Help Me Understand Live Show Equipment Needs

[Wasnex]

Bass, amp, speaker, strap, tuner (with or without walwart), instrument cables, extension cord, outlet strip, speaker cable, appropriate attire for the gig. I would suggest a spare set of strings, and extra battery for your bass and tuner as appropriate, and also a few spare cables. A cleaning cloth to wipe your bass down between sets and after the show. Possibly a water bottle and a protein snack.

If the gig is outdoors, check the weather and consider things such as jacket, hat, sun glasses, sun screen.

If you are expected to help with loading and setting up heavy equipment...gloves and possibly steel-toed boots.

If you read music, you may require a music stand and stand light. Most cover bands don't read music, but I have worked in corporate bands that did. Many reading bands will provide a stand and stand light.

The following reflects my expectation and there can be exceptions. If the PA is vocals only, nothing else is required. Bring a big enough rig for the gig. If the PA carries instruments, nothing else is required. In my experience if a DI, mic, mic stand, monitor, or anything else is required, it should be provided. However, since these requirements can vary from band to band...you need to talk it over with your band leader to see if you are expected to bring anything besides your bass gear.


My last touring rig was rack based. It had a rack drawer that I used to hold spares. I carried an extra DI and mic cable just in case. I don't normally carry a spare bass, amp, or cab. I have broken strings on gigs, but never had a bass go down, other than having the battery die. I had spare strings and battery, so not a problem. I have had amps go down on a couple of tours. I usually worked with bands that had full PA support and I was already running through a DI, so this was not a problem.

The last amp that failed on tour start making loud noises that sounded like a cannon shot in the middle of a song. I turned the amp off and finished the song. Our audio tech saw me turn off the amp and added bass to my monitor. He brought up a second monitor during the next song and I finished the tour running on monitors.

 

[secondbestcody]

I just played a gig last night. I went DI from my HX Stomp. Usually what I bring is my bass, back up bass, Rumble 500 combo and my pedalboard. I usually go DI out of the Rumble but last night we went as ampless on stage as we could.

Most venues will have wedge monitors for the on stage mix. You can use your Rumble as your own monitor on stage.

 

[groove pump]

Hello. I've not played live in years and never handled the sound back then. I'm in a cover band now and want to make sure I understand what I need to own to play live now. I have a Rumble 500 and my bass. That's it. What all do I need to be ready to play on stage? Do I need to mic my amp? Do I need my own monitor? I've never heard of a DI. Do I need one? What do I use the XLR out for? Please help. I've been googling this stuff, but there's a lot I don't understand yet. Thanks!

Sounds as though you've got the issue of getting your signal to the PA covered with the "XLR out" on your Rumble. Putting a mic in front of a bass amp for a live show isn't something I see too much among cover bands these days, but it's perhaps still done for studio recording where somebody wants to catch "that sound" from their particular amp and cab.

If you want some more specific recommendations, you could probably share a few more details in terms of how this band of yours is set up with equipment. If their PA is enough to run your sound through it (using your amp's XLR out), you don't need any more in terms of your own amp. Your Rumble will work as your "bass monitor" and let you hear yourself on stage. If the PA only runs the vocals and the kick drum - this is my situation now - you could need to add an extension cab to your amp to give you more speaker. More speaker shakes more air and shaking more air will let your push more volume using only your own rig.

I'm getting all the volume I need for playing gigs without PA support using a 500 or 600 watt head running a pair of decent 2x10 cabs. This does fine for me even if I'm playing outdoors where it can be harder for a bass rig to push decent sound.

If you're doing some backup (or lead) singing, you probably want your own mic so that you've got some consistency with whatever you're using to catch your vocals. A boom stand can be a little more out of the way of the neck of your bass as your turn left/right, but if you play on smaller stages, a straight vertical mic stand can save on space. And if you're singing, you'll want a wedge monitor, even if you're singing only backups. You'll be able to harmonize, etc. much better if you can easily hear yourself and the other vocals.

I used to think that a wireless unit was an unnecessary luxury, but I got a cheap one that works fine for me and I can say that it's nice to be able to move around a bit without managing a cord when I feel like it. The XVive U2 (I think?) that I got from my guitar pal is rechargeable and has been completely reliable for me through at least a couple dozen gigs.

Another very useful gizmo to consider is a high pass filter (HPF). These can be used to cut very low frequencies off the bottom of the signal that your bass and perhaps effects send to your amp and/or the PA - unwanted frequencies that are "boomy" or that your rig just won't be able to amplify very well. Once I got one of these and used it for one or two shows, it became an "always on" essential for me. I have a terrific (and affordable) Broughton HPF.

