If you work or serve in any level of production, I have a resource for you that has come through for me a number of times now and I want to share! I think I’ve written about them before, but regardless…
Audiovend is a wireless rental specialist – Shure & Sennheiser, Lectrosonics, wired & wireless IEM, Comm – if its wireless, they deal with it. They also have a very large inventory of specialized mics and wireless capsules. I first learned about Greg Stevens and Audiovend a few years ago when I needed to rent 12 string mics (DPA 4061s). One of my friends suggested talking to Greg due to a recommendation from DPA. They were very easy to work with and provided exactly what I needed for the weekend. On top of that, rental rates for such specialized mics were fair and reasonable. It was a win/win for everyone.
Since that time, we’ve done a couple of other similar rentals for special service elements. A few months ago, however, a unique opportunity came along for us to partner on a higher profile and that event’s success is the inspiration for this post.
Every summer, Kensington does an outdoor baptism event at a local park/beachfront. Hundreds of people participate to declare their love for Jesus, with several thousand spectators lining the beach to picnic, celebrate, and support. This event is always one of the highlights of the year. As a part of the production needs, we have utilized waterproof microphones in the water so that the pastors can make things more personal for each participant and lead everyone through the event. The concept is REALLY cool and the event hinges on these mics’ success, but for the past several years of attempting this, the execution has been marginal due to poor support from our previous vendor – a large national rental company.
After last year’s experience, I suggested that we seek out a new direction this year and approached Greg for his help. He designed a Lectrosonics 6 channel system with waterproof transmitters and headsets, helical antennas, and the needed distribution and cabling to remote the antennas 100 feet from the receivers. Everything was shipped to us to arrive the day before the event. It was sent in such a way I could unpack, make the necessary RF and audio connections, and be good to go. Greg did a frequency coordination plan prior to shipping so when the system arrived, it was ready to rock.
Below is an excerpt of the email I sent Greg following the successful evening…
“…Everything worked as it should for the entire event. This event hinges on these wireless working and your system delivered for the first time in several years of trying! The headsets sounded really good with little channel EQ, lithium batteries saved the day – we powered transmitters on at the beginning of event and made it all the way to the end with no battery swaps, helicals were great – no RF issues at all. It was so great to be able to turn the transmitters on and go because the frequencies were all taken care of from the start. In the past the team has always had to guess and tune with mixed results. Everyone on our team was very impressed.
You have a raving fan in Kensington – we’ll certainly be making this an annual thing
You made me look very good today but I know you and your team are the real heros. Thanks again for all you do!”
What is most ironic is that Audiovend provided a similar set of actual gear as our previous vendor – I think the biggest difference was their proper planning, implementation, and improved RF distribution. Greg and the team are obvious experts at the art form of wireless audio systems.
If you’re also placed in situations where you need to deliver wireless solutions for high-profile events, I HIGHLY recommend Greg Stevens and his team at Audiovend Wireless. His expertise is vast, his prices fair, and the service and support is excellent. He’ll make you look very good as well! Let him know I sent you…
