All Event and "Bar Night" Organizers Only!!

[Jerrid_DOMN8R]

Would this work? For real microphones and real mic audio control (with game mic volume = 0)
See Attached

EDIT: pretend the green and red on the upper-right cable aren't coming from the same one - oops

[Ravaana]

Would this work? For real microphones and real mic audio control (with game mic volume = 0)
See Attached

EDIT: pretend the green and red on the upper-right cable aren't coming from the same one - oops

Yes.

I use it, actually, at home. I run the Mics into their own channels, and the out bound into the sound system. Turn the mic channels on to a Monitor output, and run that into the 1/4 - USB converter and that into the game.

Also, I run the game sound into the mix board. Thus being able to control the volume with both that channel and the master.

Heh, a friend of mine likes to play with my keyboard, so that is also run through the mixer and into the sound system. She gets to play along with improvised notes as other people play RB. As well as my drumset (since I own an Alesis kit with the J5 box) into it's own channel.

With a mixer, you can do a ton of things. Even add an effects switch to the vocal outputs, which would only effect your main output and not what the game is fed.

[YRDaddy]

The wireless mic I was using was actually still in the testing faze. I actually bought a duel wireless mic package to replace my corded back up mics for the guitarists and my friend remembered that we had modified a USB cord a while back. We tested it out at my house and at the venue that you saw pictures of and it worked great! For some reason though, when we used it at Friday and Tuesday's venue there was a lot of feedback on the mic no matter what settings we adjusted. They will now be used as the back up mics as intended and I might explore other options for a wireless game mic in the future (I like the ideas being passed around here).

I am also a firm practitioner of "go big or go home" but I am an even firmer practitioner of "being the cheapest, most budget concious person ever" . When ever I invest in equipment, I prioritize based on return. In other words, "if I buy this, how will it make/save me money". Using this method might help some of the start ups prioritize equipment purchases. For instance, I could invest in better sound and I've been thinking about it, but for the moment it is louder and more proffesional than what the average Rock Band player has at home so it is not high on my list of things to get. But you know what 99% of Rock Band players do not have at home? A full blown portable stage! While I was browsing craigslist for better sound equipment, I came across an add for some portable stages and decided that it was my next purchase because of the return I can make on it. Better sound was not going to make me anymore money than I am right now, but offering the stages at an increased cost to a Rock Band Night customer or even renting just the stages out to some local band or wedding has the potential to generate a huge profit. All of a sudden it shot right up to #1 on my priority list and is still going with the philosiphy of "go big or go home". So think about the return...

Along those lines, I believe Harmonix and MTV are thinking about the same "return" thing for these "Official Rock Band Bar Nights". Hopefully their assesment comes out good and they proceed with the program because it will help prolong the life of this business. Personally, I would like to see some TV commercials aired to promote "Official Rock Band Bar Nights" in order to promote addendence at all of our events. Think about it, when have you ever seen a karaoke DJ TV commercial?? Rock Band is bigger than karaoke and being unified/sanctioned by a company like MTV, I see no reason why something like this would not be feasable. I guess I'm thinking, not so much about what we would have to "conform" to in order to be a part of this "Official" group, but what the "Official" group will do for us that we havn't or are not capable of doing for ourselves. Something to think about Later!

[Jerrid_DOMN8R]

I have another question - maybe more of a PM response for you guys -
Along the lines of Pricing.
How do price this out? Does different gear come into play, or do you straight up Per Hour like me? Do you cap the cost at a max. (again, maybe more of a pm, or private response on this, my info is below)

Also - how do you handle your setup? have help? hide cables? (i run everything to wall or out of the way, then gaff tape it all down) how long does it usually take?

Contact info:
through my website: www.rockoutproductions.com
Facebook: Jerrid Thomas
Scorehero: jerridthomas79

PS>> YRDaddy,
I have family and business friends in Denver - and would like to check your stuff out if i get a chance to get down there this summer - in fact, another production / A/V company and I are setting up a MEGA Rock Band weekend Extravaganza thingie.
It's going to be at the Cinebar Theater in Thornton (familiar?)
We have the entire theater booked, and are still deciding what to play on all the screens...
We have to video screens - jumbotrons - out in the parking lot - one to look over I-25 (i think) for advertising the show, then swiveling for the show.
The other will be a back drop for big tournament and possibly local band showcase - where we will shoot music videos for them (something they would normally NEVER be able to afford)
I have a couple sponsors waiting to hear confirmation from me (possibly Ryan with RockBandParts.com - and Jordan from RockPedal.com)
Anyhow, i am going to forward your website to my main guy with this company - since we also have a deal with Buffalo WWings for after party featuring Rock Out Karaoke (my setup) - but could use a collaboration I'm sure on this.

