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Finding the best mix

M

morebass4me

Oct 15, 2009
33
0
#1
So I just barely started gigging with my band and the only thing we have running through the PA right now is vocals. I don't have a lot of experience and I'm just looking for general advice. Does anyone have any tips on getting a good mix with just amps? I did a search but didn't get any great results, if I missed threads please point the way :) Thanks!
 
#2
Just do what you're doing, and get better at that.

In general, just walk out in front with a long cable and listen, then adjust accordingly.

Keep the low end out of the vocals and don't let the guitars or bass get too loud.
 
#3
It's a learning experience - always. Rolling off low end 150 hz and lower on vocals can be really helpful.

For shows like you are describing (I have done this setup many times):

Make sure the instruments are all above the drummer and no one is drowning anyone out. Make sure your bass tone is sitting somewhere in the mix. In a rock band, sitting somewhere in the 150-400hz zone for the bass is a great way to be heard in the mix.

For vocals, unless you have a compressor and know how to use it, the vocals are going to get a little buried with quieter passages. Make sure the usual singing notes and highest and most powerful singing notes are above the entire mix.

It's best to get a wireless unit and play with the band while standing out in the crowd for the sound check. That is the only way you can judge how it sounds.
 
#6
I find that bass is often the hardest instrument to get right as far as volume is concerned if you are mixing from the stage and/or the bass is not part of the PA mix. The window where the bass is neither too loud nor buried can be pretty narrow. If you have a drummer who is too loud, the bass will usually be too loud as well.
 

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