 

[MrUsefulAlien]

The bare minimum I would need for a live gig:
- Bass (with tuner, strap etc)
- Bass stand
- Amp
- Ipad + page turner + stand
- Outfit for the show
- Backbeat + earplugs or earbuds.

 

[Lobster11]

This doesn't really count as "equipment," but.... If the PA is only carrying vocals, and the instruments are all coming through players' individual amps/cabs, it is really useful to have a friend (with a decent ear) out in the audience to monitor the sound and help everyone find the right volume. It can be difficult for everyone to judge their own volume, relative to the other instruments, from their place on stage.

Relatedly, you might find it useful to have some kind of stand for your amp/cab to get the speaker(s) pointed at your ears. Especially on a small stage where you have to stand directly in front of your amp, blasting at your knees, you might not be able to hear yourself well enough and thus feel tempted to turn up your volume. Same goes for the other instruments: This is the primary cause of most "volume wars."

 

[TheSpinDoctor]

Interesting. What kind of emergencies exist at your church?

The need for a coffee cop (sic) implies that the Praise team struggles with morning hours and long sermons. Hopefully, this cop provides refills as needed. Finding that balance between enough coffee to stay alert and not need to relieve oneself can be difficult, maybe the need for an independent monitor (i.e. coffee cop).

 

[richntiff]

Some great advice here. I’ll add that since you are the bassist, odds are high you are the most level headed and prepared of the group. To that end, bring spare batteries and power supplies for all your bandmate’s gear, a drum key, guitar strings and picks, 10 - 25’ XLR cables, gaffers tape, extension cords, band aids, and snacks. Don’t forget the snacks.

 

[Tim Skaggs]

You need to get this answered by the other band members. Asking this question here on TB (and following the advice) will have you buying a new bass, probably a new amp, and a few dozen effects pedals. It will be good, honest, advice with justifications included so you can tell your significant other why you need these things, but it will probably be a little excessive….

 

[Stranger Danger]

Hello. I've not played live in years and never handled the sound back then. I'm in a cover band now and want to make sure I understand what I need to own to play live now. I have a Rumble 500 and my bass. That's it. What all do I need to be ready to play on stage? Do I need to mic my amp? Do I need my own monitor? I've never heard of a DI. Do I need one? What do I use the XLR out for? Please help. I've been googling this stuff, but there's a lot I don't understand yet. Thanks!

XLR cable to run the DI out of your amp is a good idea. Also, even if tune by ear, it’s a good idea to have a pedal tuner so you can mute and tune silently. No one wants to hear that.

 

[Eli_Kyiv]

It all depends of venues you're going to play in. For example, my band started gigging this summer after almost two years hiatus, simultaneously switching the scene from kinda corporate parties to bars and clubs. We found out that all three venues we played so far (and the fourth one we hopefully will play soon) provide everything there's needed, including backline, PA, lights, drums, microphones, stands, etc. We bring only guitars, keyboard, microphones and cymbals - and microphones aren't mandatory, it's just our singers prefer their own mikes.
Granted, it's a big city I live in. YMMV.

 

[DirtDog]

Assuming that someone else is doing the sound engineering (dedicated house engineer or someone in the band) AND your PA is supplied by the house or someone else in your band:

1. Your bass and a reliable backup.
2. Your amp. Wouldn’t hurt to have a backup, even if it’s a modelling pedal of some sort (eg SansAmp BDDI is cheap insurance).
3. Tuner pedal
4. Cables and spare cables for everything.
5. if you sing, mic, cables and mic stand (these may be supplied by the house or the PA owner, check first).
6. An extension cord or two if the power outlet is not nearby. Black is preferred.

If the gig requires FOH sound reinforcement, whomever is doing sound will likely run an XLR from your amps built in DI. There are other options here, but if you’re not running the PA or doing sound, it’s not something that you’ll worry about.

The biggest unknown variable is how you’ll monitor and it’ll depend on how the venue and stage is set up and how you and your band mates manage your stage sound. This either requires some additional equipment (in ear monitoring system or stage wedges) and a LOT of discipline on the part of the band to manage stage volumes. This is going to be hit or miss every time, even with a sound engineer in the mix.

 

[JRA]

Please help. I've been googling this stuff, but there's a lot I don't understand yet. Thanks!

tim's advice (@Tim Skaggs) is prudent: ask your bandmates what they expect you to have for the gig! good luck! break a leg!

