Next year our band's front ensemble is getting some toys: microphones, amps, and such. The only thing is I'm not sure how to get these things power in a way that's portable and efficient. Please let me know what your front ensemble uses for power; the equipment doesn't take a ridiculous amount to operate. Any help is appreciated in advance!

I'm not sure what performance environments you'll be around, but in the past, I've never had an issue with having an available power outlet at football stadiums, gymnasiums, or other common venues (auditoriums, cafeterias). Investing in a sturdy multi-outlet extension cord ( this or something similar ) to consolidate your need for outlets is a must, so that you only need access to one single power outlet. If you're unsure about the availability of an outlet, it never hurts to do a little scouting before the performance, or ask around to see what's available.

I've had experiences using a small Honda generator, and it worked pretty well. Just fill it up with some gas, and run your own outlets out of that. Light enough for a single person to lift it, and all you need is maybe just a small cart to push it around. I know that might be a little much if you aren't using a ton of equipment, but I suppose it's better to know you have a little more rather than not enough.

Thank you both! I'll look into each of your ideas. My only concern is that there would be a pre-show fumble for the power outlet with a plug, and the noise from the Honda generator. Either way, though, I'll ask my director what he thinks.

Most competition circuits have rules for show hosts stipulating that they need to provide at least one power outlet. If you can consolidate your power needs to a single plug via power strips or whatever, you should be good to go. Just make sure you keep an extra long heavy-duty extension cord on hand in case the provided power isn't exactly where you need it.

As for generators, there are some that are nearly silent. I've known some groups to use them without a noise problem. But I've also known of venues that prohibit use of liquid fuels (i.e. gasoline) because spills can really screw up synthetic surfaces and wood floors -- not to mention the fire and fume hazards.

I was in pit for a season ( hated it ,but) we had our PA system on a rack with a power strip attached onto a compartment where we held our cables,mics,ect. (i think the director made it himself) Anyways there was always a power source at the 50 or around there. All you need is a power strip and a super long extension chord the power provided to the PA and moniters were kept close. We also had a honda generator but we only used it for rehearsal.

The generators aren't really a problem as far as noise is concerned. The Honda we had wasn't brand new, but it was barley noticeable most of the time. As long as you don't mic it, I couldn't see any real issue with that.

Skydog is correct though, there are places that would stop you from doing this through that. However you would still be packing cords and such, so its not the worst situation you could find yourself in.

You want to have the Generator as close to the rack as possible without it being a sound problem. I have seen groups try to run 100 feet of orange extension cable. These cables are very small gauge conductor and when you run long drops of cable you get voltage drop. Instead of your rack receiving 120V, you end up with drops down to 110 or even lower. This can be fine, but it can also cause premature clipping and distortion. If you can, get thicker cable runs.

As far as how big of a Generator, just figure you will have a 20amp circuit at 120V, you will need a minimum of 2400 watt generator. Watts = Amps x Volts.

You dont need Power conditioners, but they can be handy. Most of them are just expensive power strips. If you open most of them, you will find its just a voltmeter and copper. Unless your spending in the range of $500 to $1000 for a regulator that will keep a constant voltage of 120V.

I have used portable power batteries. You can find these in the battery section at any hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, etc.) for about $80. They are capable of charging a car battery or running AC adapted devices (like your mixer, synth, bass guitar, amps, etc.). They plug into the wall and charge over night, then they'll give you maybe 2 hours of power to use in rehearsal or performance. You may want to have two of them, depending on how much equipment you have. Since it is a battery, it is easily portable and absolutely silent.