Outdoor EQ

[nrs7six]

Hi all,

I am playing a show outside tomorrow night. It is on the back of a truck and there was supposed to be a sufficient PA supplied for it. However, due to whatever reasons this has now been pulled and we have to use our own PA. It doesn't have enough channels for the bass and guitars to run through it so I will be relying on my rig alone. Does anyone have any EQ tips (or other tips) to get the most out of my rig in this situation?

Cheers

 

[s0c9]

Not really... each situation is different and depends on crowd size, concrete vs grass, # of trees nearby, got a lake/pond nearby (sound travels further over water) and so on.
Other than walking out front and listening to what you need... <shrug>
Sorry.. not much help, but there's no silver bullet fix for this.

 

[nrs7six]

Thanks, I guess you're right. Just going to have to see how it sounds on the night and go from there!

 

[Gearhead17]

For something like this, I suggest cutting a good amount of low end below 80hz from your rig. This will allow your setup to push a little more volume instead of wasting energy putting out the subwoofer low end. Your cab likely cannot handle massive amounts below 80hz. Forgot to ask, what is your rig?

 

[nrs7six]

Sansamp BDDI running into an Ashdown Mag 600, Mag 410 + ABM compact 115

 

[Gearhead17]

On the BDDI, Keep the blend at no higher than 3 out of 10. Turn the bass knob to 2 out if 10. Turn the presence down to 0.

On the head, roll the bass knob to the left to taste. Sub Harmonic knob to 0. Don't use the deep switch - it takes out the mids.

Listen to your 15 cab. Your volume is hinged on how loud the 15 can go. If it distorts or farts, bring the low end and/or volume down right away.

Mids are your friend - don't decrease them and expect to be heard. Good luck.

 

[nrs7six]

Thanks for your advice, I will give it a go and see how it sounds!

 

[Downunderwonder]

Mathematically you need to pump at least 4x the power into low end frequencies to gain equivalence to the sound of a indoor wall at your back giving +6dB of low bass for free. Not gonna happen!

I am worried for your 15. You should definitely put it above the 410 to keep an ear on it.

 

[LiquidMidnight]

Obviously this gig has come and gone, but my experience is that one of the keys to good bass sound outside really just comes down to being able to push air. If I'm going to use a big cabinet or a lot of drivers, it's going to be an outside gig without PA support. Also, lows tend to disperse while mids and highs stay directional. So your rig will often sound boxy or muddy depending on where you are standing in relation to it, even though it may actually not sound like either of those things out in the audience.