Remember that time when you looked in your tech case and thought, “Nah, I won’t need that,” but then you did?
When mixing live there’s very little room for mistakes – particularly those that result from not having exactly what you need for the gig, close to hand. So, when problems do crop up or something fails, you need the right tool, fast.
Here, we’ll cover some problem-solving Radial technology specifically designed to enhance your ability to deal with (and/or prevent) common and unique issues, regardless of where the road takes you and what you find when you get there.
We’ll also touch on some other bits, bobs, odds, ends, and pointy things that are essential to have on hand – tradecraft essentials that should be in any tech kit.
First up…
DIs for Every Application
ProAV1 Stereo Multimedia Direct Box
Cover your bases with the Swiss Army Knife of DI boxes. Nothing’s more annoying than being midway through getting up and running and getting a last-minute, ‘Hey do you have a’ – unless, of course, you do. For situations where a sudden surprise source – be it an extra instrument, special guest, or playback rig – shows up, the ProAV1 offers multiple connection options, so you don’t have to turn your tech case inside out to find adapters or dongles when you need to be doing something else.
BT-Pro V2 Stereo Bluetooth Direct Box
Dongles still got you down? Go direct wirelessly. For worry-free, high-speed wireless transmission and rock-solid reception, up to 30 metres (100’) without interference, this wireless wonder is ideal for playback from any Bluetooth-enabled device. Additionally, since each BT-Pro V2 has a unique identifier, you can deploy and use multiple units to wirelessly connect as many devices as necessary in the same space.
DiNET DAN-RX2 2-Channel Dante Network Receiver
Offering rock solid, reliable, and robust digital audio distribution, the DAN-RX2 Dual Output Dante Endpoint provides delivery of two channels of analogue audio (from Dante/AES-67 compliant networks) to any location. With an RJ45 network connection (compatible with Neutrik etherCON connector carriers to avoid accidental disconnection and protect cable terminations), a ground lift, and separate headphone amp and level control for testing or discreet personal monitoring, the DAN-RX2 is an ‘I’ve got just what we need in my tech case’ solution for times when finding a reliable endpoint is just the beginning.
While we’re talking essentials, there are a few tools every engineer should have to hand. They vary, and chances are you’ve added, refined, and reprioritized A) because you didn’t realize you’d need that when you started out or B) walked into a venue, onto a stage, or up to monitor or FOH world and thought, “I wish I had a…”
Now, depending on who you are and how long you’ve been at it – and, frankly, what horror shows you’ve witnessed over time – you may be thinking, “Yeah – I got it. What am I, new?” You may, but some folks reading this might not, folks who might just be working a gig with you when you think, “Why didn’t I bring X, Y, or Z? What am I, new?”
Headlamp/Flashlight – No explanation necessary.
RTA Audio Analyzer, SPL Metre, Ear Plugs, Cable Tester, Headphones, Batteries – Ditto.
And, of course…
Tape – all kinds – Gaff, Board, and, yes, you need duct tape, too – preferably a substantial roll of black duct tape and one other bright or unusual colour. Someone will still walk off with the black tape, but they’ll think twice about the fancy stuff.
Sharpie/Notepad/Board Tape – The holy trinity for ensuring everything and anything that could change between the time you set it and the time you need to use it is labelled, noted, and accessible even when your phone is dead.
Road-Ready – Rock-Solid
Catapult 4-Channel Cat 5 Audio Snake
Conquer cable clutter on and off stage with our passive Catapult TX (transmitters) and RX (receivers). For pristine audio without the mess of bulky typical multi-channel analogue snakes (or the need for external power), the Catapult transports signals over Cat 5 or 6 Ethernet cables, saving time, space, and hassle on any stage, large or small. Need less, or more? Check out the Catapult Mini and 12-channel Catapult Rack – every member of the Catapult family works together and can also be integrated into any venue’s existing Cat5 infrastructure.
Power-2 Surge Suppressor & Power Conditioner
Featuring the same superior interference filtering and peace-of-mind surge protection as Radial’s Power-1 (a finalist for the 38th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards in the Production Essentials Category), the Power-2 adds an ultra-bright, 7-color dimmable slide-out LED tray to the mix for lights, power, and performance where and when you need it.
