Stage size and generator for outdoor gig *OK to Close*

[Doug Jones]

I have an outdoor ranch gig coming up. The owners are asking what size stage and how big a generator we need. Any suggestions? It will be a 4 piece group with PA (2 mics), bass amp and Evans FET 500? All tech specs/advice appreciated.

[Paul Sutherland]

What instruments? Drums? Does the PA have subs? What's the rated wattage of the PA? Do you have monitors? How loud do you expect to have to play given the size of the anticipated crowd? Are you playing for dancers or just listeners?

[Dave Hopping]

Doug-
Probably the best thing you can do power-wise is total up the max wattage and amperage of everything electrical you'll be using-INCLUDING the Lights AND any fans you'll have onstage, then have them get a generator that's good for 500-1000 watts more. You'll also want at least a couple of heavy-duty surge-protected power strips.

My personal caveat is that in the past, generators were switchable between AC and DC.NOT GOOD if amps see DC. It sounds to me as if your employer may not be familiar with portable power and will be renting a unit. Make sure you read the instructions thoroughly and supervise turning on the power.

As far as the stage plot is concerned, with the gear you've listed, 20' wide by 10'deep should do, with the mains off to each side. If the mains are on concrete, fine. If on the ground, put a tarp underneath whatever the mains stand on. You should also be thinking about some kind of canopy for sun or rain protection.

[Bill A. Moore]

From experience back in the day a 6KW generator will work, and 10' X 20' would be nice but we fit a 4 piece band on an 8' X 12' a couple of times, (crowded!) Try to hide the generator a far enough distance away, behind something if possible.
Ground the mains power to a ground rod near the stage if possible, even through a 100' of 10-3 wire, sometimes you can get a tingle through the mic!

[Doug Jones]

Thanks for the responses thus far. There is still uncertainty whether the Ranch will provide power from the grid or get a generator. Will try to come up with the total of maximum number of watts usage to help recommend the generator size if needed. Depending on what size stage we need, they may have us on a deck, patio, barn; who knows. I'm just trying to help our singer provide info to those hiring us.

PA is with 2 powered Mackie mains and 1 powered monitor. Early enough in the day where lights won't be necessary. Crowd size less than 50. 2 mics and 1 DI for artist's acoustic. None of the other instruments will be run through the board. AC to stage will come from 1 or 2 Furman conditioners run from the generator. I do remember to have the generator quite a distance from the stage to avoid extra noise. Will address the grounding rod issue with the artist. I'm thinking 4 4x8s would do the trick. Perhaps the owners of the ranch have a spot in mind.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Place something between The stage/crowd and the generator, To break direct sound of engine. A piece of plywood or foam will help.
If on a ranch a few bales of hay or straw would help lower generator engine sound.

[Donny Hinson]

I've played more than a few outdoor gigs on flat-bed trailers. Everything from a small car haulers to a semi trailer rig. The latter allowed enough room for the PA speakers to be well elevated. If there's not going to be a cover of some kind, try to get them to set a stage up under the shade of large tree. Sun can be a killer when you have to be in it for hours without moving around.

[Doug Jones]

Turns out the ranchers have decided to have the event closer to their barn. Stage will be a flatbed trailer with a sail cloth overhead and the AC will run from the barn. Thanks for all your responses, DJ