Outside Event - Power Conditioner?
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?
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.
The event is this weekend so buying online is not an option at this point.
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.
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.
Check Long and Mcquade.
You’d think they’d have power conditioners to rent out along with their equipment.
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.
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?
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.