Even Levels & Liquid Skys
Audio Visual for the Mint Condition Gala Tent Event
AV Dialogue by Jack Kelly | Photography by Jack Kelly
Hearst Plaza | Charlotte NC

Partners: Dean Jordan of Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Lorne Lassiter of the Founders Circle

Lighting
16 American DJ H2O
42 Elation Opti 30
4 Elation DP-415
4 ETC Source 4 Par-Nels
4 ETC Source 4 Lekos
4 Rosco Custom Gobos
Rapco DMX Cabling
Martin Light Jockey

Truss
10 Global Truss 3m Ladder
6 Global Truss 2m Ladder
2 Global Truss 1m Ladder
4 Global Truss Ladder Corner
8 Global Truss 2m Box Truss
8 Global Truss 2'x2' Base Plates
8 Global Truss 1'x1' Base Plates

Sound Equipment
8 QSC ISES 82H
4 QSC HPR 122
QSC PLX3602 Amp
Rapco 32x8 Snake
Midas Venus 32 Mixer
Sennheiser ew112G2 Wireless Lav
Sennheiser ew135G2 Wireless Mic
Alesis DEQ830 8-Channel EQ

Video
4 Vizio Gallevia 42" LCD
2 BenQ SP-831
Edirol V-4
Kramer 1x5 S-Video Distribution Amp
Kramer VP-501XL VGA to S-Video
Kramer S-Video Cabling
2 Da-Lite 6x8 Fast Fold Screen

The older the crowd the more difficult it is to get the audio levels right. Last year for the Mint Condition Gala we constructed a circular structure in the middle of the tent for a variation on the center cluster. Due to the restrictions of the tent height and number of tables, the closest person to the speakers was about 12 feet and the furthest was about 40 feet. Since doubling the distance lowers the audio by 6 dB, which gave us a dB variation of nearly 10 dB. In practical language, the audio was twice as loud near the stage. Although the system was beautifully arranged, we needed to satisfy some minor complaints.

The system must be loud enough for the hard of hearing without blasting those closest to the speakers. The auctioneer provided us with a diagram in which the speakers were on the outside of the tent. Although it would technically decrease my dB variation, placing the speakers behind the listener is unnatural and confusing. What we needed was a distributed audio system in the air.

Tent’s load ratings are restricting and tent rental companies often give a conservative load rating to protect their equipment. With 20 Opti 30s (3lbs) and 8 speakers, we needed a structure. Schedule 40 1.5” ID pipe weights 2.7lbs per foot. Because of the need for 2 video screens, running a center bar would be obstructing the view of the screens. Heavy and ugly, a long pipe structure never looks straight. However, Ladder truss is light weight. At 18 pounds per 10’ span (1.8lbs per foot), we were able to create a rectangular box around the entire tent leaving clear visibility on two 6x8 screens. The total weight was less than 300 lbs. With an approved ceiling weight of 750 lbs across for arches, we had our solution. Settling on the QSC AD-S82H for its blazing 120 dB peak SPL and 17lb body, we spaced 8 of them evenly around the truss. The lighting weight came in at under 80lbs, the audio at under 140 lbs, the rigging at under 50lbs, and the cabling at under 80lbs. The total weight of the structure was less than 650 lbs.

The auction company always performs in the round. Four monitors are placed around the auctioneer. Four assistants watch one fourth of the room. Each assistant’s microphone only comes through the monitor at their position. As the auctioneer rattles the numbers, the assistants call out when they see bids raised. The auctioneer looks towards the direction of the sound with his hand outstretched. Positioned low to the floor, the assistant is pointing at the bidder for ease of the auctioneer. The timing is nearly flawless. The bidders justify the slight hesitation either from the light in the auctioneer’s eyes or maybe the auctioneer is spinning around so fast. They barely notice the assistants and the bid recognition feels immediate. The auctioneer becomes an all seeing genius that feels the presence of the bids through decades of experience. Fun to mix, the presentation is mesmerizing and compelling.

The broken record of budget constraints prevails on the fund raising platform. Last year’s memorable evening need not over shadow this year’s improvements and design. The audio and video design was necessary and was sure to receive its due praise. The decorative lighting had to take the big cut. First practical stage, art, and table lighting needed to be addressed. The math is easy: 20 center pieces needs 20 lights, 22 pieces of art needs 22 lights, and one auctioneer demanded 4. The client liked how we dealt with the sponsors the year before with custom gobos on the ceiling. Quickly reaching our limit we needed an inexpensive decorative lighting solution with a big impact.

Style is often about exaggerating a feature. Whether in clothing or interior design, the over use of a color or a wall of crooked art catches a viewer’s attention. For the Mint Condition Gala, we used a canopy of blue water. Water effects are inexpensive to rent and provide a beautiful backdrop. 16 water effects were mounted on truss sticks seamlessly covering the entire tent ceiling. As the gobos cut through the water effect, the picturesque water crown protecting the guests from the elements soothed the bidders preparing them to give. A preferred color for business logos, blue has a calming effect building trust between the bidders and the auctioneer. The room reflected the style of our time, unpretentious and cost conscious with no loss of style.

The audiophile in me resists distributed systems for live performances, but our idea worked. The client gave the nod of approval assuring us that this is our yearly audio design. Four TV’s around the perimeter and two 6x8 screens unobstructed in the air provided 360 degrees of visibility. The visual representation of the art was readily visible by everyone. The elegant white floral centerpieces were gently caressed by soft white light back dropped with a commanding Carolina blue water display. The auctioneer was brightly lit facilitating those following the entertaining facial cues by the seasoned auctioneer. There were no bad seats in the house.