StageBug SB-48 Phantom Power Supply
Speaking of power, with its non-radiating charge pump circuit, the SB-48 is a quick and compact way to provide stable, ripple-free 48-volt power to two of your favourite condenser mics or active DI boxes at once. Even in venues without reliable phantom power sources, the SB-48 kills noise dead.
Need a cool, quick fix to eliminate hum or buzz from mismatched gear, long cable runs, or ground loops without limiting bandwidth or introducing phase shift? Passive, plug & play, the IceCube is one of those “if you know, you know,’ lifesavers. Insert the IceCube into your signal path between any two line-level devices and chill.
MIX 2:1 Two-Channel Summing Mixer
Dealing with one musician playing two instruments or mixing themselves from the stage? When channel count is an issue, tuck this passive, two-channel Audio Combiner & Mixer into your signal chain to sum stereo outs to mono or mix and balance the input levels of any two signals.
Highline & Highline Stereo Passive Line Isolators
Elevate guitar tone with a line isolator specifically designed to address the needs of players using amp modelers. Featuring a Jensen 1:1 transformer, the Highline retains full-volume level from pedalboard to PA, eliminates ground loop noise, and provides pristine sound over long cable runs – all while protecting your guitarist’s gear from taking an unexpected hit from phantom power.
SGI TX + RX (9V) Instrument Line Driver
Go Far – safely, securely, and seamlessly. Equipped with premium Jensen Transformers, the newest version of our popular SGI series of instrument line drivers lets you run signals up to 100 meters (300’) over XLR. Compatible with 9V-15V outlets for seamless integration, this compact line driver system is ideal for transporting signal faithfully and noise-free for setups with remote pedalboards and amps.
The tools above will help you keep everything together, but sometimes you’ll need the right bits for taking things apart…
Multi-tool with Wire Cutters – For fixing a mic clip, cutting zip ties, or popping open a panel, you’re multi-tool is your best friend, but not your only friend.
A Knife – Yes, an actual knife, sharp, but relatively inexpensive – for all those times when you need to cut something without all the multi-tools of your multi-tool getting in the way.
Work Gloves – even if you’re a briefcase mixer, it doesn’t hurt to have gloves, because it will hurt if you find yourself moving gear, especially when overly hot/cold/wet/or otherwise inclement weather starts turning that little ding in your knuckle into a painful split that screams – ‘why didn’t you bring work gloves?’ every time you push a fader.
Splitting the Difference Doesn’t Have to be Painful
LX8 8-Channel Line-Level Splitter
Split line levels on stage for recording, feed two different audio systems in multi-function spaces and broadcast applications, or feed delay towers in large installations with the LX8. Featuring Jensen JT-123-SLPC transformers on each of its eight channels, the LX8 offers a simple rackmount solution for complex applications.
Need to film or record a show? For transformer-isolated, noise-free splitting, the Exo-Pod is a powerful tool for any broadcast situation. Split a balanced line-level output from the console and distribute the signal to up to 14 devices, including cameras, hand-held recorders, tablets, and/or your recording platform of choice. Not enough? For larger systems, multiple Exo-Pods can easily be linked together to accommodate dozens of outputs simultaneously.
OX8 8-Channel Microphone Splitter
A powerful but entirely passive rackmount solution for sending the outs of multiple mics to 3 destinations simultaneously, the OX8 is a tool that’s equally at home in live settings, broadcast studios, and any situation with substantial signal distribution requirements. Featuring a choice of Jensen JT-MB-CPC transformers or Eclipse ET-MS10 transformers and an ultra-short signal path on each channel, the OX8 ensures absolute quiet performances and recording, even in noise-prone environments.
More IS More
Just like the road, the list could go on forever: a tarp and a compact, heavy-duty rain poncho (because it never rains, but it pours); a soldering iron; a portable fan (to help cool off you and the console); white tape for steps/edges of the stage and/or FOH riser as necessary, but, most importantly…
Patience, abiding and enduring patience – preferably in addition to advance intelligence about what exactly you’re walking into.
What’s in your road case? Did we miss something? Let us know, and we’ll publish your responses.
Check out more Radial Engineering live sound solutions at RadialEng.com.
