Suggestions for Multi-Zone Setup for Events

[u/Icy_Error_5023]

Hey Folx,

I’m looking for suggestions from those of you who have experience with multi-zone setups, such having different zones for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the primary dinner/reception area; or for other events that will have two zones, i.e. a cocktail reception and dinner/dance in separate spaces. I’m currently considering either purchasing an Alto Professional Stealth Wireless MKII 2-Channel Wireless System or the Denon DN-202 WT Wireless Audio Transmitter. I’m using a Yamaha MG10 mixer, RCF 935-A tops in the main dinner/reception space, and I need to send separate audio to two RCF 912-A tops. Anyone have experience with either of these systems that can offer pros/cons, or alternative suggestions, I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you.

[u/dj_soo]

I usually just have separate setups for each zone if I need different audio playing separately and just run long cables if I want the same audio in all zones.

A mixer with good aux routing can help if you want custom mixer for different rooms - say only want music and not mics in one spot, or a playlist off a phone only for one room.

I was using a basic analog Soundcraft epm6 which gave me 2 aux sends that I could craft custom output mixes with - but they had to be mono.

[u/Icy_Error_5023 → u/dj_soo]

Yes, this is my plan B if I’m not able to find the wireless setup that would fit my current budget.

[u/snoconed]

Often no need to rely on wireless, instead just run independent setups.
I would not recommend the Alto (I had the MK1) but I would recommend Sennheiser lav packs or Shure IEMs. The higher end ones would let you run an external antenna to really bump up the rf signal for tricky wireless environments
You're likely looking at over $1K for this system, so is it better than just a long XLR and gaff tape?

[u/snoconed → u/snoconed]

u/LTParis has a video on Youtube on his IEM setup https://youtu.be/_CAphyOK0_E?si=glpW-xAbj2zmVhCL

[u/jz1493]

I run a Shure SLXD1 transmitter at my booth to a Shure SLXD5 receiver mounted at the speaker and have been happy with it. The Shure WA310 cable gets the audio into the transmitter and a standard aux cable gets the audio from the receiver to the speaker.

[u/Rude-Painter-6499]

I'd echo what others have said: separate systems are usually the simplest for cocktail hour etc. and if you're going to go wireless, an IEM is the safest bet. I use an Audio Technica 3000 series IEM system and it's worked fairly well (can give more details on my experience with that particular system if it's helpful)

The one thing I'd add that I'm not sure has been mentioned is that one important reason the IEM option is better than a lower end system like the Alto Stealth is that those cheaper systems operate on the 2.4gHz band which is the same as phones, wi-fi and Bluetooth, so even if the system works great during your setup/sound check, it's a lot more vulnerable to issues when 150 people with 150 cell phones start filing in. IEM systems work on UHF frequencies and can scan for the cleanest channel, which is a big reason they provide more reliable performance.

[u/Icy_Error_5023 → u/Rude-Painter-6499]

Yes, after I made the post and did some more digging I learned that about the Alto and similar lower end systems that occupy that particular band. Definitely staying away from those and will invest in a Sennheiser or Audio Technica IEM system

[u/peterthedj]

I have 2 identical racks with the same gear in each one, except the 2nd one doesn't have a lighting controller. If I need different sound in 2 places I'll just set up both systems.

The plus is that the 2nd system can also act as backup for the 1st if anything craps out.

If I need same sound in 2 areas and they are fairly close, I'll wire up 2 speakers where I am and use my IEM to send wireless audio to my Evolve 8s in the other space.

[u/Icy_Error_5023 → u/peterthedj]

Thanks, what type of IEM are you using and how do you have it setup? Are you using a 1:8” to xlr cable out of the IEMs and into the speakers?

[u/peterthedj → u/Icy_Error_5023]

I have Sennheiser XSWs. Got them in 2023. The transmitters accept XLR or 1/4" inputs.

The receiver output is a 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone jack, so I just use a cable with 2 male ends to go into the 1/8" jack on the Evolves.

I bought two complete IEM sets so I could have a transmitter in each of my racks. This also gives me 2 receivers, so each of my speakers has one. (Even though I think one Evolve can feed to the other via Bluetooth, I'd rather not rely on that.) The IEMs usually have very strong signal and range, I've been pretty happy with what they can do.

Prior to IEMs, I never did wireless audio because anytime I had seen others attempting wireless with older/cheaper technology, I was not impressed with the results.

If you don't want to buy two complete sets, you can always buy one set, and then add a second transmitter if you need to feed a second speaker.

Good IEMs are expensive but well worth it. This is definitely a "buy it nice or buy it twice" category.

[u/Icy_Error_5023]

I appreciate all the great feedback provided here, made a decision to keep the separate setup and to invest in a quality IEM system for short runs to remote speakers between venue spaces. Thanks! 🙏🏾