Outside Event - Power Conditioner?

[Abyrne7]

Full of questions here this week....

One of my buddies is throwing a outside event for his Birthday with Kegs, Wedding tent etc. Since I am always the sound guy he asked me to get a sound system for the event running off a 4000W generator. Now I think I have all the math covered when it comes to wattages. I am going to rent 2 QSC 550W RMS speakers for the event. This gives me lots of play room. Not getting a subwoofer because its probally not needed. Also probally going to get a Revo 4. The music will be playing off an I POD which I will have some mixes on, sence I dont trust DJ'ing ouside on the east coast of Canada in early June.

I know I need a surge protectors from the generator to the equipment for safety of failure. My question is do I need a power conditioner to make sure that the current is steady and nothing out of the ordinary happens? I searched online about power conditioners and I get confused with there usages and what type to use and specs etc. its all a bit confusing to me.

We are on a pretty low budget so if the surge protectors are enough then I will not get a power conditioner. Where would you buy or rent these? I am not to worried if the power trips maby once or twice throughout the night, its no big deal.

Anyone have experience with power conditioners and outdoor events?

[Abyrne7]

And to add is there any safety things I should be aware of if the weather is wet that day? Or any other tips for outside PA speakers running off a generator.

[azunderg]

Furman Power Conditioner

[Abyrne7]

The event is this weekend so buying online is not an option at this point.

[ssjaken]

perhaps a computer UPS could help you. That is what they are designed to do for your home stuff. BUT finding one to power all that may be pricey.

[djrosco]

It depends on the output of the generator. If the Genny is putting out pure sinewave power you should be fine with just a surge protector.( thats what I do)
However if the output is modified sine wave, I would be looking for a power conditioner.
The Furman one linked to is a good one and you may be able to hire one from a PA company for the weekend.

[Ryan Leo]

Check Long and Mcquade.

You'd think they'd have power conditioners to rent out along with their equipment.

[SirReal]

I've never used a power conditioner off of a generator but certainly a surge protector. When placing the generator make sure it's not on dry grass as they can get hot and start a fire. I've seen it happen.

[Abyrne7]

Alright folks I think I might just go the surge protector route and no power conditioner just for the factor of cost and from you guys experiences. If we get a Honda Generator i think it will be fine. At this point I am just worried about water damage.

@Ryan Leo:

Your the first Newf I seen on these forums with my 3 years of horring this site haha. You DJ around the area?

[Abyrne7]

Update:

The event went off without a hitch. No stopages in music once throughout the night and the power consumption seemed really steady... Honda motor paid off.