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Went to a concert for the first time last night

KingRazor

KingRazor

Jun 4, 2010
6,747
415
37
Beaverton, Oregon USA
#1
This was definitely not the first live performance I've ever been to, but last night when I went to The Rock and Worship Roadshow, that was my first "real" concert (multiple well known bands and a crowd of over 1000 people).

I don't think I've ever heard music that loud before. I wished I had had ear plugs. They were probably pushing 120-125dB easy. One band came up and they were so loud in the mains that you could hear the speakers distorting.

I was disappointed in how little bass and kick there was. I'm not a fan of the whole "lead kick drum" style of music or anything, but the kick drum was very weak across the board, none of the bands had one that could clearly be heard in the mix. I couldn't hear the bass, although I could feel the low notes. But honestly, I never go to a live performance expecting to hear the bass. It's so rare that I do that I'm genuinely surprised every time I do.

The overall sound was very tinny, also. It lacked depth, except for from the subs, but that was all low end, because you know, subs.

I'm glad I stayed for the whole thing though because when Tenth Avenue North got up there they rocked it. They were the best sounding band up there in my personal opinion. The guy ran up into the audience at one point and was standing right next to me, that was pretty cool.

Anyway, that was my first concert. I think I'd rather be on stage next time I go to one.
 
#8
Hellbastard said:
You didn't go a to a concert, you went to an open christian service. Huge Difference.
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Oh trust me, it was a concert.

Generation Unleashed is a good example of an open Christian Service. This was different. It was several bands coming up and playing music. Just like any other concert. It didn't take place in a church, and there was no preaching/sermon. They just happened to be christian bands.
 
#9
Oh trust me when I say that there's a huge difference between the sound for a christian band, where the engineer is probably someone who does sound for a church, and a proper concert with a proper FOH engineer behind the wheel.

Church service, and Church service oriented bands have the worst sound because more often than not there's a church member who does the sound, even though they have no idea of what they need to do.
 
#10
Outdoor concerts always sound like garbage. I don't even bother going to them.

Smaller, indoor shows are where it's at. Venues that can hold 1000 people or less are ideal. Stadium shows are generally garbage too because the acoustics of the venue are just too big. There are a few exceptions reserved for monster acts like Rush.
 
#11
Plays_For_Dog said:
Outdoor concerts always sound like garbage.
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That's just not so. Some of the best sound I have ever heard has been at outdoor shows. Possibly the best was the Grateful Dead at the Sam Boyd Silver Bowl Stadium in 1995 or so, but there are plenty of outdoor shows around Austin with great sound. The worst sound I have heard at a major show in the past few years around here was Bruce Springsteen, indoors at the Irwin Center. It was just awful.
 
#12
This wasn't out door. It was in the Rose Quarter, a basketball stadium. They had a bunch of big speaker arrays.

These were all touring bands with road crews and pro gear. I don't know who the sound guy was, he was whoever they bring on tour with that show. Not some guy from a local church or something, though.

I've only been to two or three other churches besides my home church so I don't know how it sounds at most churches but I know of at least 3 that have great sound, a lot better than what I heard at that concert anyway.

I was actually watching the sound guy for some of the show and he was basically just standing there. Seemed to have a "set and forget" attitude.

I agree that a basketball stadium is probably not the best place to listen to a rock band.
 
#13
millsbass5 said:
Go see Rush in concert. Now THAT'S A CONCERT. Hands down,the best-sounding show I've been to,period. And I've been to many,many shows.
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Yes, yes, a million times yes!

I've been to several Rush concerts, including one at an outdoor amphitheater, and they all sounded amazing. You could hear every sound down to Geddy's fingers sliding over the strings.

The last Rush show I went to was very loud, though, even louder than the indoor shows I saw in the 80s, and I do recommend earplugs for it. What amazed me was I was standing right next to the sound engineers' pit and of the 4 or 5 people in there I noticed maybe only 1 of them wearing hearing protection. I can't imagine subhecting my ears to that assault every night unprotected, even though it is Rush.
 
#14
Plays_For_Dog said:
Outdoor concerts always sound like garbage. I don't even bother going to them.

Smaller, indoor shows are where it's at. Venues that can hold 1000 people or less are ideal. Stadium shows are generally garbage too because the acoustics of the venue are just too big. There are a few exceptions reserved for monster acts like Rush.
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Agreed that the sound at most concerts in hockey rinks/football stadiums suck big time.

OP, I saw Bon Iver play at Edgefield last September, it's an outdoor venue that probably 'seats' 3,000. Incredibly detailed, painless hi-fi sound. They rocked.

If you're over 21, you might try to see some live bands at the Doug Fir Lounge, I think it's Portland's best-sounding club. Depending on the act & f.o.h. engineer, the sound can be really, really good. They have a quality sound system and the room has good acoustics, plenty of absorption. Come to think of it, they may have some all-ages shows there.
 
#16
Spectrum said:
Yes, yes, a million times yes!

I've been to several Rush concerts, including one at an outdoor amphitheater, and they all sounded amazing. You could hear every sound down to Geddy's fingers sliding over the strings.

The last Rush show I went to was very loud, though, even louder than the indoor shows I saw in the 80s, and I do recommend earplugs for it. What amazed me was I was standing right next to the sound engineers' pit and of the 4 or 5 people in there I noticed maybe only 1 of them wearing hearing protection. I can't imagine subhecting my ears to that assault every night unprotected, even though it is Rush.
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I actually found rush to be on the quiet side of concerts when I saw them in 08... only Elton John was more quiet.
 
#20
DiabolusInMusic said:
I actually found rush to be on the quiet side of concerts when I saw them in 08... only Elton John was more quiet.
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That's what I thought unroll I left the show and my ears were ringing something awful! I think it was just mixed so perfectly that there were no obtrusive frequencies to hurt my ears. At least thats my expirience
 

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