Plus the Video Screens would will be showing sponsor info - as well as stuff for anyone involved, show they have something to advertise - like DeathoftheArcade

[LiquidKourage]

I charge a flat rate for shows, and the amount depends on night of the week (weekdays are cheaper than weekends) and the general nature of the venue (small locar bar vs. large corporate chain). As a selling point, I tell my owners that the rate is for the night and they get to decide when and how long I'll be "playing". Typically no one wants to start entertainment before 9pm, so you're probably not going to be locked into a 7-8 hour gig

I do all my own setup and breakdown; takes about a half hour. With my setup, the only cables on the stage itself are the mic cable and the drum cable (even then, I secure the drum cable down and am planning on re-going wireless with my mic soon). All my other cables are run around my DJ table, with speaker cables and video cables all off-stage.

[YRDaddy]

PS>> YRDaddy,
I have family and business friends in Denver - and would like to check your stuff out if i get a chance to get down there this summer - in fact, another production / A/V company and I are setting up a MEGA Rock Band weekend Extravaganza thingie.
It's going to be at the Cinebar Theater in Thornton (familiar?)
We have the entire theater booked, and are still deciding what to play on all the screens...
We have to video screens - jumbotrons - out in the parking lot - one to look over I-25 (i think) for advertising the show, then swiveling for the show.
The other will be a back drop for big tournament and possibly local band showcase - where we will shoot music videos for them (something they would normally NEVER be able to afford)
I have a couple sponsors waiting to hear confirmation from me (possibly Ryan with RockBandParts.com - and Jordan from RockPedal.com)
Anyhow, i am going to forward your website to my main guy with this company - since we also have a deal with Buffalo WWings for after party featuring Rock Out Karaoke (my setup) - but could use a collaboration I'm sure on this.

Plus the Video Screens would will be showing sponsor info - as well as stuff for anyone involved, show they have something to advertise - like DeathoftheArcade

LOL! Yea, Cinebarre is a sort of partner/friend I work with. We did a small 1 time event there and almost had a weekly gig arranged. Unfortunately the CEO decided against it because he thought it would attract a little bit younger crowd (under 21) and was worried about them trying to consume alcahol and lose their license. Well thought out on his part if you ask me... Anyways, I always get free movie tickets from them to hand out during Rock Band Nights and the theater is kick *ss! When you say "Rock Band extravaganza thing", you mean "Real Bands" right?? I know that was a direction they where wanting to go. I'll contact you later to discuss a possible colaboration of some sort, it sounds very interesting. Thanks!

[Zoologico]

For the folks using the stage kit, how are you controlling the singer's selection?
Are you doing it through the stage kit controller?
How is this not cumbersome or disruptive?
After reading about the stage kit it seems like it would get in the way.

[Klubby]

Not only would the stage kit probably get in the way, it's truly not powerful enough to light up a large room or bar. It barely lights up my living room. lol

I would choose a more professional light set-up if you go that route.

[Jerrid_DOMN8R]

@YRDaddy
I saw your call - had a real $#!tty day setting up video screen for NASCAR - and was rushing to get everything done, and my phone was ringing non-stop... like I was only one answering the phone for a Jerry's Kids Telethon.

Anyhow - ran my phone dead, will let it charge up here a while, and give you a call back and fill you in with what I know to day (haven't talk to my Guy in Thornton for a while - better call him first and get updates)

PS@Everyone -
Are you all just using the vocalist's controller to select the songs for your karaoke performers? or are you letting them pick them (i use the controller, and just look at the drum rack monitor - gotta get a small LCD for myself one of these days)
just curious if this is the "standard" for song selection.

Still want Harmonix/MTV to release a game patch for DJ mode or something - that only allows vocalist's controller to select songs - since you all know how when people get on the guitars and drums, they start flailing away, constantly backing out of the band/song selection screens... "PEOPLE PLEASE, JUST HOLD ON!!!"

[LiquidKourage]

I typically allow my performers a fair opportunity to set themselves up correctly; if it's obvious they can't navigate the system properly or quickly enough, I'll jump in and start setting songs and difficulties myself.

Usually, the game controller is charging on my DJ table (through my computer, in case anyone's wondering) and I don't hand it out as a practice, mostly so that I can adjust mic settings during the song and don't lose it. Usually, I'll just input the singer's difficulty for them.