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jacethebase View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 September 2009
Location: Somerset
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Points: 5837 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacethebase Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 April 2025 at 1:36pm
Originally posted by DJ-Versatile DJ-Versatile wrote:

Originally posted by Conanski Conanski wrote:

Originally posted by DJ-Versatile DJ-Versatile wrote:

If the rest of this year goes as I hope it will, I'll be looking into a digital desk with some form of iPad connectivity(Any recommendations welcome). 
A&H CQ series. I recently acquired a CQ-20b and have to say overall it works quite well. One of the last events I did was a Pakistani folk group with 20 players on stage all with mics playing various hand instruments and 1 or 2 vocalists. Once I had everything appropriately gained, EQ'd, and gated the built-in feedback control system was able to keep the sound system stable even while running at full output. There is simply no way I would have got anywhere near that result with a basic analog console, it just doesn't have the tools. Note.. this mixer has separate processing.. EQ, Limiting, FBQ system for each of the 8 outputs. 

I've been having a look at the CQ12T vs X32 rack. Looking at the features I think the A&H will do just what I need going forward, I'm not planning on getting into any band mixing for the time being. Will mostly be DJ's, host's and spoken demonstrations for the foreseeable.
I'll let you know how I get on!
Thanks Big smile


Sloooooooooow Down..... Before you do anything wait for the SQ-Rack to come out. That thing is going to be a game changer in that small format mixing console market.

I plan on selling my X32 racks once the SQ racks come out.
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Conanski View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 January 2006
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Points: 2757 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Conanski Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 April 2025 at 4:25pm
Originally posted by DJ-Versatile DJ-Versatile wrote:

I've been having a look at the CQ12T vs X32 rack. Looking at the features I think the A&H will do just what I need going forward, I'm not planning on getting into any band mixing for the time being. Will mostly be DJ's, host's and spoken demonstrations for the foreseeable.

The CQ12t doesn't have a built-in hotspot so you will need your own, have to step up to the 18t to get that. Of course these have onboard control but wireless control is super convenient, once you have used it you won't want to go without. The hotspot in this series performs better than other similar models too making adding an external access point more of an option instead of a necessity. 

The direct competition for these is the Behringer XR series, these offer great value but it's an older product now, the built-in hotspot is known to be weak, and the one important function they don't have is feedbck control.

I tried to buy an new x32 rack late last fall when I was in the market but had to "settle" for the A&H because of supply issues, there were none available at the time and they couldn't say when there would be stock... that was the distributor not the retailer. That is the one thing about Music Tribe you have to understand, support is almost non existent before or after a purchase. They now have the Wing series with even more functionality and that includes a Rack version as well. 


Edited by Conanski - 24 April 2025 at 4:28pm
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Points: 409 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DJ-Versatile Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 July 2025 at 6:27pm
What's happening gang! It's been a while so I thought I'd post an update.
As ever things haven't turned out as planned. The good news is that the area I have to play to has been reduced significantly and stage performances will literally be myself DJing so no need for any serious microphone management.

The interesting news is that they now have 5 tents surrounding me that need power and small audio setups Shocked

Luckily it's all for basic low level background music and one tent will need a microphone which one of my lads can handle without issue.
The interesting bit is that they require power for each tent but didn't want a big generator and cables everywhere. As a solution I have found a company that can provide 5 2.5kwh batteries which should power a pair of small active speakers for about 30 hours!

I have a final site meeting with the client this Saturday so I'm hoping nothing else changes. Will get some photos once all is up and running next weekend
If you are the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room....
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Bams View Drop Down
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Points: 679 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bams Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 July 2025 at 12:21pm
Nice thread to follow . A piece of unsollicited advise. My epxerience with small festivals like these lighting and power are nightmares.. catering brings two ovens and a deepfryer and everybody wonders why power Goes down and earth is constantly tripping but nobody nobody notices the local fringe artist who made a piece containing water fountains held together with gaff tape and plastic bags. And that doubles with the idea of not tuning a decent genset but batteries which can work but only if you are really strict.

So keep your groups clean and if you also do lighting always take Some extra floodlights and a fourbar for that forgotten small stage and bar in the dark.. and a genset to save the day ;)

Have fun!


Edited by Bams - 11 July 2025 at 12:24pm
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DJ-Versatile View Drop Down
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Points: 409 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DJ-Versatile Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 July 2025 at 10:05pm
Well we're a few weeks post event now and boy oh boy, what a shambles Confused

To put a long story short they had absolutely no idea how to run an event, let alone small festival.
Once I arrived onsite ready to rock and roll, the MainStage was nowhere near where it was supposed to be, the 5 tents turned into 2 marquees (with no sides) and the maintenance staff (who were actually amazing) had run power to everywhere it was needed.

I had to refuse delivery of the battery packs, tuck myself behind the stage under a gazebo and only ended up putting 1 sub and 1 top out to cover the field. On top of that it hammered down with rain the whole weekend so not a great deal of action was seen.

However, looking at the positives I learnt ALOT about what my capabilities are both mentally and technically:
The ability to adapt without hesitation and stay positive
There's no such thing as being over prepared
1 top and 1 bin can cover a small field LOL
Always carry a gazebo
It's ok to delegate work

I also have been confirmed for the end of summer BBQ in September and next years festival, and also gained a number of private bookings with the kind of clientele I'm looking for.

Hopefully the BBQ will be a little more fun and I'll be able to get some decent pictures. 

Thanks for all the advice!
If you are the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room....
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