Shopping for sound reinforcement pros is no easy task. Face it, you probably won’t get that 1,025-horsepower Dodge Hellcat Challenger SRT Demon 170 you wanted this year, but here are some essential — and highly useful — items any sound reinforcement pro could use. These are perfect for anyone your gift list, or even yourself. In that case, just tear out this page, grab a Sharpie and circle what you want. Then leave this lying around where the right person can find it. And voila… in a few weeks, you (hopefully) will receive gifts you’ll truly appreciate. So here are our FRONT of HOUSE selections for the well-accessorized sound pro.
It’s Priceless…
The best gifts need not be the most expensive. In fact, this will cost you nearly nothing. Simply give your pro audio colleagues holiday cards with a warm greeting and the URL below, which will provide them with a complimentary print or digital subscription to FRONT of HOUSE. See? Now wasn’t that easy? www.fohonline.com/subscribe-to-foh
A Century of Sound: The Story of Celestion ($70)
With a foreword written by Brian May of Queen, this 228-page hardcover treasure trove is a fascinating read that details how Celestion grew from being a two-man company in a tiny factory in southwest London to become the internationally renowned speaker brand it is today. Enhancing the experience are more than 200 rare photos and other images. It’s available online at www.celestion.com/a-century-of-sound-book , or get yours with fast, free shipping from www.sweetwater.com
Gig Gear Gig Gloves ($29)
Designed for the needs of production pros, and available in all-black onyx or high-viz with bright yellow accents, Gig Gloves offer protection from the everyday abrasions, punctures, scrapes, splinters and impacts we all encounter on stages and when loading gear. Shown here with optional carry clip, these have recently been upgraded in a new version with a mini-flashlight sleeve on the wrist cuff and a terrycloth patch for wiping away sweat / moisture. www.gig-gear.com
Lake People Dual Stereo Headphone Amp ($699)
Lake’s new G103-D-PRO incorporates Dante Ultimo 4 connectivity via a standard Ethernet connection and its 24-bit/192kHz DACs offer 105 dB S/N ratios and low 0.01% THD. Patch into a Dante feed with your headphones to instantly ID signals and evaluate signal quality. Power supply options include PoE, USB-B and USB-C, and both 1/4″ and 1/8” headphone jacks are provided for each stereo channel. www.lake-people.de
Lectrosonics StandWrench ($30)
This stainless steel multi-tool for adjusting and tightening pro Manhasset music stands is must-have for anyone who works scholastic, symphonic, big band, house of worship, chamber or jazz gigs. The compact wrench fits neatly in your pocket or gig bag and includes the following “socket” sizes: 17mm, 9/16”, ½”, 7/16”, 3/8”, 5/16” and ¼”. www.lectrosonics.com
A.R.T. XLR and ¼” Connector Cleaners ($25)
American Recorder Technologies offers two tools ($24.94/each) for cleaning ¼” and XLR plugs and jacks for maximum contact with metal surfaces. Each tool includes a precision knurled-aluminum handle nylon brush; a cylinder-shaped pin cleaning pad at the other; and a tube of CAIG DeoxIT for cleaning and enhancing contacts. www.americanrecorder.com
sE Electronics V2 Switch Microphone ($59)
This multi-purpose handheld dynamic mic has a no-slip on / off switch making it ideal as a “voice of god” announce mic at the FOH position or as a monitor talkback mic. Its supercardioid capsule provides impressive off-axis rejection, significantly reducing stage bleed and isolating your source from unwanted background noise. www.seelectronics.com
Parnelli Awards Ticket ($225)
We’re about a month away from the biggest celebration in the live event production industry. Don’t miss your chance to hobnob with the coolest people in the biz at the pre-show festivities, exclusive cocktail party, the lavish dinner and of course the awards ceremony itself. It (conveniently) takes place during NAMM on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel. See you there! www.parnelliawards.com
