How many of you guys run sound in your band

jive1 · #1 09-26-2003, 05:29 PM

I told a guitar player friend of mine that the difference between a guitar and bass player is that a bass player cares about how the band sounds, whereas a guitar player cares about how he/she sounds.

Anyway, from this forum it seems there are alot of bassists who do sound or have ideas for running sound. I run sound in my band, and it is a challenge to do while performing. Anyone else double as the sound man, or run sound on gigs where they don't play bass?

tuBass · #2 09-26-2003, 06:13 PM

that's a great quote. LOL!

I am my church's A/V director, and even though I rarely get the chance to get up in the booth to run the sound, I train the people that do.

Mark

Casey C. · #3 09-26-2003, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jive1
I told a guitar player friend of mine that the difference between a guitar and bass player is that a bass player cares about how the band sounds, whereas a guitar player cares about how he/she sounds.

Anyway, from this forum it seems there are alot of bassists who do sound or have ideas for running sound. I run sound in my band, and it is a challenge to do while performing. Anyone else double as the sound man, or run sound on gigs where they don't play bass?

This has me written all over it, lol. I usually run it just at practice though. My best friend usually does the live sound.

xush · #4 09-26-2003, 08:12 PM

Our bassist runs sound (often while wearing/playing a bass and a stick at the same time), plays keys, sings backup, and uses footpedals simultaneously.

He makes me want to be a better man.

nonsqtr · #5 10-04-2003, 11:54 AM

I used to run the sound for my cover band. Now I've got 'em trained so they can do it themselves. The singers set each other's levels and the rest of us follow the drummer's level. The only other thing we have going on is an 8-track recorder with separate mics for everything, it makes mixing down a piece of cake (even though you have to do it after the fact). For the rest of it, the rule is whoever owns it gets to set it up, and the guitar player owns the PA we're currently using so he generally shows up a half hour early.

Chad Michael · #6 10-04-2003, 12:50 PM

Since our prior drummer (pro sound tech who earns his living doing so) left the band, I've taken the 'first chair' as sound tech, so to speak. Jeff taught me so many things in the 1.5 yrs that I worked with him.

Our band is somewhat fortunate in the fact that our PA is adequately powered, modern, and it sounds fabulous with flat EQ. Oh, plus the fact that our guitarist is just as concerned with the mix as I am.

Chad Michael · #7 10-04-2003, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by xush
Our bassist runs sound (often while wearing/playing a bass and a stick at the same time), plays keys, sings backup, and uses footpedals simultaneously.

He makes me want to be a better man.

Tim Cole · #8 10-11-2003, 03:06 AM

Sorta. Normally when we sound check, since I am the only non-singer in the band, I stand back aways, then tell them what needs adjusting.....normally once the board is set, we don't tinker with it much.

I do however now own a heck of a light show I run from the stage......sixteen par 56 cans, strobes, and some other effects lighting via 2 foot controllers.

Chad Michael · #9 10-11-2003, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tim Cole
...I do however now own a heck of a light show I run from the stage......sixteen par 56 cans, strobes, and some other effects lighting via 2 foot controllers.

**IvanMike** · #10 10-17-2003, 08:28 AM

that is the best quote i've ever heard!!
i ran sound for almost every band i was in
now i'm in one where the guitar player/singer/leader also does sound so it's his show
of course during sound check i always walk out and adjust stuff or tell him what i think (turn your freakin amp down dude!!!)
personally, having a soundman out there or someone halfway competetent to adjust levels on the fly without playing with the board is worth everything as well

brianrost · #11 10-17-2003, 09:29 AM

I have run sound for my bands, sometimes I still do. Usually if we come into a room where a bandleader sees a PA rig he isn't familiar with he asks me to set it up.

I have also worked as a sound man.

brianrost · #12 10-17-2003, 09:36 AM

I have run sound for my bands, sometimes I still do. Usually if we come into a room where a bandleader sees a PA rig he isn't familiar with he asks me to set it up.

I have also worked as a sound man.

RicPlaya · #13 10-17-2003, 07:51 PM

We got a sound guy who is also our guitar and bass instructor for the time being. He's a great teacher and also a semi pro recording artist very talented and knowledgable. Our drummer is running the lights via footswithces.

Aussie Mark · #14 11-01-2003, 02:28 AM

I play bass, sing lead vocals on a few songs, sing backing vocals on most songs, stomp on my pedal board, stomp on a lighting foot controller, and run sound. Having a wireless means I can get around the venue a little to see how things sound out front and then make any necessary adjustments.