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hello. I've not played live in years and never handled the sound back then. I'm in a cover band now and want to make sure I understand what I need to own to play live now. I have a Rumble 500 and my bass. That's it. What all do I need to be ready to play on stage? Do I need to mic my amp? Do I need my own monitor? I've never heard of a DI. Do I need one? What do I use the XLR out for? Please help. I've been googling this stuff, but there's a lot I don't understand yet. Thanks!

You should be good for for most situations unless the band is really loud. At worst, you may need to pick up a second cab if it is.

As for on the gig, your bass amp/rig is your personal monitor. Depending on the capabilities of the PA in terms of available support from the PA, depends on the capabilities of that system. You could be in a situation where you need anywhere from just your bass (no amp required) to having a rig to cover the bass needed for on stage and the whole house as well.

So you have some questions to ask. Do you get support in the house? If so, an XLR cable to the PA snake/board will be required. In this case would use your amp just enough to hear yourself. The sound tech will take your signal from the XLR out and mix the level for the house.

Over my decades I’ve worked in bands that offered full support (no amp required), needing a personal monitor system/rig (my preference for sure), as well as a big rig with no PA support. So it depends.

Congrats on the gig. Best wishes and have a blast!

 

[Core Creek]

There are a few backup items I have in my bag including:

-Small foldable stand to hold my bass between sets

-Extra strings just in case

-Extra cables and batteries

And yeah, bass, amp and cab. I never bring my own monitor. The sound guys always run the XLR DI for the house system.

 

[zenrad]

If you don't sing, a bass and amp are the bare minimum, but I bring
bass, amp, speakers, extra fuse for the amp, extra speaker cable, strings and a string cutter, extra bass (not really necessary but it makes me feel better), batteries, small phillips head screwdriver,extension cord, power strips, XLR cables, DI (I have one in my amp but just in case), guitar stand, multi tool and allen wrenches for the knobs on the bass. I keep a monitor in the car.

If I'm singing I add a mic, mic stand, XLR for the mic, monitor, XLR for the monitor.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Hello. I've not played live in years and never handled the sound back then. I'm in a cover band now and want to make sure I understand what I need to own to play live now. I have a Rumble 500 and my bass. That's it. What all do I need to be ready to play on stage? Do I need to mic my amp? Do I need my own monitor? I've never heard of a DI. Do I need one? What do I use the XLR out for? Please help. I've been googling this stuff, but there's a lot I don't understand yet. Thanks!

Does your band have someone who does sound? If you do, ask that person these same questions. Also, I would think your bandmates would have some knowledge to impart about setting up to play live?

 

[fdeck]

For me, it's typically just the gear needed to "stand alone" on stage. My amp has a DI output that has always worked well enough when it's been needed.

It's pretty typical for players to start out with too much gear, when your local scene and bands are unknowns and you don't want to be caught off guard. My advice is, after a couple of gigs, make a note of what you actually used on stage, and leave the rest of it in your car. In fact my car has a permanent occupant, an old bag with a whole bunch of spares in it. This includes a high quality passive DI, which can be a problem-solver for adverse stage setups.

Get used to always playing with earplugs.

 

[bassmaster831]

I second everyone saying that the smaller components are important. I always carry multiple cables, batteries, a power strip, extra strings, 2 basses, and also a DI in case my amp stops working. it could be as simple as a countryman type 85 or a radial DI but I find that is a really important component for foolproofing. I also recommend a small tool kit or multi-tool that has at least a screwdriver and string clipper. I would also bring an XLR cable for your direct out in case they don't have it or it doesn't work well.

 

[Egg250]

I think you need to start with the band. What is the band doing for sound, monitering, etc. Lots of useful advice at TalkBass but much of it seems to be "this is what I use and it should be good enough for you".

- Monitors: We use IEMs although the guitarist prefers wedges. Even if your band doesn't play volume wars, I believe you need to have some sort of monitor. One band I was with didn't want monitors. They explained "the sound in the room will come back to the stage". I struggled to hear each time we played.

- Amps: I have actually convinced our guitarist to go ampless. Everything runs through the PA. Makes for lots more room on the stage. Setup is easier too. It did take a bit to find dial in his sound.

Talk to the band. Learn how they do things and come up with a solution that gives you what you need.

 

[Wasnex]

Get used to always playing with earplugs.

Probably the most important thing to bring (ear plugs).