Hey Guys,

Maybe this isn't the right place for this thread, but I think the relevance is here. Once again as we are beginning another winter percussion season there comes the challenge of re-assessing the set-up of the ensemble's sound system. Every year at this time I try to make feasible updates and make logistical changes to make for the best sound system we possibly can have for that given year. Anyways, with the new rule passage that allows for remote control of the sound board by staff members, I'm curious as to what it takes to do something like this. My cynical side says that something like this takes thousands of dollars of equipment, but my gut tells me that there may be a simple way of doing this with equipment I already personally own.

My question is whether or not any of you out there can offer some suggestions for how this works. I don't even know where to begin other than the fact that I know my way around a board and everything that can be done with it using my two hands. Obviously remote operation would require computers and peripherals and maybe more. If anyone has any solutions or if you'd be so kind as to point me in the right direction I'd be much obliged. I doubt it is a huge deal for my particular ensemble, but it would be great to have that option when we get to Dayton this year.

Also, as a side note, does anyone have any ideas about a "daisy chain" set up for front ensemble mic-ing? I've mastered our process for microphone use, but it would be so much more convenient if we had a solution where all of my students plugged in to each other down the line as opposed to lugging out the huge "snake" that we use currently. Again, just curious....Thanks.

Well the bad news is the easiest way is the expensive way.

First you have to have a digital console. Presonus and Yamaha are the cheapest and most effective. The 01v96 by yamaha is the one most Drum Corps, but the LS9 by Yamaha is even easier. With the 01V96 you need a host computer running the yamaha studio manager software plugged to the mixer via USB. You then take a tablet and connect it wirelessly using VNC software. You then can use the tablet to control the host that controls the mixer.

Its pretty easy to do and I use it professionally at gigs as well as our indoor group.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by this. A technique a lot of groups use to kind of do this is use a mini mixer on each keyboard, just like 2 XLR inputs on the mixer, and then plug the outputs into a main board. I don't really think this is what you have in mind though.

Yea, there is no way to "daisy chain" mics like I think you are asking. Each mic requires a seperate feed if you plan on controlling each mic individually at the mixer.

We run a small 20ft 12 channel snake to the front. The individual keyboards run line to the snake, which is already plugged into the console.

We then have another snake that runs to the rhythm section so they can plug in as well. Nobody plugs into the back of the rack at shows. Everything goes into a snake. The speakers are also plugged into a panel we soldered that has plugs on it so that its just plug and turn to attach the speakers.

Speakers can be daisy chained easily using XLR cables if powered or Speakon/1/4" if passive

For us, its about having the mics plugged in at a central point and not needing a 50' or 100'snake to just go short distances. Whirlwind makes some small "drop snakes" that are short and perfect for the situation.

This was just sent to me from IK Multimedia, the anwser to a lot of questions on remotely operated sound systems. I'm not too familiar with the workings but as soon as I can I'll get more info. But this is what they have for this situation. Looks like a friendly interface, pretty self explanitory if you have any live reinforcement experience ( sound systems ).

As far as for daisy chaining mic's, it's never been an issue for me. The more mic's you chain together the more your gain raises. It's a pain to balance many more than two mic's together, but they do make daisy chain boxes but I've only seen those that hook up 3 mic's at a time. Your probablly going to employ a mic pre- amp at some point to smooth out the mix. Also some thing to remember, if you make you chain very long you have latency problems.

Anyway here it is http://www.ikmultimedia.com/Main.html?MainPage.php

Thanks for the follow up. I was checking out some of the options on the IK Multimedia site you left, but I think the issue I have is that I'm trying to do this all wirelessly. Everything I was looking at seems to require some kind of interface that plugs in directly to the iPad or iPhone/iPod. I guess I wasn't clear on that when I said "Remotely" so I apologize for the confustion. If you've got any other thoughts I'd really appreciate it.

Yamaha posted a great article on their blog with step-by-step instructions. http://yamahapercussion.wordpress.com/20...oteControl01v96

Caleb Rothe
WGI Percussion Education Coordinator

Thanks Mr. Rothe! This would be a great resource to put on wgi.org in the percussion section. I know it was one of the topics of discussion at our last circuit meeting. Thanks again for the help definitely something I'm going to try to get going.