DIY Dilemma: iPod Reception Sound Sucks
Hey DIY Bride:
My fi and I are going to do the iPod reception thing. We did a test run at our reception hall (our church’s hall) after a group meeting a few weekends ago and it sounded like crap. What did we do wrong?
-K&S
Hey K&S,
Having an iPod reception can work – and work well – but it needs some serious prep work and the right equipment. Before I can really answer your question, I have a few of my own for you:
- What equipment did you use? (iPod, laptop, PA system, speakers…?)
- How big (square feet) is the venue?
- How many guests will you have in that amount of space?
- What, exactly, sounded like crap? The acoustics? Your choice of songs? The sound quality of your speakers?
Until I know more here’s what you need for kick-ass sound:
- The appropriate speakers/PA system and set-up for your venue size. An iPod and your laptop speakers aren’t going to cut it in most situations.
- The right music.
- Quality music files. Are your files CD quality? What bit rate were they ripped at? Is your playlist all at the same volume output?
- A properly working iPod and cables.
Hit me back with your replies and we’ll revisit this.
Have a burning DIY question? Lay it on us, baby.
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From what I’ve seen, a good playlist is leaps and bounds above a bad/budget dj… great info
From what I’ve seen, a good playlist is leaps and bounds above a bad/budget dj… great info
Be sure to have a full set of backup sound equipment – at least 3 iPods, extra mixer, extra amplifier, extra microphone, at least one extra speaker, and a full set of replacement cables. The last iPod wedding we attended, the amplifier gave out, and the music was finished for the night. You can rent two sound systems for $200-$400 each, and be confident that anything that breaks down can be replaced in less than two minutes.
Be sure to have a full set of backup sound equipment – at least 3 iPods, extra mixer, extra amplifier, extra microphone, at least one extra speaker, and a full set of replacement cables. The last iPod wedding we attended, the amplifier gave out, and the music was finished for the night. You can rent two sound systems for $200-$400 each, and be confident that anything that breaks down can be replaced in less than two minutes.