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If your concert includes musical talent, it is important to communicate with them about the backline equipment they will need. Since bands do not always travel with their own equipment, they will often need to rent the gear needed to perform at a venue.

Each artist should provide a detailed list of backline equipment with specific specifications, including make and model of each piece of equipment. This is known as a backline list and will eventually become part of the artist’s contract rider.

Stage

Whether you are a band looking to take your live show on the road, or you manage a venue that wants to bring in a concert act, it’s important to ensure you have all the audiovisual equipment needed for an outstanding performance. This includes a stage, backline gear, and monitors.

Talk to your concert rental and the venue to determine what stage size they need and if there are any other requirements. For example, acoustic properties will influence what type of stage setup is best, and some concerts are more logistically easier to pull off at night when lighting and backdrops can contribute to the theme or event concept. Once you know what equipment is needed, you can create a stage plot that provides an accurate picture of the space and backline gear placement.

Lighting

In addition to sound equipment, a rental package can also include essential lighting and effects. After all, the music is one thing, but the visuals help set the mood and energy of the performance.

Whether the performance is held in a club, theater or another venue, lighting packages are great for enhancing the atmosphere of any event. They can be used to create a dynamic backdrop that sets the tone and theme for the evening, as well as projecting special effects onto a stage for an energetic performance.

NMC carries a variety of lighting rental options that are ideal for concerts and other events. The most popular lighting package starts at $299, and includes 10 uplights and a monogram light. There are other larger package sizes available as well. All prices include free shipping both ways. Learn more about these products and order online here. Alternatively, call or visit a location near you to speak with a NMC representative.

Sound System

Having reliable audio equipment is a must for any event with presentations or musical performances. A reputable AV company will be able to recommend a sound system that is right for the venue and size of crowd, as well as any musicians performing at your event.

The components of a sound system include speakers, power amplifiers, and microphones. Speakers are designed to project music and voices to the audience, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit any venue. Most modern speakers have a power amplifier built into them to increase low-level signals from the mixer and broadcast them through the speakers. These systems also typically have limiters that reduce high-frequency noise and peaks in music to prevent the speaker (and audience) from blowing out.

Most events will require microphones for public speakers and musicians, and a sound system that includes monitors is recommended so performers can hear themselves. These monitors are performer-facing loudspeakers that allow them to hear their own vocals, as well as the questions and feedback from the audience.

Monitors

Monitors are used to receive input from a variety of sources. These include microphones, Direct Interfaces and pre-recorded sources. They can shape the individual’s desired monitoring mix and transmit it through varying paths to speakers on stage for presentation. This reduces the need to increase stage volume and allows everyone in the room to hear a clear representation of the source. The instructions for the monitors are usually included in the contract rider.

The best monitors use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), which eliminates flicker and other artifacts.