Re: Getting the PA levels right


"Tasman27" <Tasman27@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:CNidnViwmZ_sWn3ZnZ2dnUVZ_uidnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm glad that our group isn't the only one with this problem! LOL We put
the vocals thru the PA and after that it's everyone for themselves. The
drummer is usually loud with the snare and cymbals, but not with the
kick. Our lead guy who professes to have a 'natural ear' for mix keeps
telling everyone to 'turn down', the proceeds to turn HIS up. :) Our
keyboard guy plays intermittently so when he's not sure of his part,
he's quiet....when he has a prominent part and knows it, he blows me
away. The rhythm guy just doesn't matter since his level is so low you
don't even know he's playing. In the end, I have a 400W Trace or a small
400W Fender and I end up trying to keep the beat going and offsetting
the blaring lead guitar.

There's no doubt we need a sound man at least for awhile until we get
the right mix. The lead guy mans the PA and has it so screwed up that
you barely hear the singer, let alone the other 3-4 part vocals. Some
people are just hard headed when it comes to sound. We have 'polled' the
audience as was suggested when we play, but in all honesty, they usually
say it sounds good. One wonders if they even know......or are afraid to
tell the truth. I usually look for telltale signs, like people moving
back from the band, leaving, or away from the lead guy's side. As a last
resort I look for falling fixtures and shattering glasses....LOL
We have toyed with the idea of putting everything thru the PA except the
bass and doing a mix through it....but we never seem to get there since
the lead guy likes to hear himself play. Any suggestions on the premise
of doing this, what to do correctly, what some of the pitfalls are, etc?
We need to fix this or we'll be a practice band....

Thanks...

Taz

How about this. I don't know where you are, but surely you know some
musicians in your area. Ask an experienced musician (any instrument) to
come to your show and do a few adjustments to your sound. Give him carte
blanche to turn everybody's amp up or down during the show and perhaps when
he gets it right (It sounds different in the audience of course) make notes.
I think that should work anywhere, and I will volunteer anywhere in N/E
Florida or South Georgia any night I'm not booked. No charge, just a
reciprocal when I need it.

Gerry
BTW, I'm new to bass, but I've been playing keyboard for more than 40 years.



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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Getting the PA levels right
    ... There's no doubt we need a sound man at least for awhile until we get the right mix. ... The lead guy mans the PA and has it so screwed up that you barely hear the singer, let alone the other 3-4 part vocals. ... We have 'polled' the audience as was suggested when we play, but in all honesty, they usually say it sounds good. ... We have toyed with the idea of putting everything thru the PA except the bass and doing a mix through it....but we never seem to get there since the lead guy likes to hear himself play. ...
    (alt.guitar.bass)
  • Re: Getting the PA levels right
    ... BUT....they use 3 sound guys, one of whom is apparently as deaf as a tree ... I walked in with a friend a few weeks ago to see a band who'd been ... the vocals thru the PA and after that it's everyone for themselves. ... the lead guy likes to hear himself play. ...
    (alt.guitar.bass)
  • Re: Getting the PA levels right
    ... "We're only running the vocals through the PA and in most cases we're just ... We don't have a sound man, nor do most of the places we play. ... is our drummer's theory about how to begin adjusting the sound. ...
    (alt.guitar.bass)
  • Re: Getting the PA levels right
    ... "We're only running the vocals through the PA and in most cases we're ... We don't have a sound man, nor do most of the places we play. ... is our drummer's theory about how to begin adjusting the sound. ...
    (alt.guitar.bass)
  • Re: Shostakovichs 8th symphony?
    ... but the PSO simply doesn't have enough sound and impact ... They play very well, but they just don't have a very impactful ... playing style. ... the conductors who shape the sound of the orchestra. ...
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