[SML] Mic Drop

[mouse at fieldmousepro.com]

I wouldn't worry about damage to the speaker system from a mic drop. A 
limiter can catch anything big and keep it reasonable. And to be fair, 
your speaker system probably has limiters built-in to the processing 
before the amplifiers, anyway. Plugging or unplugging a condenser mic or 
instrument without muting it first creates a bigger pop than just 
dropping a mic. Don't ask me how I know. :)

Yes, billing the client up front for a replacement mic (or anything, for 
that matter) is standard practice when abusing it is part of the act.

If the artist will be using monitor wedges, you'll want to have the 
monitor EQ "rung out" carefully to avoid feedback if the mic is dropped 
close to a monitor.

Beyond that, just have your audio engineer ride the level of the mic so 
that the mic drop has a good effect and sounds comfortable for the 
audience. If possible, have the artist let you know at what points in 
the show they will be doing the gag so that the engineer can be ready 
for it. You could even rehearse it in advance to find a good volume 
level.

Stephen
Audio engineer



> On 9/6/2022 6:45 PM, Muir, Miles via Stagecraft wrote:
>> Hi all.
>> 
>> I have artist coming to one of the theatres that states explicitly in 
>> their rider that they will drop the mic (ours) on purpose at least 
>> once during the show, and that they don’t want our PA muted when this 
>> happens. I will be charging her for an SM58 in advance. Also, my sound 
>> tech will be instructed to watch for this and try and mute our system 
>> to avoid the huge damage that could be caused by such a drop. This 
>> artist is just starting on an extensive tour and I’m sure they will be 
>> visiting some of you as well – what will you do with this rider 
>> request?
>> 
>> Miles – TD Vancouver Civic Theatres
>> 
>> ·Queen Elizabeth Theatre
>> 
>> ·Orpheum
>> 
>> ·Vancouver Playhouse
>> 
>> ·The Annex
>> 
>> 
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> 
> 
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