what's the minimum backline you expect at a venue?
EDIT: forgive my misuse of the term "backline." I guess I just mean "stage equipment."
I'm advising a local theater as they transition from a cinema to include live performance (~400 cap, all seated with a floor and balcony level). They have a great new Martin system being installed, but no backline included in the project scope. The theater is run by a small management team and they don't know anything about live event production.
The project planner said that the plan was for touring acts to bring or rent their own backline. But, I want to make the case to management that this isn't feasible for smaller local acts they're already scheduling, or midsize national tours they hope to attract. Like, they probably don't need a bass amp or a full set of drum mics. But they absolutely need mic stands, a few 58s, XLRs, etc.
What would you say is the minimum amount of backline you'd expect a venue to have? Here's my list:
- Mixer and stage box with Dante (this is a must as the FOH will not have a permanent position – the Martin amplifier is Dante). I might recommend a SQ5 or DM3.
- At least 4 regular boom mic stands and 2 short boom stands
- 3-4 SM58s or e835s
- a pair of condensers like NT-5s or similar
- Power strips and extension cords, CAT5E cable for stage box
- 2-3 stereo DI boxes
- 2 powered monitor wedges (this theater owns 2 K10s we can repurpose)
What else?