Bop Setup

Typical Bop Setup (click to enlarge)

When setting up for a Bop or similar event, the following procedure should be followed. Note that this is just a guide, and specific events may require extra preparation.

Pre Setup

Stage prep

1. Turn on working lights (Stage Left Wing).
2. Clear stage floor of all equipment not needed for the bop, including tank traps, Intelligent lights and Nivos.
3. Set up Nivos in the desired arrangement, for example the standard horseshoe shape for DJs with an extra Nivo for the lighting desk.

Turn power on

1. Check that all 18 switches on the rubber box are in the off position.
2. Check that the breakers for all 4 dimmer modules and 3 auxiliary outputs on the dimmer racks are in the off position.
3. Check that all amps are switched off.
4. Turn on both stage power isolators.
5. Turn on all needed breakers on the rubber box - pausing momentarily between each to allow time for current spikes as lamps strike.
6. Turn on all 4 dimmer modules.

Equip stage

1. Have two people move the Pearl flight case beside the lighting Nivo.
2. Remove the flight case lid, and lift the desk onto the Nivo. Store the flight case out of the way.
3. Locate the CDJ2000 flight case. Wheel it beside the DJ Nivo.
4. Lift the case into position on the Nivo and remove the lid.
5. Position one L'Acoustic monitor on its end at either corner of the DJ Nivo.
6. Position one sub under the Nivos to the left and right of the DJ.
7. Have two people move the monitor amp rack under the DJ Nivo.

Lighting

Set up Pearl

1. Run power from the rubber box to the lighting desk using a 16A-13A 4-way.
2. Run DMX from the Pearl's output (typically "2&4") to the input on the Optosplitter above the rubber box.
3. Turn on the Pearl using the button on the rear.
4. Insert a Bop floppy disk, press the blue Disk key, then the Load Show softkey. After the show loads, press the Exit softkey.

Test Pearl

1. Locate all fixtures:
   • Select the fixture(s) using the blue swop keys.
   • Press the grey "ML Menu" key beside the LCD.
   • Press the "Locate Fixture" softkey.
2. Ensure all moving heads have lit.
3. Press exit. Ensure faders work as expected.
4. If any do not, follow the Pearl Troubleshooting guide.

Sound

Set up DJ Equipment

1. Run the DJ 13A 8-way from the sound rubber box to the DJ position.
2. Plug in the power cables for the CDJs to this 8-way.
3. Run a 13A 4-way from the wall-socket Stage Right to the DJ position.
4. Plug in the power cables for the monitor amp rack to this 4-way.
5. Plug the pair of XLRs from the main amp stack into the Main outputs of the DJM.
6. Plug the pair of Jack cables from the monitor amp stack into the Booth outputs of the DJM.
7. Plug the monitor speakers into the amp stack outputs using speaker level XLR and speaker level XLR-Speakon.

Power On DJ Setup

1. Power on the DJM and CDJs.
2. Ensure the master and booth output controls are at their lowest.
3. Power on each item in the monitor amp stack in turn.
4. Turn the pots on the front of the amps to roughly 50%.
5. Power on each item in the main amp stack in turn.
6. Turn the pots on the front of the amps to 100%.

Test DJ Setup

1. Insert a CD or USB pen drive into one of the CDJs
2. Load a track, and start it playing.
3. Raise the fader for the CDJ to 100%, and move the cross fader to this CDJ's side.
4. Repeat with other CDJ.
5. Turn the (grey) gain knob until the meter on that channel is at roughly 0dB.
6. Slowly turn the booth output knob until a comfortable level is reached. You may need to readjust the pots on the front of the monitor amp stack.
7. Return this knob to its lowest.
8. Slowly turn the main output until the main output meters are at roughly 0dB. Ensure the volume on the floor of the venue is acceptable.

Final Checks

Health and Safety

1. Fill in an event checklist.
2. If smoke is being used, ensure the venue has been isolated.
3. Ensure all fire exits are unlocked and unobstructed.
4. Ensure all equipment used during setup is safely stowed away.
5. Turn off working lights.
6. Inform Porters that event is ready.