Summertime is touring time and hopefully you’ll be busy, busy, busy. Before departing for your next overseas soirée, here are some things to contemplate.
#1: The Voltage Over There Ain’t the Same as Here
Unless you’re going to Canada or Mexico, expect the AC mains voltage to be different from that in the U.S., which in theory is 120 volts AC with a frequency of 60 Hz (in practice it varies from 110 to 120 VAC with an average around 117 V). Let’s examine voltage as it relates to two popular power supply types used for audio and MI gear: external “wall wart” and internal.
Internal power supplies are often “fixed,” meaning they are designed to accept one level of voltage. In such cases, you’ll need a power converter/transformer that can change the local voltage to 120 VAC. If you are flying with your gear, you don’t want to carry your own step-down transformers (see Fig. 1) on tour because (a) they are really heavy; (b) you may be visiting places that supply different voltages; and (c) they’re useless once you get back home. Advance the production to provide transformers for you, and make sure there is one for each location on stage where you normally require an AC drop. Before connecting any gear, test the voltage output using a VOM.
Some equipment may provide a line voltage selector switch on the rear panel, allowing you to adjust the PS to the local voltage (see Fig. 2). Usually gear with this feature employs a detachable IEC cable, which you can simply swap for a cable that terminates with the correct plug (see below). Before you plug it in, check the switch. Then check it again. Have someone else check it a third time for you. I’ve seen what happens when a tech plugs a 120V pedal board into 240 Volts (when opening for Guns N’ Roses. In front of 25,000 people. Five minutes before showtime, because we weren’t allowed to sound check). In the immortal words of Daffy Duck: “It’s a helluva trick. But you can only do it once!”
You’ll also find gear with power supplies that switch line voltage using a fuse holder that has two different positions (one for each voltage). Triple check the setting before you connect it or you may have smoke but no mirrors to hide behind.
Wall Warts and Line Lumps…
Are a general pain in the rear for powering gear. But when it comes to international travel, gear using these power supplies has a distinct advantage: you can simply purchase the proper adapter to power the unit. In fact, you may even have a better-than-fair shot at finding one at Radio Shack (in the U.S. anyway). One of the most brilliant ideas I’ve seen is the wall wart power supply that Sennheiser uses for some of its wireless rack units. The power supply accepts 100 to 240 Volts, at 50 or 60 Hz and has no plug for connection to an outlet. Instead, it comes with several clip-on adapters enabling the same PS to be plugged into outlets in the U.S., Europe or the U.K. (see Fig. 3). If the wall wart supplied with your favorite guitar delay pedal accepts 100 to 240 VAC, you’re halfway there. Read on.
#2: And Even if it is, the Power Connectors Won’t Fit
You may have noticed that there are a lot of different AC connectors used around the world. Most of them are quite different than the Edison connector we use here in the ‘States. If you’ve got a “universal” wall wart or power supply such as those furnished with Apple MacBooks all you’ll need is the physical outlet adapter. While we’re on the topic: just because the AC outlet in a foreign country uses a U.S.-style Edison connector doesn’t mean it supplies 120 volts. Japan, Lebanon, Antigua and Barbuda all use Edison-type connectors but supply voltage different than we use in the U.S. And switching the cord/plug does nothing about switching the AC voltage. Research before you go.
#3: Your Wireless May Not Work in Another Country
In theory, any wireless system should work anywhere in the world but (as we have often said in these pages) theory is not practice. Wireless systems produced for sale in the U.S. are designed to operate in frequency ranges specified by the FCC (which is a moving target. But that’s another story). Those frequency bands do not necessarily agree with the ones permitted for wireless mic and instrument use in other countries. There are wireless systems which operate in certain areas of the spectrum (such as parts of the range between the low-500’s and 608 MHz) that are legal for use in the US and EU (European Union) — but you cannot make that assumption. Research this ahead of time and make sure that your system can accomplish two things: (1) be tuned in a range where the wireless won’t get crushed by a stronger signal and (2) that it will be legal and not interfere with other transmissions wherever you are going. FYI: we have heard stories of wireless systems that are not legal for sale in certain countries being confiscated by customs.
#4: You May Need a Carnet
A carnet is a document that acts sort of like a passport for your gear. It allows you to temporarily “export” gear (or other items) out of the U.S. with the understanding that the items will return back into the U.S. within a period of 12 months. The carnet is presented along with your gear for examination by U.S. Customs before you exit the states. When you re-enter the U.S., the carnet is again presented to Customs and the gear is allowed to clear without payment of import duties. There are some exemptions to the rules for a carnet, so it may make sense to research the requirements before you leave the U.S.
#5: Watch the Weight of Checked Bags
Most airlines consider a bag over 50 pounds to be excess weight. They’ll be happy to check that bag for an additional charge, typically up to 70 pounds. Don’t pack bags over 70 pounds, because they’ll cost a fortune in excess fees, and some airlines won’t accept anything over 70 pounds period.
#6: If It’s Important, Take it With You
I love when I hear this from a crew person: “I can’t do my show without the Rocket XYZ blah blah.” Really? Then carry it with you at all times and stop whining when you can’t get one. Sticks, strings and specialty cables can be hard to find in some areas, so bring extras with you, especially expendables like batteries. These can be ridiculously expensive in certain locales; pack enough to get you through your run of dates.
#7: They Don’t Take USD
Call your credit card company before you leave and let them know when and where you’ll be traveling so they don’t shut down your CC as a security measure. Most countries aren’t interested in USD, so you may want to exchange some cash in case you need to send a runner out for something last-minute. Avoid exchanging at airports and hotels because they give the worst rates. If you can get to a bank or an ATM, you’ll receive a much more favorable exchange rate. Contemplate this ahead of time so you’re not trying to locate Forints (Hungarian currency) when you arrive at your hotel in Budapest at 11:30 p.m.
#8: Don’t Expect Locals to Speak Your Language
Learn the three most important phrases in every language you can: please, thank you and where’s the bathroom. It goes a really long way.
#9 Passport Backup
Give a photocopy of your passport to your tour manager and let them carry it. In the event you lose your passport, it may help prove your identity. And never let anyone else hold your passport.
#10 Strange Local Customs
Wear a belt if you go through Baku, Azerbaijan. I’m serious. Ask us about it sometime. And try to see something other than the inside of a hotel room. You’ll never know if you get the chance for a return trip.
