MattKal: Great. Which is the most suited to on-the-fly operation (during the show)? Obviously you have made a distinction between these and the set-once-and-don't-touch variety…

Tim: In my experience I'd have to go with the BSS stuff. The Omnidrives are darn good and you can get inside them pretty easily. The other units, like the DriveRack, make me nervous because you're not really sure what you're changing! But since the recent presidential mandate that anyone in pro audio must have a line array and a DSP box, I'd reserve the right to change my opinion tomorrow!

Bobby C: You say the DriveRack makes you nervous, because you’re "not really sure what you're changing". Can you expand on that statement?

Tim: Thanks, Bobby, I'd be happy to. The first time I installed a DriveRack, I (unlike everyone else out there, I'm sure) did not fully read the owner's manual before its first use. Within the program, I found myself unsure as to what page I was on - the labeling inside the LCD display is not as clear as I would like. Which EQ setting was I on? I didn't know!

Tim (continued): Was the parameter wheel going to change the screen I was on in real-time, or only after I update? Learning the hard way, I discovered that if you saved program you are currently in, it will mute your outputs temporarily. Not good in the middle of the service! It's little things like this that I would like to see them refine a bit. Don't get me wrong - I think they've made a good entry into the market, they just need
to re-tool the piece and make it a bit more idiot proof.

jeffrey: Is it worth saving a few dollars by buying gear via mail order?

Tim: In general, I would say no. If you're serious about sound equipment, you need to develop a relationship with a supplier who can service you and give you advice. Places like Sweetwater have really worked hard in the last few years to get their service up to par, but you still will typically do better by getting in good with someone local who can loan you an amp when yours blows up the night before your big show!

jimb: What factors do you consider most important with wireless mic systems?

Tim: Wireless mics have a tendency to be a bit like black magic. If you find a combination that works, stick with it and don't go mucking around. I have done troubleshooting on too many wireless mics, so here's the deal: You have to be in UHF. If it starts with V don't do it.

Tim (continued): Second, get a good element. In spite of what the manufacturers tell you, the standard elements from most manufacturers may not be the best. Take a good look at the MKE2 from Sennheiser, which has been the Broadway standard for years for a very good reason. It's more money but worth every penny.

Levon: Come across any good tech guides or white papers lately? Any educational programs you recommend?

Tim: There are definitely some good pieces out there, but I certainly wish there were more. The Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Manual is probably the best-known piece. Very solid, easy for the beginner to grasp, yet still giving a lot of info! As far as educational programs, there are a few around, one that I would definitely recommend is any of the stuff put on by Syn-Aud-Con.

Moderator: By the way, Michael advises telling the drummer to put a towel over the snare. :)