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PLAYING BIG SHOW - ASKED TO SELECT GEAR

Hey TBers,

I don't post on here that often as most of my visits are simply reading what others have to say. This time I am looking for some opinions from the guys who have played large outdoor venues. My band is opening for Huey Lewis & The News next Friday in Memorial Park, Omaha, NE. I was asked to give my preference for a bass rig because it is being rented for me.

I currently gig with Mark Bass and Bergantino equipment, and have never played on a huge stage that didn't already have the equipment. Usually when we play with a backline on a big stage, an Ampeg, Eden, or combo of both is what I am given. Since I am able to choose for myself this time, I am thinking about this set up. Let me know what you guys think! I value opinions on this site very much. Thanks!

Eden WT800 World Tour Head

Eden D210 XLT 2x10 Cabinet and

Eden D212 XLT4 2x12 Cabinet stacked


Will this be enough? I am playing a lot of grinding rock rhythms and a bit of blues. Nothing funky or jazzy. Let me know if this set up will be enough to pack a punch. I've played the WT800 through an Ampeg HSVT 810, but wasn't digging the sound. I want something punchy, and definitive.

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First of all That is Awesome! Have fun! I agree with a 4x10 stacked or on the 2x12 for depth and punch that you could feel behind you. No wrongs with an SVT either, used a CL and Fridge for an arena tour and it did just fine. Do you know the monitor situation? On a show like that the PA will take the brunt of the sound and it comes down to what tone you like and want miked.
 
I'd find out what Huey's bass player is using for his rig.

It will basically be a bass monitor for yourself because, as stated before, the PA will do the real work.

IMO, choose something you used before so you're familiar with the controls.

Btw, congrats on the gig. :bassist:
 
An 8x10 cabinet is pretty much the industry standard for a big outdoor stage backline.

Although, I have seen a single 4x10 used successfully and used that setup myself on the largest outdoor stage I've ever played (mainstage Lifelight festival) with absolutely no problem.

Much more important than what's on your backline is that you have top quality monitors that can carry plenty of bass and kick drum, and that they give you the time to get a good monitor mix.

If you've never played a large outdoor stage with conventional (wedge / sidefill) monitoring before, it's a whole different thing in terms of stage sound. It can really feel like you're playing in a vacuum and especially if you're used to small indoor stages and/or IEMs.

Sounds like a great opportunity. Good luck, and I'm sure you'll kill it.
 
I would just ask for a bunch of washing machines.

LOL

You wouldn't be asking this if you have played the fridge outside. If you don't have to haul it, tell them you will need 2, (just for looks.)

I have played the fridge outdoors with the WT800 and it sounded pretty muddy to me...then again, this was during a contest where I had < 1 min to play with the Eden.

I'd find out what Huey's bass player is using for his rig.

It will basically be a bass monitor for yourself because, as stated before, the PA will do the real work.

IMO, choose something you used before so you're familiar with the controls.

Btw, congrats on the gig. :bassist:

Thanks a lot Stumbo! I never thought of it that way, but it makes sense - the bass rig being my monitor.


First of all That is Awesome! Have fun! I agree with a 4x10 stacked or on the 2x12 for depth and punch that you could feel behind you. No wrongs with an SVT either, used a CL and Fridge for an arena tour and it did just fine. Do you know the monitor situation? On a show like that the PA will take the brunt of the sound and it comes down to what tone you like and want miked.

Thanks dude! I don't know the monitor situation, but from the size of the show and its history, I'd imagine the company doing it will be top notch.


So I suppose what I have here will be fine as long as the sound company picks up the rest, but chances are these cabs will be unavailable. Like I said before, I have played on a rented WT800 a few times so I am hoping I can at least get that head. I love the sound of it. If I can't get that, I will most like do the SVT stack that someone suggested. I'll keep everyone posted! Thanks again for all the input - I love this site.
 
If that was me, and I've done my share of big stage work...

I'd want to know if there was going to be box monitors or if it was an IEM stage.

Boxes:
You are going to have enough monitor and side fill on that stage to rattle your fillings.
I would take a SansAmp or Avalon and tell them to stick me on the same side of the stage as the monitor console so I can talk to the tech without a bunch of hand waving.

IEM:
I'd take thew SVT if it was one of the original style. The last few of the "Classic's" I've dealt with were, underwhelming.

or

The regular Eden with two 4x10 cabs.

It's what the backline company will have that they use most so they know it best.