Michael Hedges’ Sound System Requirements

The following is taken verbatim from Michael’s 1997 contract rider and provides an interesting glimpse into what is required for his incredible live sound. Also see Michael’s stage rig.

Sound System. For best results, please do not approach this as a typical acoustic guitar concert. Although it is not readily apparent from his Windham Hill recordings, Michael’s show requires sound levels approaching those of a rock show, with “audiophile” quality, and especially crisp, clear high end. Please provide the following:

A. Front of House System

1. House Console

  1. 24 channels, 6 post-fader, post-EQ aux sends
  2. 4 bands parametric or sweep EQ per channel
  3. Ramsa (840 or better), Soundcraft (Delta 24, 500 or better) or Yamaha (PM3000 or better, please)

2. Processing

  1. two (2) digital reverbs: LXP-15, PCM70, REV-5, REV-7; (We cannot use Yamaha SPX-90 or SPX-90-II)
  2. one compressor/limiter such as DBX 160x or 160A
  3. CD player for backing track on flute performance [For the rarely performed “Transience”—M@]
  4. real time analyzer set up and operating
  5. 1/3 octave graphic EQs for stereo house feed; plus individual 1/3 octave EQs for any clusters or balcony fills used

3. Amplification and Speakers

  1. high quality PA system, tri-amped w/active crossover, capable of 100db, undistorted, 20-18Khz, to last row of seats
  2. high quality sub-woofer system
  3. system should be configured in stereo
  4. system should cover venue evenly throughout with crisp, clear high end

4. Two Beyer M88 microphones with boom stands on stage (or SM-57, SM-58, beta 87)

B. Stage Monitor System (number of mixes/cabinets may vary with instrumentation; see 3. b. below)

1. Monitor Console

  1. 24 channels, 6 mixes (see 3. b. below), 2 post-aux effects sends, post-1/3-octave-EQ listen buss
  2. 4 bands parametric or sweep EQ per channel
  3. Ramsa Monitor, Soundcraft 400B Monitor, or better (preferably not Yamaha, please)

2. Processing

  1. two (2) digital reverbs: LXP-15, PCM70, REV-5, REV-7; (We cannot use Yamaha SPX-90 or SPX-90-II)
  2. one compressor/limiter such as DBX 160X or 160A w/cables for channel insertion
  3. 1/3 octave EQ for each mix

3. Monitor Cabinets and Amplification (see stage plot)

  1. Five (5) identical very high quality extended range 15" 2-way bi-amped wedges (EV 1502ER or better), plus two (2) very high quality bi-amped side fills (OR seven wedges as above, using two raised to side fill height). Crisp, clear high end essential.
  2. configured for 6 mixes: 2 mixes for downstage center L/R wedges, 2 mixes for side fills upstage left and right, 1 mix for Hedges' keyboard wedge (if needed), 1 mix for bassist wedge (if bassist present); remaining wedge/amplification is for monitor engineer cue. (If no bassist, cut 1 mix + 1 wedge. If Hedges will not play keyboard, cut 1 mix + 1 wedge.)

C. AC Power requirements.

  1. Monitor and Front-of-House Sound must be powered together on same leg, but on separate leg from lights.
  2. Please provide 120 volt AC outlets at each of the following 5 locations:
  1. Four just onstage of Monitor mixer to power Artist's rack
  2. Four at Monitor mixer position to power tuner, etc.
  3. Four at House mixer position to power DAT machine, etc.
  4. Four at stage left to power Hedges’ keyboard setup (if present)
  5. Four downstage right for bass rack (if present) and/or any AC powered Hedges pedal effects

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