Rock Band Night Help!

[Droosies]

I'm not sure where to post this, so I'll post it here and in the Rock Events page, but I'm getting ready to start up a Rock Band business for bars. The only problem is, I know absolutely squat about the DJ business. Would I need to buy an entire PA system? Or would just a wireless microphone work? ALso, how much do those things run? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[HellishFiend]

If all youre going to do is play rock band, you shouldnt need a PA or any actual DJ equipment unless you want extreme volume. Because the output of the game is designed for home theater, you will actually diminish the sound quality by using a DJ setup, so dont use one unless you need it for the extra volume.

[Droosies]

I didn't mean for the game. I meant for talking to the crowd and inviting them to come play Rock Band. The game would be played with the in-box microphone. The only problem is that it only works while the game is running.

[sa_nick]

Also, u might wanna think about the legalities of charging ppl to play Rock Band.

I assume it's fine if there's no charge (both to play and for entrance to the venue) and you just get paid by the pub from money made off drink sales.

Edit: Also, a normal mic would probably be best. Get a small audio mixer with a few inputs and ur set. If you wanna make it even cooler you could buy a new mic for the game, make an XLR > USB connection and run the mic through ur audio desk then both to the game and to the speaker. Mute the in game mic volume and be able to easily control the singers volume on your mixing desk without having to change the audio options which in game blocks the lyrics and pitch thingo. The vocals would be higher quality and have virtually no lag.

[Zechman]

Every place I've been, the audio from the game needed to be amplified through a PA system. You can't expect the TV speakers to be heard by everyone through all the hubbub in the room unless it's an extraordinary TV.

Also, don't forget to calibrate, calibrate, calibrate!!! Nothing ruins Rock Band more than it being noticeably off on the timing. The RB veterans will complain and the people trying for the first time will think it's "too hard" even on easy.

And if you can swing it, it's better to arrange two screens so that the people playing are facing the audience. Calibrate to the screen that the band sees.

--Dwayne

[YRDaddy]

The thing you have to remember if you are seriosly considering doing this is that you have to give people something that they can't get at home. Otherwise, why wouldn't they just stay home, drink, & play Rock Band for much cheaper than they could at the local pub. This also creates value to the bussiness you are trying to sell this idea too. Remember, there are a lot of people out there with xbox's and it's really not that difficult to plug it into the bars big screen. I've been running "Rock Band Nights" in several different locations on a weekly basis for the past couple of months. We put on the bests shows in Denver but it takes a small investment up front and a lot of time to keep it going. I bring about $3000 worth of equipment with me every night including, multiple TV's, projector, PA system, etc... (you can view the set up here if you want http://www.rockband.com/rockers_pictures/YRDaddy )

Anyways... I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you are dead serious, than don't do it 1/2 ass! Go all out and give the people a show!

Good luck! :D