In a few weeks time, I'm doing a set outside, in someone's large back garden. It's going to be a bit like a festival where everyone brings tents etc and there is no fixed end to the event/evening. It's for a friend so I'm doing it as a freebie and will try and stay awake/sober as long as possible.

None of my gear is waterproof so other than praying for sun, I'm planning on how best to set up.

So far, I'm planing on taking an estate car and putting mixer, laptop etc in the back of the car, a bit like a car boot sale with the tailgate open. I think I have a mini marquee somewhere so I will probably put the speakers on each side of the car with the awning/marquee over the back area of the car, all pointing towards the main 'dance' area.

Other than the obvious (protecting against rain/damp) does anyone have any good suggestions? I know volume will be an issue as there are no walls to bounce sound off (there are no neighbours) but welcome any other comments/suggestions.

Thanks in advance

I think you have it covered really, maybe a few carrier bags over any exposed extension leads and a decent fan to get some air movement if its a still day. I do my school sports day and dj out of the van with a small gazebo. Last year it was absolutely roasting and as the sun caught my gear it got very hot very quick so i made sure the gazebo shaded everything with a fan blowing some air about in the van as that too picks up heat very quickly.

if the weather worsens the usual b&q gazebos will only hold off a quick shower so i would have some visqueen available just in case. Mud coming up over is also a problem so some sort of floor, even an old lump of carpet would help.

Have a good one Teez

Hopefully stating the obvious... an RCD on the incoming electrics, but a cheap investment if you don't have any.

Also- watch out for heat/direct sunlight. I've read reports of an Impossibled getting its insides cooked due to direct sunlight hitting the lens, and then focusing on to the circuit board.

Soundwise, either lots of speakers (if trying to cover a large area) -if you've got 2 sets of speakers then bring them and angle out at about 45degrees to get those at the sides.
Subs optional, so depends on space and size of gig.

I've done a few small outside gigs (got another NHS summer fayre booked for July).
As this is normally a steel band, bbq, caribean food+other stuff, the Disco is really for announcements, and background music (until they have had their fill from the cheap bar! lol)

I'm also doing a mates BBQ in august, condition is that Carmen drives My kids are also coming, so I may give Ryan a list of tunes and leave him to it for the early stages!


Would love to see some pics of the gig Teez!

Jason

I love outside gigs..

As said above bag and gaffer take al electrics RCD's etc..... I have also in the past put bin bags over speaker cabs when weather has been bad... I use a trailer as you know for my equipment and have run a full band PA from it with 24 channel desk and out board so your car and gazebo should be fine.

You may need more power than you do in doors as there is no reflected sound, but the other problem is there is nothing to stop the sound and in the middle of nowhere on a warm night sound can really travel so watch out for neighbours.

Have a great time if the weather is good out side gigs are the best.

Nik

I've done plenty of outside gigs. If there is any chance of mositure getting to the equipment I would not play. Safety first every time.

if speakers etc are sitting directly on the ground that can be bad - damp rises as the weather cools in the evening. I have a padded bag i left on the ground inside a marquee one evening - it has watermarks 12inches up the side.....

try looking to put them up on bricks - or boards on bricks or something

applies to anything in direct contact with the ground.......

I too am playing and outside family gig in july...... the last one i have been saving the gear for.....