Stafford Wells is principally an acoustic
group and does not always require the promoter to provide PA for small
venues, such as certain folk clubs. However, since electric instruments
are used and since Stafford Wells may provide its own PA, the minimum
requirements set out below must be met by the promoter.
Chairs with no arm rests and a seat height not exceeding 550mm are to be provided for each musician.
RCD protected U.K. style 240V 13A AC mains outlets must be provided for powering electronic equipment to be used on stage. A minimum of six (6) sockets is required. However, if this is not possible, one (1) socket must be provided and the musicians must be advised that is is necessary for them to provide their own RCD device and distribution boards.
The specifications given below are the minimum necessary. Specific variance from these requirements must be notified, agreed and confirmed in writing at least 7 (seven) days prior to the date of performance.
Must be of good quality, with the ability to reproduce tight bass with no evidence of booming and to preserve clarity across the full audio frequency range.
The sound engineer should balance the instruments for levels but otherwise retain a transparent acoustic sound. Effects units are used and the engineer should use their discretion to balance the wet and dry signals on the front of house mix.
Minimum output may be estimated as 5 watts multiplied by the capacity of the venue.
Musicians must be provided with adequate stage monitoring. The monitors should be good quality units having a flat frequency response and good dynamic range across the full audio spectrum.
The monitor mix should be set for a comfortable listening volume consistent with an acoustic sound. The balance should be such that the musicians can hear one another without undue strain.
Where effects units are used, the effects return may need to be more prominent in the monitor mix than on the front of house mix.
All microphone stands must be fitted with boom arms.
| Source | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Uilleann Pipes | |
| Chanter | Shure 57 |
| Regulators/Drones | Shure 57 |
| Low Whistle | Shure 57 |
| Yamaha VL70m Wind Synthesiser | Stereo D.I. |
| Bass Guitars | XLR mic lead (balanced output) |
| Acoustic Guitar | D.I. - Active (can provide own) |
| Vocals | SM58 or Beta |
| Alesis Midiverb 4 | |
| Send | Mono or Stereo post-fade mix from Uilleann Pipes chanter and Low Whistle channels. |
| Return | Mono or Stereo D.I. (stereo preferred) Wet signal only. |
The Midiverb is normally used to apply a light reverb or chorus effect to the uilleann pipes chanter and low whistle. The sound engineer should be aware that some sets make use of more prominent effects and also that the effect used may change during some sets.
The low whistle microphone also doubles for speech during announcements to the audience. The sound engineer should ensure that the effects are muted on both the front of house mix and the monitor mix during the announcements.
In the event that guest musicians are to be on stage, additional PA requirements will be notified, if necessary, to the promoter prior to the date of the performance.