Unit 49: Setting up audio equipment

Equipment list

• Mixer (Yamaha EMX 5016CF)
• Power amp
• Main and sub speakers (dB speakers)
• Support poles
• XLR cables
• Speakon cables
• Jack cables
• Microphone (Shure SM58)
• Power leads
• Masking tape

Listed below are the steps required to set up the sixth form audio equipment:     

1. Take boxes apart     
2. Keep lids away for safety     
3. Keep mixing desk on power supply and move desk to position    
4. Lock wheels for safety     
5. Move base bins to position (left and right)     
6. Add pillars     
7. Set up main speakers on top, about same height     
8. Ensure everything is secure tight     
9. Connect speakon cables to power supply    
10. Make sure everything is taped and out of way     
11. Connect desk to the amps with jack leads (balanced)     
12. Plug to mains    
13. Flat line desk otherwise bad noises     
14. Add xlr cable for mic    
15. Turn on desk first, check desk    
16. Turn on speakers     
17. Level testing

Risk assessment

There are several risks that must be dealt with whilst the equipment is being set up:

Electrical risks

• Exposed to live wire - coming into contact with any live electrical sources could lead to electrocution.
• Plug socket - tampering with any plug sockets could lead to electrocution.
• Broken cable - coming into any possible contact with split cables could lead to electrocution.
• Water - water near to any electrical equipment could lead to electrocution and/or damage to the equipment. 

Physical risk 

• Lift with your knees - it is important to lift any heavy equipment in a suitable manner in order to avoid injury.
• Tripping over wires - any exposed wires in a performance space could pose a potential trip hazard.
• Things Falling over - all equipment should not be at risk from falling over, as this could cause injury.
• Safe handling/storage - all equipment should be stored out of the way when not in use.
• Keep lids out of way - storage box lids should not block any part of the performance space.
• Tape up wires - this will prevent them becoming a trip hazard.
• Leave it as found  

Noise levels   

• Don’t go over 107dB - the maximum noise level from a gig (within the audience) should not exceed this limit, as otherwise the law will have been broken. 
• Feedback - this can be prevented by always keeping the mic behind speakers, and never in front, as this will cause a feedback loop as the microphone will pick up what it is outputting.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljSb1etR-iY