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"Microphone
Pro Tips

Microphone Technique for Live Events

by Mark Randel
July 16, 2022

Microphone Technique for Live Events

The microphone is one of the fundamental pieces of equipment used at almost all live events. However, when not used correctly, microphones can quickly create high-stress levels for presenters, attendees, and planners alike.

We recently caught up with one of our premier front-of-house engineers, Dave Dupre, about best practices when using microphones. Below are some great tips that he believes all presenters should be aware of to avoid those unpleasant; snap, crackle, and pops.

backstage microphone and sound management

Dave DuPre at Front of House Audio Engineer position during tech rehearsal.

  • Wireless Handhelds

    • The very bottom is the antenna. Don’t block it with your hand.
    • The very top is the element that picks up the sound of your voice. Don’t block it with your hand, either.
    • Holding the middle of the microphone, keep the element (the top) about 2 inches (three fingers) from your lips.
    • As you turn your head, you should move the microphone with you, like it’s stuck in a gravitational position in front of your lips.

  • Lavalier (clip-on lapel)

    • Be very careful not to strike the element. If you have long hair, style it away from the microphone. If you have a necklace on, remove it. If you still have questions, ask for assistance from your audio professional.
    • If the microphone was clipped very far to the left or right on a lapel or collar, try to speak to the center or towards the microphone (this scenario is common if your stage position is in a panel on one side of the stage).

  • Lectern Gooseneck

    • If the element is too high or low, bend the gooseneck so the element is on the same plane as your mouth.
    • No need to lean into this microphone, it will pick up your voice if you stand naturally up-to a foot away.

  • All Scenarios

    • When presenting, don’t be afraid of your own voice. Don’t lower your voice to compensate for loudness. It’s better to be heard than not. Let your audio professional do their job.
    • Never miss an opportunity to do a tech rehearsal before you present. Not only does this help you gain confidence in your performance, it is very helpful for your audio professional to hear you. Engineers always appreciate presenters that take the time to rehearse. It’s an opportunity to create cohesiveness and in the end, everyone performs at their best.
""/
News

Building For The Future

by Jeff Webb
January 24, 2022

Building For The Future

Client’s needs, and the technology used to meet those needs, are ever-evolving in the events industry. With that understanding, we are excited to announce the following soon-to-be-available resources at VCI Event Technology to serve our clients better.

 

Here are a few thoughts from our CEO, Kirk Rhinehart, on our new additions.

What led to the addition of these specific items to the VCI quiver?

With the recent purchase and build of our new Ross Ultrix Carbonite system, we felt this to be the natural next step in providing a forward-thinking solution for our clients.

How will Event Marketer and Event Producers benefit from these resources?

There are a few things on every event that no amount of money can buy; more time in a day for load-in, more space for the back of house, and the ability to quickly expand your systems capabilities due to new demands. We believe these items can address all these challenges.

One of our core values is to “think ahead, but always remain present.” We understand that not every event currently needs to be a 4K experience. However, the flexibility of these resources can allow you peace of mind that when your stakeholder has that last-minute “oh, can we….”, you more than likely will not need to scramble. Also, it’s a great way to avoid those “I wish we would have” moments for recording and archival purposes. Oh, and the imagery is going to look amazing.

How will Technical Directors benefit from these resources?

We all know that about the best-laid plans. That does not mean that changes and last-minute requests do not come up during rehearsals or from unexpected sources. When that happens, the last thing you want to hear from an EIC or video engineer is that the system is maxed out. The products we are identifying, researching, and investing in are intended to vastly expand the equipment’s capabilities being replaced, thus tremendously expanding the capabilities and resources available to technical staff on-site.

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Success Stories

Looking Back And Looking Ahead

by Jeff Webb
December 7, 2021

2021 has been a whirlwind of unexpected changes, unpredictable shifts, last-minute business deals, and many surprises for the industry and our global #AVAlliance family. Thanks to the trust and confidence of our existing and new clients, we returned to making small events, big events, intimate gatherings, and massive music festivals. In-person conferences, complex hybrid events, and simple virtual meetings, for dozens and thousands of people alike. We rented, created, transported, built, installed, rigged, set up, and tore down with smaller crews but greater enthusiasm than ever before, no matter the size of the audience or the venue, whether it was online, live, or a bit of both. After what seemed like forever, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 and we do not intend to stop anytime soon. We could not have this done without your faith in events and in us. Thank you. We will see you in 2022, too!

 

"We
News

Reopening Safety Guidelines

by David Da Costa
June 18, 2020

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Dear Clients, Friends, and Family,

As the past several months have shown us, we are not always as in control of our world as we might think we are. In truth, every day of most peoples’ lives involves risk. Some risks are low and we knowingly accept them in exchange for a potential benefit. Some risks are high and we choose not to take them fearing the potential for an unacceptable outcome.

For instance, if I woke up and made coffee this morning and realized I was out of milk, I might walk across the street and buy a quart to enjoy milk in my coffee. The risk would be minimal. If I carefully looked both ways before I crossed the street, I would avoid the greatest risk which might be being hit by a car. If on the other hand, it was before dawn and many automobile drivers did so with no headlights, the risk calculation would be very different for doing the very same activity. The point is, without knowing the actual risk, it is not possible to make an informed decision about the value of the potential benefit. And, without knowing the actual risk, we cannot understand how to mitigate that risk to an acceptable level.

As our nation cautiously moves towards a return to regular commerce, different levels of risk are being calculated for different activities. Our industry, the Live Event Industry, faces unique challenges to returning to work. As we begin preparing work assignments for upcoming events, we find many people have more questions than answers. This is true for both clients and crew. Recognizing the stress this creates, we would like to share our plan, with the hope, it will help us all navigate this new landscape.

