What do I really need for an outdoor gig?

Melvin7822 · #1 07-23-2011, 11:22 AM

So I recently played the MOPAR Big Block Party in Golden, CO and I found my stage mix to be a little wanting. Currently, I use a Markbass SA 450 into a Traveler 102P and Traveler 151P. I always thought 500 watts would be enough for everything. This was actually my first large scale outdoor gig.

So to be better prepared for the next outdoor gig, what do I really need? Should I get an amp with more power like a Markbass MoMark SD 800? Use a bigger cabinet like a Markbass 108 HR? Get both a more powerful amp and a bigger cabinet?Stick with the same amp, ditch the 15th, and get another 2x10 to use in a vertical array to get the sound closer to ear level?

tom once dead · #2 07-23-2011, 11:26 AM

Getting another 201P and stacking them vertically would help. But really, if you're needing more on stage You'd be better off with an 810 or a 610. Doubling the speaker area will do a LOT more for 'volume' than doubling the wattage.

will33 · #3 07-23-2011, 11:28 AM

You got enough power. More speakers and closer to ear level will help. Also outside you're just plain gonna sound a little thinner than indoors. You just deal with it and trust it sounds better out front. Don't suck up all your power boosting bass, boost lowmids to thicken up the sound instead.

Melvin7822 · #4 07-23-2011, 11:35 AM

So it sounds like an 8x10 is really my best bet since adding another 2x10 will only gain me 5 more inches of speaker area.

Dr. Eagle · #5 07-23-2011, 11:48 AM

I have a modular outdoor rig that I use with a combination of 4 1x15" cabinets and a Carvin BX1200 head. I use it biamped as 2 of the cabinets are horn loaded PA cabs with horns Its all I need outdoors.

Marko5657 · #6 07-23-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

You got enough power. More speakers and closer to ear level will help. Also outside you're just plain gonna sound a little thinner than indoors. You just deal with it and trust it sounds better out front. Don't suck up all your power boosting bass, boost lowmids to thicken up the sound instead.

+1

Craig_S · #7 07-23-2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melvin7822

So it sounds like an 8x10 is really my best bet since adding another 2x10 will only gain me 5 more inches of speaker area.

I've done several outdoor gigs with a stand alone 410.

John Wentzien · #8 07-23-2011, 12:24 PM

Hope that the PA and monitors can handle it...Stay at the same volume you use at clubs....gettin' louder will just F-U up!

liquid sunshine · #9 07-23-2011, 12:35 PM

if it's during the day one very important thing you'll want to do is be sure you can see your tuner if that's what you rely on for tuning sometimes it is nearly impossible to see them in the sun

Melvin7822 · #10 07-23-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

I've done several outdoor gigs with a stand alone 410.

I would've thought my 2x10 and 1x15 could do the same.

chadds · #11 07-23-2011, 01:11 PM

Water.
Really more necessary are '80s white terry cloth headbands and wristbands.

Then the crowd knows you're serious.

EricssonB · #12 07-23-2011, 01:11 PM

EQs and speakers! Amen to that!

I was in Broomfield like, three days ago. Shout out from Buckley AFB!

Ric5 · #13 07-23-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melvin7822

So I recently played the MOPAR Big Block Party in Golden, CO and I found my stage mix to be a little wanting. Currently, I use a Markbass SA 450 into a Traveler 102P and Traveler 151P. I always thought 500 watts would be enough for everything. This was actually my first large scale outdoor gig.

So to be better prepared for the next outdoor gig, what do I really need? Should I get an amp with more power like a Markbass MoMark SD 800? Use a bigger cabinet like a Markbass 108 HR? Get both a more powerful amp and a bigger cabinet?Stick with the same amp, ditch the 15th, and get another 2x10 to use in a vertical array to get the sound closer to ear level?

There is a guy here in the Denver area who has one of the new Acoustic 360 amps. He told me today that he would like someone to try it out for a big outdoor gig. This new Acoustic 360 has the speaker cabinet to really throw a good bass signal to a large area.

Also you may need some pa support to play an outdoor gig.

countrybass007 · #14 07-23-2011, 06:01 PM

More speakers at ear level would help. 500 watts should be enough.

cassanova · #15 07-23-2011, 06:07 PM

I saw Willie Weeks play the Florida Strawberry Festival (a large outdoor gig) with nothing more than an Eden 2x10 for his stage monitor. I'd think that if that set up can work for him on a gig of that size, that it should be able to work for you as well. I'd try moving the cab closer to ear level.

staindbass · #16 07-23-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassanova

I saw Willie Weeks play the Florida Strawberry Festival (a large outdoor gig) with nothing more than an Eden 2x10 for his stage monitor. I'd think that if that set up can work for him on a gig of that size, that it should be able to work for you as well. I'd try moving the cab closer to ear level.

i saw a guy playing a gig with one 10. doesnt mean it would work for me. it wouldent, i want to feel the bass because it makes it more exciting to play. bassists requirements differ according to how loud the drummer and guitarists are, and if there is also a guitar amp on the bass players side of the stage and many other variables. if your lacking now, double the amount of speakers. that should clear it up.

JimmyM · #17 07-23-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staindbass

i saw a guy playing a gig with one 10. doesnt mean it would work for me. it wouldent, i want to feel the bass because it makes it more exciting to play. bassists requirements differ according to how loud the drummer and guitarists are, and if there is also a guitar amp on the bass players side of the stage and many other variables. if your lacking now, double the amount of speakers. that should clear it up.

+1.

onosson · #18 07-23-2011, 10:53 PM

Sometimes you just need to listen "outside the stage". In large venues like arenas or outdoors, you need to get your head into the overall sound that is around you. My band had the privilege of opening for a large act in all the major arenas in Canada, and it took a big change of thinking to get used to the sound of the whole space ... but once you do, you can get by without much in the way of personal amplification. That is, unless your amp is the only thing putting the bass out there!

**IvanMike** · #19 07-23-2011, 11:34 PM

A good PA............really.

I'm all about having watts and headroom and modular setups with a choice of how many cabs to bring if you can do it, but at a certain point the PA should be doing the work, not your amp.

The big concern becomes the ability of you and the band to hear just enough of you to get by - the first thing a PA will skimp on is monitors that can handle the bass (and kick). Even then, if the PA has the ability to cut the lows out of your signal for the monitor mix then often you can get by with just monitors, but sometimes a rig is needed for stage volume for you and the other players. However, most amps will cut it in that dept as long as you and the other musicians are savvy enough to keep the stage volume civil.

DeathFromBelow · #20 07-23-2011, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staindbass

i saw a guy playing a gig with one 10. doesnt mean it would work for me. it wouldent, i want to feel the bass because it makes it more exciting to play. bassists requirements differ according to how loud the drummer and guitarists are, and if there is also a guitar amp on the bass players side of the stage and many other variables. if your lacking now, double the amount of speakers. that should clear it up.

+2