Live Sound Problems

[Ric5]

 

[Ric5]

 

[Ric5]

 

[MJ_Sotti]

They don't need a bass player. The gave all the bass they need.

Next rehearsal or gig, turn the volume off on your bass and pretend to play.

I do this a lot. It's amazing.

 

[Ric5]

 

[Ric5]

In metal bands where the guitars play through sealed 4x12 cabs the bass players will play active 5 string basses tuned ADGCF ... they go sub sonic to find space ... but for the most part they still get drowned out ...

I prefer mids with some dirt ...

 

[Nickweissmusic]

Not to pile on, but here comes more onto the pile: I played in a very hard rock band, Clutch/Motörhead influenced. We switched instruments and vocals from time time so we all got to experience all the instruments more or less, which is never a bad idea BTW. But our guitar rigs were an ENGL half stack (!), a Peavey Special 212 (my amp, incredible metal combo amp), the drummer had oversized everything and the bass amp... was a very powerful peavey 115 combo amp. And it was plenty. We just cared, and adjusted accordingly. That's what it takes more than anything.

 

[Tommyc]

Hi,
I am look for some suggestions regarding my live sound. I play in a five piece band... guitar, drums (electronic), bass, acoustic guitar and piano/keys. We are a loud band... mostly because of the guitar player. He is very loud (lots of low end.) and isn't a person who likes being told that he is loud. He owns all of our PA... End of story. Hopefully, your suggestions/tips will not include answers suggesting that the guitar player to turn down. That is not an option. Anyways, I use an Ampeg SVT CL & 810 with an American Fender 4 string jazz with Super Bass 8250M, NPS, (.045, .065, .085, .110TW Gauges) strings. My amp setup is as follows... Gain 11 - Bass 9.5 - Midrange 2:00 - Frequency Selector 3 - Treble 1:00 and Volume is MAX. My live sound is still fairly muddled... and I can just barely hear myself. I am standing about 4 feet in front of my amp... If I move any further, I can't hear at all. I have to depend on what bass sound is bouncing off the back wall. The guitar produces a lot of low end as do the electronic drums, bass and lower register of the keys. I usually only have my own vocals in my monitor. I have played with the EQ of the SVT CL. Will a lighter gauge string help? Is my amp functioning properly re: volume? Any and all suggestions/tips would be greatly appreciated.

I have to ask myself if any of the members of an ensemble are challenged in any way in hearing themselves, how well can the ensemble play?

 

[Honch]

Out of curiosity, how often are people telling you you are too loud (especially venue owners)?

And to which he replied:

Never. It's just our stage sound. Everyone is turning up so they can hear themselves.

Which can mean that there's nobody in the audience at all! For a reason.

 

[craigie]

In this situation I doubt IEM'S will help you unless everyone goes that way, but the guitarist won't. You are better off with just foam earplugs, and the ones that block the most sound possible. IEM'S will block some damaging noise but maybe not enough and then you're adding more SPL directly into your ears and how could you ever tell if it's way too much?
You need a sound isolation chamber for the guitarist. Then put him in there. Then lock it.

 

[Honch]

Is there a possibility that your band you're playing with is called SUNN O)))) ?

"Band operates at approximately 125db stage volume..." see there. Suits your gtrd just fine. Everything louder than everything else. Especially bass...

 

[Deleted member 165050]

It's important to remember that many guitarists are idiots.

And when the idiot guitarist is ridiculously loud, owns the pa, and "won't be told", then it's best to leave the idiot to destroy his own hearing.

In years to come you will be able to shout "hey, idiot!" at him in the street, but he won't be able to hear you.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Hire a neutral party producer or experienced sound guy for a gig. That way, you're not the bad guy.

 

[MJ_Sotti]

They all wear ear plugs in my band which probably doesn't help the situation since they all think they're too quiet. They make me sick I think I might be leaving

 

[MJ_Sotti]

I'd love to take a machete to the keyboard players left hand

 

[Howlin' Hanson]

....he can't hear anyone else, and asks you all to turn up. Don't do it. He will have no choice but to turn down, unless he is fine with not hearing anyone else.

I suspect he is fine with not hearing anyone else.

 

[Rattman]

As if the dial was a clock. Appreciate your reply. As stated in the OP telling guitarist anything is not an option. Is there anything that I can re: my setup...

I know exactly what I'd do in your place. First, I'd secure some excellent hearing protection that I would then wear at all times during practices and gigs. Then, I'd just as quickly make plans for finding employment in a new band. The circumstances you outlined in the OP sound extremely depressing and completely untenable. Damaged hearing is not repairable. I hope I've not been too bold in suggesting these actions to you..

. .

 

[Zero Cash]

I play in several bands with fairly loud guitarists. They often need the volume to get the tone they want (and attenuators are notoriously testy at best). At a recent gig, I noticed one of the louder guys had a lower tech solution: he placed his pedal board cover about a foot in front of his speaker. It helped keep the guitar out of the vocal mics (victory). Another admittedly loud guy has taken to set his backline amp up front stage, facing him - like a monitor. Experiment. As for the bass rig, a good compressor never hurts to tweak your mix and can add presence at lower volume. I like the above suggestions to turn off and pretend you're playing; there's a lot of psychology to a band. Also, I have tinnitus - you don't want it. Have "concert ring" after reherarsal? It never stops for me. My final soapbox is: save up for your own PA. There are deals to be had at pawn shops, Craigslist, etc., my friend. Enjoy!

 

[logicman69]

View attachment 1114742

Not gonna lie, I kind of want a "fake wall" version of this. Something to set up on either side of the stage to make it look like a wall of amps (and we can tuck our gear behind). They are super hard to find though and expensive when you do find them.

 

[Honch]

... Another admittedly loud guy has taken to set his backline amp up front stage, facing him - like a monitor...

This works with 1x12 combos. But Marshall 4x12 stacks, it becomes a huge problem... but that idea is good. IF the gtrd ain't singing too.