z

Thank you, Erich. Great advice.

I am interested in multiple room paging (7 total) and being able to page them individually, or all at once. Can you make a specific system recommendation?

The complexity of the backsta…

2011-06-09T00:21:51.025Z

The complexity of the backstage announce system depends upon the number of remote rooms that need the signal, and how much control you want the SM or ASM to have with regard to paging individual zones.

Using a mixer or mixer-amplifier that has a paging over-ride capability can be helpful, as this allows you to run a program feed from the front of house mixer and/or from some over-stage pick-up microphone(s) so that the cast and crew can monitor the general progress of the show. The over-ride function then mutes or attenuates the show program when there is a page or cast call. This is better than just mixing the paging and program together as the pages are more understandable without having to be louder.

A more complex system might have a limiter/compressor so that the difference in volume between the louder and softer portions of the program and pages is further reduced. This is generally a more pleasant experience for the person's listing to the speakers. If your program feed or pages can be heard in the audience, then it is too loud.

There can either be dedicated microphones for making the pages, or the 'ANNOUNCE' output of a production intercom station like the Clear Com MS 702 can be interfaced. Either way, the paging microphone(s) should be manually switched (via a push-button) or gated (vox, or voice activated), otherwise the listeners will have to endure all the other chatter picked-up by the microphone.

Also, be cautious if you get a premixed signal from the sound console, as this may have a lot of special effects and music that is irrelevant to knowing where you are in the show. If you can get a voice-only mix from the sound mixer, this may be more useful.

The speakers for most applications would be a type that is configured for use with a 'constant voltage' type signal distribution system system (i.e. a 25 volt, 70 volt, or 100 volt speaker line). Warning: The may be a bit technical. This is a design method where each speaker has an audio transformer built into it that sets the impedance based upon the desired power that the speaker is to draw from the amplifier. This way you can connect as many speakers to the amplifier as you need to as long as the total of the power taps does not exceed the power rating of the amplifier. EXAMPLE: A 100 Watt amplifier could have five speakers set to 10 Watts each AND ten speakers set to 5 Watts each (5x10 + 10x5 <= 100). The overall size of the system is only limited by how many watts the amplifier can deliver and how many speakers you can afford.

Each room can have a local volume control so if the level is too loud they can turn it down a bit. You do have to check it to see if they have turned it OFF so they don't miss pages. You can also use volume controls that automatically override the volume setting when a page comes trough.

If you have a shop or maybe a dressing trailer that is further away than it is convenient to run wires, then you can use wireless audio signal transmitters with local receivers and powered speakers to get the signal.

More complex systems can allow each room to be individually paged, or groups of rooms to be paged. Some system allow the SM or ASM to listen-back so they can know if the performers or crew have acknowledged their call. Really fancy $ystem$ can be digitally controlled and interfaced to the internet, cell phones, radios, wireless intercom stations, and to the main PA for making pre-show and emergency announcements.

Similarly, there are systems that provide much the same function for the front of house so the House Manager can route program, audience recall chimes, and pages to the various lobby zones, ticket booths, and restrooms.

Be cautious placing speakers near the proscenium or facing the stage, as the program and page sounds can be picked-up by the performers microphones or heard directly by the audience. They can also cause feed-back (squealing) if they are too near the SM or ASM's paging mic.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance, as we design these types of systems for many types of venues.

Paging System - TheatreFace

Yes, I can. However. this is…

Thank you, Erich. Great advic…

The complexity of the backsta…