Live event production
In the fast paced world of live shows we need to be able to quickly and safely set up our gear. Understanding how electricity works with your audio and lighting systems will allow you to manage the power behind live music.
Instructor: Scott Adamson | Modules: 9 | Class length: 47 video lessons (1.4hrs) | Practicals: 2 | Course Level: beginner-intermediate | Available: w-TPA all access | +Direct access to your course instructor
6:08 (2 videos)
Get into the flow of this course as I show you, step by step, how to take full advantage of our curriculum
20:11 (7 videos, 5 Quizzes)
Grasp the fundamental concepts that are critical to understanding electricity, such as Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Wattage.
22:41 (7 videos, 5 Quizzes)
Discover how we manage both Alternating and Direct Current, and how the phenomenon of Electromagnetic Induction affects live productions.
14:40 (5 videos, 3 Quizzes)
Learn how three-phase Alternating Current is generated and how to use the grid or a generator to power your productions.
22:00 (8 videos, 6 Quizzes)
Get ready to safely set up the show by learning about common connectors that are found in production, including some universal standards and others that vary by country.
23:54 (9 videos, 7 Quizzes)
Connect all the concepts you’ve learned about electricity fundamentals and connectors to see how electricity is distributed through Power Distros (PDs). Plus, go through some examples of both Audio and Lighting Distros.
16:00 (5 videos, 3 Quizzes)
Crowded live shows require production technicians to be aware and vigilant. Become aware of properly rated tools you need to safely work with electricity, including tapes and flashlights.
11:21 (5 videos, 4 Quizzes)
When it comes to electricity, safety comes first. Here are some concerns to keep top of mind when safely putting on a successful show.
2:38 (1 video, 2 Practicals)
Avoid overloading any circuits or causing breakers to trip by learning how to make simple calculations. Fully apply your newly acquired electrical knowledge by calculating the total power needs for a small audio and lighting setup, and mapping out circuits on the PD for safe distribution.
Included with all access pass
Understanding how electricity works with your audio and lighting systems allows you to manage the power behind live music.
Available with subscription
Show power gives you the knowledge and tools to quickly and safely set up your sound equipment. Become recognized for your reliability, attention to detail, and ability to pull off any live show.
Electricity
The same fundamental principles can be applied to all live sound equipment, no matter where you are in the world.
Safety
Become known for your attention to detail and reliability in the high-stakes world of live events.
Tools
Be prepared to troubleshoot with the right electrical tools.
Application
Learn the simple calculations that allow you to hook up your audio system to electrical power.
In the past 25 years of being a self-taught sound engineer, I have gone from working small clubs to sold-out arenas and main stage festivals with 60,000+ attendees. It has taken me years to become completely comfortable mixing at any venue.
Show Power is the accessible and practical course I wish had been available to me when I started mixing live music.
Founder Scott Adamson has mixed FOH for:
— Ariel Rechtshaid, Grammy award-winning producer for Adele, Vampire Weekend, Haim, Madonna, Usher
• How do I calculate how much power I need for a show?
• Why do we see 208 VAC on 120 VAC distros, and how is it wired?
• How do we step-up or -down Voltage?
• Where do electrons naturally want to flow, and how do we utilize this?
• What's the main difference between Power Distros in the USA and Europe (besides normal operating Voltage)?
• What size Generator do we need to power a small (or large) production?
• How much current does a 100 Amp Three-Phase service deliver? (Hint: it's more than 100 Amps)
• How do Power Plants generate Three-Phase power?
• What happens to the voltage with a long power run, and how does it affect our current draw?
• What kind of current can’t pass through a transformer, and why does this matter to audio engineers?
• How do we measure voltage in an outlet?
• How much Voltage should we measure across Ground and Neutral on our PDs?
• When making any electrical connection, what's the first conductor to make contact?
• How does Electromagnetic Induction most affect live music production?
We dive into the core concepts you need to properly power audio, lighting, and video systems for live music. However, this courser does not give you the training you need to beocme a certified electrican.
But if you’re working with live sound and lighting systems, this course provides you with the skills to pull of live performances without a show-ending power failure.
Show Power offers a complete overview of the electrical knowledge you need to safely manage audio and lighting systems for live events.
Since the flow of electricity is the foundation of live productions, this course is perfect for all levels — whether you're just starting out or a professional who is looking to round out your skill set.
This is a completely self-paced online course — you decide when you start and when you finish.
Stage Power is available as part of our TPA All Access pass. It’s just part of a wide range of resources you can utilize on this learning platform.
×