What sort of equipment for a simple sound system and lighting?

Question

I'm putting on a performance in an old town hall, and I will need to play music from cds, but I don't know what kind of equipment I need. Is there a way to connect a standard cd player to loud-speakers? If not, what else could I use instead, and where can I buy it? I also want to have several mics for the singers - how do you hook mics up to speakers? I heard that it is really expensive to rent a spot light - is there another alternative? Maybe something I can get at Home Depot? It doesn't have to be professional; it can be really simple - the stage is very small. I'm just not sure where to start. What equipment should I look for, and where can I find it? Where can I find the things I need for fewer dollars?

Answer 1

At any kind of Public performance it is important to have reliable (ie:professional) equipment that "IS UP TO CODE" > you can have the show shut down for not using equipment that is up to code. Look up National Electrical Code for references.

Microphones and cd/tape players/recorders are Sources. They are input

into (plugged into) a MIXER. A mixer is then used to Drive (1 or more) AMPLIFIER(s). The Mixed and  Amplified signal then goes to (1 or more) SPEAKERS.

>Source>Mixer>Amplifier>Speaker.

Lighting is also a code violation waiting to happen if you go to HD or Lowes and just get some Worklights, (Not to mention the Mad and Blind Performers) that will kill you after the show if they can find you!

Go to a professional event staging company and ask for a basic sound and lighting system, and see what it includes and costs. You may get a chance to do the show again next year if you do it right, but if you use the boom-box and work-light solution, you will not be asked back again.

Check out Musicians Friend .com (generally best prices) to get a handle on basic sound and lighting systems, if you want to do it right! Cheap is just that >Cheap!