Silly question, got a show tomorrow, need some help with amps!!

[ChrisBG]

Hi everyone,

I realize this is probably a really stupid question, though I am a complete novice when it comes to live sound, and amps to be honest. My band has a gig tomorrow morning, and I just got this email back from the guys organizing the show with some gear. Now, we don't have our own amps at the moment (currently shopping) - so we currently use what is supplied to us.

This is the information that I was supplied with, I wonder if someone could explain this to me. I googled the models described, and they don't look like the standard amps we're used to playing on! What is all this?

(I realize this is a bass forum, but it seemed very, very active and I needed an answer quick!)


Front of House

4 x EAW EK850EF
2 x MT2’s (sub reinforcement)

Amps

FOH – 3 x Crest CA9
SUBS – 1 x Crest CA9
MONITORS – 4 x Crown XTI 2000

We are used to plugging directly into like a Marshall amp or whatever brand, what are these things?

There are two guitar players, and a bass player in the band.

Both guitar players have effects pedals.

Thank you!!!

Chris

[T-Bird]

Hi, Chris.

That's the rider for the PA system, and I believe there was also a mention about the mixing desk and the available effects and compressors. At leat that's the norm.

When only the PA is in the rider, the venue is assuming that You provide the back line, IOW the individual MI amps, drums and such.

You might want to check that they have a complete PA and won't assume that You have the mikes, cables, mixing desk etc.

Regards
Sam

[ChrisBG]

Heya,

This is the complete setup that I was sent:

Stage Dimensions (approx)
7m W x 4m D x 1m H

Monitors
4 x 15” plus horn Low Profile Monitors (bi-amped)
Front of House
4 x EAW EK850EF
2 x MT2’s (sub reinforcement)
Console
1 x Soundcraft GB8 32 Channel Mixer
FX Rack
2 x Yamaha SPX90

XTA GQ600 (FOH EQ)
2 x DBX 2231 Monitor EQ (2CH)
1 x DBX 266 Compressor / Gate
1 x Autocom Compressor / Gate
1 x DBX 166 Compressor/Gate
(6 channels of compression in total)

Amps
FOH – 3 x Crest CA9
SUBS – 1 x Crest CA9
MONITORS – 4 x Crown XTI 2000

Crossovers
1 x XTA 448 System Controller
Multicore Snake
1 x 20-way with split for monitors/recording mix
1 x Return Multi 6-way

Microphones/DI's
6 Shure SM 58
4 Shure SM 57
1 AKG D112
1x Shure Beta 52a
3x Shure PG81 Condensor Mics
Plus assorted Dynamic mics
3 DI Boxes (Active)

So it looks like all that is provided, I just wanted to make sure we can plug in two guitars with our pedals and a bass and be good to go. (We don't have our own amps).

Chris

[T-Bird]

Hi, Chris.

Just realized that You're new to this forum so welcome aboard.

You can plug in to those 3 active DI-boxes and you are ready to rock'n roll. Or what ever it is that You're playing .

If the stage is shared with other acts as well and Your line-up is similar every time (no amps, going direct) I'd suggest that you buy your own DI-boxes for the future gigs. Less hassle in the band switches.

Regards.
Sam

[eeyorebass]

There are no instrument amps on that list. The amps they have listed are for the PA.

It looks like they have 3 DI's, so you could plug the two guitars and bass through those, but if you're used to playing through marshals and a full bass rig, this will be an odd experience since all of your sound on stage will be coming off the monitors. It's doable, and the sound guy may love it, but depending on the style of music and the way the guitar players play, not having an amp on stage can be very off putting.

Jeremy

[ChrisBG]

Thanks for the prompt replies guys. We'll have a bass amp, and I just got my hands on at least one guitar amp for tomorrow...I'll check this again in the morning before I head out, gotta get some sleep.

Thanks agan!

Chris

[Bassman7PM]

Crest CA9's...Cover your ears

[modulusman]

Looks like you will be playing through a nice PA. That is all pro-level gear.

[ChrisBG]

Thanks heaps for your replies guys. Worked out great - in fact, this setup was incredibly good sounding and we had a great sound guy who really knew his stuff.

Was our first chance to play on pro gear like that, what a difference. Everything just sounded HUGE. Even the vocals. It was great!

Thanks again.

Chris