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tips (cash) for live sound engineers?

#21
I'm happy when the band calls me out to say thanks...even when it's done over the pa to the crowd. It's nice to be acknowledged at times OTHER than when the show heads south...even if it's not my fault, somehow the person at the console is blamed....
 
#22
I do sound in a few situations -
One band I work with treats me like a member. I sit in, I do sound, I announce them sometimes, I setup tip jar, do a little extra with lights here and there - get them drinks here and there (mostly when its hot - and outside shows can be brutal - I ALWAYS get pitchers of ice water and glasses on these shows for them)

They ALWAYS mention me - and send thanks on the Mic
They always support me if something is off, or goes wrong. We try to fix it.
They always pay me well, give me a share of tips, and comp my food/drinks, even when its not covered by the venue.
They also help me load out at the end of the night and sometimes if they are there at setup.

most others don't tip me, but every now and then - I get comps from the national acts, or something along that line.

the classy guys always do SOMETHING........and treat me well. It goes a long way with me. A CD, a shirt, both, tickets, something........and just being treated well, and included in the conversation is huge.
 
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#23
DWBass said:
Are you referring to a sound man who is hired and brings/sets up/ breaks down his own system?? If so..........NO! He's making anywhere between $300-$600 or more depending on gig/venue/event. Just my opinion through my experience.
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Tipping has little to do with how much the dude is getting payed. You are missing the point. There are guys that are payed well and do exactly what is expected of them and nothing more. Then there are guys that go the extra mile to make sure you and the audience have an awesome experince. You tip becuase it is apparent to you that the SE went the extra mile AND you want to make sure you have a great experince with him next time if you ever see him. In sound the attention to minor details goes a long way. I want my sound man going the extra mile.

If you piss off a sound guy he can make everybodies experince horrible while actually appearing to work his butt off "trying" to fix the problem all the while making you the performer look bad.
 
#25
WashburnAB95 said:
Tipping has little to do with how much the dude is getting payed. You are missing the point. There are guys that are payed well and do exactly what is expected of them and nothing more. Then there are guys that go the extra mile to make sure you and the audience have an awesome experince. You tip becuase it is apparent to you that the SE went the extra mile AND you want to make sure you have a great experince with him next time if you ever see him. In sound the attention to minor details goes a long way. I want my sound man going the extra mile.

If you piss off a sound guy he can make everybodies experince horrible while actually appearing to work his butt off "trying" to fix the problem all the while making you the performer look bad.
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And this why I usually tip before soundcheck.
 
#26
FWIW -
I NEVER do anything to make the guys I am working with sound "Less" than anything expected. I DEFINITELY work harder for guys who reciprocate.

Change broken strings, keep an eye out for bad cables, little stuff......need more cable on a mic to go into the crowd if unexpected - more.different light if needed....
Keep in mind - I am not a sound company.....just a guy with some PA and do sound for guys who DON'T have PA or need someone running it. Most of these gigs pay 100-250 a guy - including me.
I dont' work for anyone I don't want to. Tipping isn't a dealbreaker, but lets face it........they are nice to me......they get more.
 
#27
WashburnAB95 said:
Tipping has little to do with how much the dude is getting payed. You are missing the point. There are guys that are payed well and do exactly what is expected of them and nothing more. Then there are guys that go the extra mile to make sure you and the audience have an awesome experince. You tip becuase it is apparent to you that the SE went the extra mile AND you want to make sure you have a great experince with him next time if you ever see him. In sound the attention to minor details goes a long way. I want my sound man going the extra mile.

If you piss off a sound guy he can make everybodies experince horrible while actually appearing to work his butt off "trying" to fix the problem all the while making you the performer look bad.
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Does the band get tipped? They did a great job entertaining too. A soundman who did a good job is doing what he got paid for same as the band. If somebody else wants to tip him, fine. Soundmen are professionals. Pissing them off should not should not result in them NOT doing what they are being PAID to do, THAT is unprofessional! If he doesn't do what I PAY him to do.....he won't get paid. I let them know that upfront. I don't have time to play games with cats like that.
 
#29
DWBass said:
Does the band get tipped? They did a great job entertaining too. A soundman who did a good job is doing what he got paid for same as the band. If somebody else wants to tip him, fine. Soundmen are professionals. Pissing them off should not should not result in them NOT doing what they are being PAID to do, THAT is unprofessional! If he doesn't do what I PAY him to do.....he won't get paid. I let them know that upfront. I don't have time to play games with cats like that.
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Often the band DOES get tips. Even if they don't they get all the glory or all the embarrasment. The sound guy works in the shadows most not even noticing him BUT they have a huge responsiblity. The audience will make the band feel appreciated, sombody needs to do likewise for the sound guy.
 
#34
I was a part-timer on the payroll of a major production provider for 17 years as a mixing console operator, working for everything from The Four Tops to touring Opera/Ballet to local filler-bands at festivals, and I can never recall hearing of an example of anyone tipping production crew. I think it would be as awkward as tipping the Pilot on your way off a plane.
 
#36
Nicely put -

Thats exactly my situation. $100-200 per show, band cut.
Just trying to do my best to make them sound as good as I can with what I have, at the place they play for the people who are there.

Not an expert like some of you, just a guy trying to make ends meet, and learn more/upgrade the system on the way.

Thanks for not making it sound degrading or anything.
In a lot of these situations, the band isn't interested in running their own PA but the gig doesn't pay enough to warrant a large scale sound company.
working for band cut or slightly over isn't a bad thing. I know that at least 3 of the bands I work with hire me over some of the other better equipped and more experienced local guys. We work well together, and they kick me a few extra sheckles.

I'll do that most times the work is dropped in my lap. With or without magical skill

EDIT - I honestly stand corrected........might have been a little out of line - In the title, sound engineer denotes a true professional in the field. I am honestly not. I recognize that and after some thought apologize if my tone was bad. (pun intended)

that said.......the reset is pretty much on
 
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#39
I have wondered about this for years: If you throw $20 a sound person's way in hopes that they give you some extra attention, like following some notes (please try and make the vocals audible, so you can understand 98% of the words, keyboards as loud as the guitars" will they do it? Or do most here think it's a waste of effort and cash? I wonder what folks who DO run sound think on this? I mean, how does a sound person know what you ARE supposed to sound like and maybe they would like to know little tips on how YOU want them to help you come across, so they don't default to a generic, albeit hopefully, a good mix.
 

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