RF RACK LABELING TECHNIQUES

for any well-organized show, and all of my shows are always very organized, we use a creative method by which to label receivers at the radio microphone rack. Using standard adhesive-backed hook-and-loop ("Velcro™") fasteners, some cardboard, and some pre-printed labels (via ShowTracker), we can instantly see which transmitter has been assigned to each actor.
fig1: a strip of "male" hook-and-loop fastener (the "hook" side) is affixed to a flat portion of expensive German equipment, while small labels, easily laminated with a strip of clear adhesive tape, are affixed to cardboard strips which in turn are lined with the "female" side of the velcro.
fig 2: RF Number, Character Name, and Actor Name are featured prominently on the labels and can be swapped from receiver to receiver as necessary during the course of a show's run.
RF TABLE LABELING TECHNIQUES

I ensure that all of my shows are as organized, neat, and prepared as possible, even for the cheapest regional theatre shows. Even for one-week summer stock in some backwater, redneck town in some midwestern state (read: no sushi), I like to prepare my backstage RF table as soon as possible, ensuring that there is no confusion when the actors first arrive to put on their microphones.
fig 1: Note the standard 8x3 folding table, divided into twenty-four equal squares, 1x1', by thin strips of white gaffers tape. Using preprinted RF numbers to identify each square, actors and crew alike can quickly identify their correct square and thus, their correct microphone and transmitter.
fig 2: A closeup view of the table shows how each RF number label is carefully centered within each square. There can be no confusion!
Comments? Suggestions? Feedback (ha-ha!)?
e-mail kai@harada-sound.com
KH 18.08.2001