How loud do you need to be?

[woody357]

I have read a lot of threads where cats are talking about not cutting threw the mix, or not being loud enough, when they have a 500 watt amp. My question is how loud do you need to be? I’ve never had to push either of my amps passed 10 o’clock. Does anyone have PA support. I always thought my amp was back line when playing that loud, and the PA did the work. What kind of music do some of you play that you need to push your amp so hard?

[JoshuaTSP]

I gig in a loud rock band with an 800RB and 2x15 with kappalites.

Never had an issue with cutting or overall volume.

I tend to run the master @ 1-2pm, the boost around 3pm, and the input volume control @ 8-9pm.

Only a small fraction of it's overall output capabilities.
I could be intensely loud if I tried.

[Blacksack]

if its cutting through thats your problem its not always down to volume 9 times out of 10 its down to frequency and EQ and its not always about boosting fequency's either sometimes cutting a certain level of Hz will allow you to sneak through the mix to the front

and in a lot of metal bands you need the big 400w+ amps to compete with the brain dead guitarists that will take a 200w marshall double stacked rigs to every gig no matter how small it is meaning the poor old bass player needs to match it plus a little more for headroom to even be heard!!!
pa's at loud gigs do most of the work and the amps onstage mainly end up as a backline but there again you have the same problem when both sides of the stage are flanked by towering guitar stacks and your bass amp is in the middle trying to keep up

[Sartori]

I play in several bands. Two of those are really loud. One is a black metal band, the other is doom.

Both are really really loud. My amp isn't that high in wattage, but it's pretty ridiculously loud.

[dbase]

You can never be too loud ....

[iiipopes]

If it's too loud, you're too old...

[Yerf Dog]

Louder than love.

[Buxtehude]

I have a 1000 watt rig that I use for Jazz and Funk but run it really low so it sounds clean. It's also versatile enough for any rock gig but the neodymium speakers make it easy to lug. Power can be about headroom.

[dmrogers]

Not as loud as I play. Honestly, we have a stage volume issue. The building we play in is huge, and we have worked on the acoustics and it is better. However, everything works off of the drums, and the drummer has worked to lower his volume, but we still have a small issue. Plus the guitarist has a hearing problem.

It's not just a volume problem, because we are not really loud in the sanctuary, I think it is a combination of dynamics plus not having the right equipment to do sound right.

We moved into the building with the current sound system in place, and money is tight, so we are working with what we have. It is getting better but we still have a lot of work to do.
When I got there, only one of the five monitors worked. I fixed them. It's hard when you can't hear well.

Our next step is installing a drum shield, and mic'ing everything.

[lowendblues]

Its all about headroom.....Dont leave home without it.

[Twocan]

It's all based upon the drummer unless drums are mic'ed - then it's the sound guy's issue.

[iiipopes]

...to hear the others to turn back down to slot the mix properly.

[redburp]

LOUDER THAN HELL

[SMUTWORLD]

...everything louder than everything else..... and then MORE BASS!

[woody357]

Originally Posted by Buxtehude

I have a 1000 watt rig that I use for Jazz and Funk but run it really low so it sounds clean. It's also versatile enough for any rock gig but the neodymium speakers make it easy to lug. Power can be about headroom.

Originally Posted by lowendblues

Its all about headroom.....Dont leave home without it.

I understand the need for power so you have more head room, but that is not what this thread is asking.

Originally Posted by Blacksack

if its cutting through thats your problem its not always down to volume 9 times out of 10 its down to frequency and EQ and its not always about boosting fequency's either sometimes cutting a certain level of Hz will allow you to sneak through the mix.

I don’t have a problem cutting threw the mix, I was saying I have read others say this and say how loud they need to play.
The OP is not about me!!!!

[christw]

I maxed out my SVT-II into my 810E once in a post hardcore band. We were never that loud again. I used earplugs but no one else could ear each other for hours after that volume war rehearsal.

Now, I think my 115 and 50-100w (though my amps offer me 300+) will cover any bill I end up on. I much prefer it this way.

Edit: I'm 22 as of today and 5' 10" at about 155 lbs. My big rig weighs more than me although I can move it myself. I just don't like schlepping twice the equivalent of my girlfriend between my head and cab just so guitarist can get their m4d t0n3z or feel like bigger men cause they have bigger amp.

[fretno]

The lower the stage volume the better mix can be had in the FOH .

[Burlington]

The lower the stage volume the better. But it doesn't help when your drummer is loud as hell.

[SuperFineLin9]

Personal opinion:
A good EQ that lets you cut through the mix will always trump just blasting wattage

[hdracer]

Originally Posted by iiipopes

If it's too loud, you're too old...

+1 and I am 54 years old.