If you would like to take advantage of this information please reach out to us at [email protected] and one of our team members will follow up soon.

Be safe and healthy and love your neighbor,

Kirk

Kirk Rhinehart | President/CEO [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

"Artiste
News

Elation Artiste Picasso Lighting Instruments

by tanis99
July 9, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]VCI Event Technology has added the Elation Artiste Picasso to our expanding inventory of lighting instruments. The Picasso is a full-featured innovative theatrical-grade luminaire featuring a new 620W 6,800K Cool White LED engine with advanced optics that deliver over 23,000 total lumen output!

The Elation Artiste Picasso Lighting Instruments will provide a flexible profile class fixture that will hold its own at corporate meetings, outdoor special events and concert touring. It does it all, powerful and with great flexibility without breaking the budget.

For more information, contact us to discuss how Artiste Picasso lighting fixtures and VCI Event Technology can enhance your next project.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI4MDAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjI0NTAlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGUXY5bDdLUWFFU1UlM0ZyZWwlM0QwJTI2YW1wJTNCc2hvd2luZm8lM0QwJTIyJTIwZnJhbWVib3JkZXIlM0QlMjIwJTIyJTIwYWxsb3clM0QlMjJhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”30″ title=”VCI Success Stories”][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

"VCI
News

VCI Event Technology Expands Equipment Inventory for 2018

by tanis99
January 22, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Having the best service offerings includes having the best in class tools. VCI enhanced its equipment offerings in 2018 to include a new inventory of Panasonic RQ32K 27,000 lumen projectors and Christie DHD850 7,000 lumen to expand their laser class projector options. Additional purchases for this season included GrandMA2 lighting desks, Yamaha CL5 and QL5 audio consoles. For graphics support, VCI has added Picturall Mark2 Quattro Media Servers to their inventory.

VCI is always listening to what components Producers and Technical Directors are requesting on their programs and that continues to influence VCI’s purchase decisions. Each year, VCI regularly hosts industry manufactures at its headquarters to conduct new equipment workshops which provides customers and staff with a hands-on demonstration of new and emerging technology.

It’s this collaboration between VCI’s customers and the manufactures that help determine what tools are proven to be the most innovative, reliable and consistently deliver the best event experience.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”30″ title=”VCI Success Stories”][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”full” us_bg_image=”6284″ us_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” us_bg_parallax=”vertical” us_bg_parallax_reverse=”1″ us_bg_overlay_color=”rgba(30,30,30,0.75)” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%220px%22%2C%22border-bottom-width%22%3A%220px%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%220px%22%7D%7D” us_bg_image_source=”media”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”7053″][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”7059″][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

"VCI
News

New Website Refresh Kicks Off the New Year for Team VCI

by tanis99
January 20, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]“Our landing page has become a store front for many of our new customers wanting to learn more about VCI and our solutions” said Anthony Stevens, VP, Business Development. “In our business, it’s an important communication tool and another way for customers to preview our services and stay updated. We kept the site simple, clean and easy for customers to communicate with us.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”30″ title=”VCI Success Stories”][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

"VR
Success Stories

VCI at Sotheby’s The Art of VR

by tanis99
January 11, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Team VCI was featured at The Art of VR event at Sotheby’s Art Auction House in New York City. VCI deployed multiple video solutions including an immersive Absen 2.9mm curved and serpentined LED displays. Additionally, VCI was sourced for general session audio, dual projection, lighting, video playback and event staffing. Included was a panel discussion, multiple presenters and live demonstrations.

VCI also coordinated with and supported each of the 40+ VR and AR exhibitors across 3 exhibition floors.

This was a unique event space featuring a specialized approach and set of solutions. Post-event feedback measured by the large amount of impressions and views supported this tremendously successful program.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”30″ title=”VCI Success Stories”][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”full” us_bg_image=”6284″ us_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” us_bg_parallax=”vertical” us_bg_parallax_reverse=”1″ us_bg_overlay_color=”rgba(30,30,30,0.75)” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%220px%22%2C%22border-bottom-width%22%3A%220px%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%220px%22%7D%7D” us_bg_image_source=”media”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”6975″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”6977″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”6978″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”6979″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

"Anime
Success Stories

VCI Events at Anime Expo

by tanis99
December 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Anime Expo presented by SPJA is a yearly Convention of all things pertaining to Japanese Animation. It has grown into a vast multi-day Convention with over 100,000 attendees. Their general session is an exhibition hall to seat 3400 people. VCI supplied a 50′ wide LED screen flanked with two l2’x21′ projection screens, 6 LED columns, an HD switch package, three HD camera chains, HD remote cameras, HD records, Barco E2 switcher and concert audio system with a JBL VTX25 line array. The lighting plot included 60 conventional fixtures and 76 Movers. VCI designed and operated all technical aspects of this space. The variety of entertainment and constantly changing use of the stage, keeps this show interesting and challenging. Employing new and innovative technologies helps the show evolving from year to year.

The 20 breakouts for this convention vary from panels, screening rooms, press, dance, and Karaoke rooms ranging from small rooms for a hundred people to large rooms accommodating over a thousand. VCl’s extensive planning and project management help make Anime Expo the most popular Anime convention in North America.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”30″ title=”VCI Success Stories”][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”full” us_bg_image=”6284″ us_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” us_bg_parallax=”vertical” us_bg_parallax_reverse=”1″ us_bg_overlay_color=”rgba(30,30,30,0.75)” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%220px%22%2C%22border-bottom-width%22%3A%220px%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%220px%22%7D%7D” us_bg_image_source=”media”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”6858″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”6833″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][us_image image=”6832″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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