Audio Visual Concert Equipment for Live Performances

Truly, there is something special about the magic and spontaneity of live performances. Whether you're talking about a concert, or some similar type of show, there's nothing quite like getting together with countless people and feeding off of everyone's energy in the same place at the same time.

When it comes to recording those live performances, there are a number of critical things you'll want to keep in mind to make sure that everything is as successful as it can be. Chief among these is your audio and visual equipment list. You can't stop the show to swap out a microphone or get a new camera into position, so you need to make sure that everything is ready ahead of time for the absolute best results.

Camera Options

Obviously, one of the most important types of equipment that you'll be dealing with during the recording of live performances comes down to your cameras - of which there are a few options available.

First, keep in mind that you'll need multiple cameras to make sure that everything is accurately captured. One camera will likely remain fixed in a wide position so that you can see the entire stage. At least one other camera (but ideally more) will then move between various points of the stage during the performance. You can then cut between these multiple angles to make sure that nobody misses a minute of the action.

One great option to that end is the JVC KY100. It offers high video quality at a low budget and is perfect for streaming live events in particular. Another option available to you is the JVC-HM250U - it's inherently portable and is great for getting those tight, high quality shots, even if action is taking place on stage that you can't necessarily predict or have full control over at the moment.

Switchers

When it comes to capturing a live performance in particular, one piece of equipment you don't want to be without is a switcher.

An AV switcher takes audio and video from multiple inputs and sends them all to a single output. If you were recording a band, for example, every member would likely have a microphone during the performance. You'd have multiple cameras covering the action from various angles. All of that information is then fed into the switcher, bringing it all together as a single piece of content that people can then watch and enjoy.

Mixing Boards & Microphones

Another key type of equipment that you'll need for your live performance comes by way of a mixing board. This lets you set sound levels to precisely where they need to be to accurately capture what is going on with the performance itself.

Mixing boards will have features like equalization (EQ) and tone adjustments to help make sure that no matter what is happening, the sound is top-notch.

Along the same lies you'll also need various microphones to help record and transmit the audio to the audience in question. Some of the most popular types of microphone options available for live performances include but are not limited to ones like dynamic microphones, condenser microphones, drum microphones, and wireless microphones.

How To Deliver an Excellent Live Performance

One key to delivering an excellent live performance involves the understanding that you're not trying to control the performance - you're trying to capture it exactly as it plays out. What you want to do is recreate the experience that people would have if they were right there in the room with you. Once you get all of your equipment setup, you need to step back and let the events unfold. Consider yourself more of a documentarian to that end.

Finally, one of the most important ways to deliver an excellent live performance involves making sure that you've broken down all production costs ahead of time so that you can develop a budget to account for all variables during the proceedings.

Even going beyond the costs to put together the event itself, you need a dedicated budget for the whole affair. That means taking into consideration costs associated with what is going on in front of the camera and, most critically, what is going on behind it.

Everything from locations to props to performers to necessary stage equipment would be in the former category, while the aforementioned equipment like mixing boards, microphones, cameras and more would be in the latter. Those cameras, for example, won't just cost money to rent - you also need to pay crew members to operate them. The same is true for sound recording equipment and lighting equipment, among other factors.

The key is to arm yourself with as much actionable information as possible going into the event so that there is less to worry about on the big day. If you've thought everything through, you know what you need to capture the shots you want with few potential obstacles to overcome. At that point, you'll be able to focus less on the mechanics of the production itself and can let an incredible live event unfold right before your eyes (and the eyes of viewers everywhere), which is exactly how it should be.

In the end delivering an excellent live performance isn't nearly as complicated as some fear it might be - provided that you have the right equipment at your side. To that end, Custom Video Flypacks from TV Pro Gear have you covered.

Our Custom Video Flypacks are designed for both live event shooting and streaming - from sporting events to concerts to conferences and more. They include cameras, tripods, switchers, recorders, amplifiers, battery backups and everything else you need to make sure that your next live event performance goes off without a hitch.

If you'd like to find out more information about the audio and visual equipment you'll need for your next live performance or concert, or if you'd just like to talk to someone about the specifics of your own situation in a bit more detail, please don't hesitate to contact TV Pro Gear today.