Musicians' Tips You will be working with a complete sound reinforcement system. All instruments and voices will be miked and the mix will be dynamically controlled from a remote mixing station placed in the audience. Up to 6 individual stage monitor mixes will be provided. What does this mean? What can you do to insure your audience has the best possible sound? It is not necessary for you to play loud enough for the entire audience to directly hear you. You only need to play loud enough for you to comfortably play and hear yourself. Just yourself! The other musicians will hear you through the stage monitor system. And what about your audience? Well, here's the deal. The loudest musician sets the minimum volume that can be presented to the audience in a balanced mix. Below this level, the sound engineer (me) has no control of the sound. All that can be done is to either bring the rest of the band up to that level, which often results in an overall sound that is too loud for the venue (pass out the earplugs), or ignore the loud instrument resulting in an out-of-balance mix. Either way the audience is getting less than great sound and there is nothing I can do about it. So, please limit your stage volume to the minimum level for you to comfortably hear yourself. Don't get into a volume war with the other musicians. If you can't hear yourself, the fix may be to ask someone else to turn down a little rather than turning your sound up. Experiment with this when rehearsing before your gig! Placing your amp on a chair and tipping it back so it points at your head, rather than your knees, will help you hear better without increasing the volume. An amp stand is a good, inexpensive investment. If you can't hear one of the other musicians, let me know, and I'll adjust your monitor. If I ask you to turn down, it is because you are too loud in the mix and I can't control your sound. Practice playing at lower levels than you might use when relying on your amp to get out to the audience. Reduced stage levels will also make the stage monitors, especially vocals, sound clearer. Give me the control I need to provide the best possible sound for you and your audience. They'll appreciate it; I'll appreciate it. About DP Sound
I am Dan Podell, the owner and operator of DP Sound. I first got into pro sound over 25 years ago at the request of musician friends who needed someone to run sound for their band. Over the years I have learned a great deal and built up my system. My background in electronic technology and engineering has been helpful. My goal is to provide clear, clean, dynamic sound to the audience so that every instrument and voice can be heard in balanced proportion at a comfortable yet powerful level. I also strive to provide performers with adequate stage monitor levels so they can clearly hear themselves for the best possible perfomance. My current system has been designed to meet these goals in small to medium-sized venues. I am based in Santa Rosa, CA, and can be reached at: |
