what backline amp to choose

fingers · #1 03-13-2007, 03:57 PM

I just got hired to do a big outdoor festival gig this summer. In the past I've either used my own stuff or been stuck with whatever backline they have since I'd assume the soundmen don't feel like re-doing the sound for each group.

For this particular one I have a choice. When I've had the choice before I asked for a GK 400rb and a 4x10 Hartke. I was pretty happy.

Are there some favorites of the Talk Bass folk? Keep in mind that it will be rented so nothing too exotic.

larry · #2 03-13-2007, 07:43 PM

Whatever you choose, I'd make sure they put a mic in front of your bass. Otherwise, they'll probably take a DI from your pick up

. Last festival gig I did, I just used my Solstice blender. Sent the pick up to the monitor and the mic to the house. That worked well. An amp is just an additional monitor if you think about it, unless it's an integral part of your sound (which would be highly unusual as a DB player). In a big festival gig, you're the only one who is going to hear your amp (unless they mic the amp, which is unlikely).

If all the audience hears is a pickup sent to the PA, you'd be better off playing slab. Use a mic for the house, and whatever amp/monitor they have for your own ears.

fingers · #3 03-13-2007, 09:06 PM

I have a mic and a pickup on my bass. In my experience many sound guys have no idea what to do with DB. Festivals are the worst because the bands before and after you might have slab players. Rufus Reid says something about sending the soundman a signal that is close to your sound so the sound guy can't mess it up. That is exactly what I do. I plug my mic/pickup combo through a blender then a DI box and send that signal to the house.

I have done a good amount of festival and large venue work. I usually bring my own stuff. Occasionally, due to travel or the constraints of the venue I have to use what is provided. In this case I cannot use my own stuff but I can request something. It is a large outdoor venue.