I've heard lots of people relating a similar situation. I think part of the problem is that it's perceived as being "uncool" to complain about noise levels. You are regarded as a kill joy and a crank if you do so. If enough people in bands who are suffering with loud levels, spoke up, I'm sure the situation would improve quickly.
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Why do bands need to play so LOUD !!
- Thread starter fearceol
- Start date
I've heard lots of people relating a similar situation. I think part of the problem is that it's perceived as being "uncool" to complain about noise levels. You are regarded as a kill joy and a crank if you do so. If enough people in bands who are suffering with loud levels, spoke up, I'm sure the situation would improve quickly.
not all music is meant to be completely "safe."
I've never heard that said before
But surely it's meant to be enjoyable
Coming out of a gig or concert with your ears in pain is not my idea of enjoyment.I've never heard that said before
But surely it's meant to be enjoyable
not every concert goer shares your sentiments on the matter, and the dividing line tends to depend upon the genre.
I completely agree that the blues should not leave your ears ringing.
My band used to be too loud also, I hammered the message in for a long time.
I used to turn the volume to zero on the bass for an entire song and then ask how they liked my playing. I always got the same answer, it's great.
Everything changed recently when the guitar player took a bass playing job for a few shows.
We now suddenly play at reasonable levels and tempo (still fast) but it let's me finish the notes instead of just hammering away.
Everyone should have to play bass!!!!
I used to turn the volume to zero on the bass for an entire song and then ask how they liked my playing. I always got the same answer, it's great.
Everything changed recently when the guitar player took a bass playing job for a few shows.
We now suddenly play at reasonable levels and tempo (still fast) but it let's me finish the notes instead of just hammering away.
Everyone should have to play bass!!!!
not every concert goer shares your sentiments on the matter
Can you be really sure of this ? How do we know that people dont just put up with the ear pain so as to see their favourite band or artist ? To my knowledge no poll has ever been done to determine this.
+1
Also, at the risk of sounding like a bassist, loud low end feels great and doesn't leave me ringing like harsh guitars and (the worst offender) cymbals!
fear-
I've dropped out of some projects after a couple of sessions because of volume. If you're too loud at rehearsal.....
Volume really does separate the pro's from the basement players. A pro will know what the room & situation needs and will automatically adjust. Start with 'toweling' the snare and the rest of the band volume will probably fall right in place.
I've dropped out of some projects after a couple of sessions because of volume. If you're too loud at rehearsal.....
Volume really does separate the pro's from the basement players. A pro will know what the room & situation needs and will automatically adjust. Start with 'toweling' the snare and the rest of the band volume will probably fall right in place.
Generally, those of us who frequently attend concerts in genre's which we know to use high volumes as an intergral part of the performance also know to bring earplugs. I would never go to any show without my earplugs, just like you'd never shoot at the range without ear muffs, have sex without a condom, ride a motorcycle with a helmet, or race without a rollcage.
You do have a point.
I only have the anecdotal evidence of having been a "kid" at one point and hearing the opinions of others. I've also noticed Loud = Better is a fairly standard sentiment on forums based around genres with reputations for being loud.
I only have the anecdotal evidence of having been a "kid" at one point and hearing the opinions of others. I've also noticed Loud = Better is a fairly standard sentiment on forums based around genres with reputations for being loud.
Very true. But what percentage of the crowd at a major rock concert or small gig for that matter would you say wear plugs ? My guess would be 15% max.
Too loud is too loud no matter the genre but I agree most LOUD bands are associated with Rock/Metal and other 'related' genres. Still, most 'pro' bands have a good balance of instruments as opposed to everyone on 11 just going for it! Loud for the sake of loud doesn't make sense! But that's jus my opinion.
I think it's important to distinguish between the volume that the audience hears and the volume that the band hears on stage and in rehearsal.
I am absolutely of the opinion that genre, style, and the type of room should determine the appropriate volume for the front of the house, and that sometimes things just ain't the same unless the volume is reducing the pit to a turgid morass of shattered eardrums and soiled pants. People who enjoy this kind of show (you know who you are) won't have it any other way.
Conversely, I can think of no situation where a good band has been driven to new heights of genius by rehearsing at gut-wrenching volume. Even on stage it's easy to get the monitor mix so loud that it's difficult to hear little things like tone or tuning. You can talk all you want about "the energy level of the band" but let's face the facts - the musicians, not the monitor wedges and full stacks, bring the energy to the stage. If high stage volume is what makes you a good act, what happens when you are playing a large club and the sound guy wants to mix you at reasonable volumes? What happens when the guitarists tower of tone pumps out 140 dB, but the house monitors can only give the vocal monitors 110? Keep your stage volume down, kick a&& doing it, and you never have to deal with these issues again. It seems like a little less volume + a little more listening almost always equals more musical music. We may even find that when the guys are listenining to each other and hitting tighter is when the energy level goes through the cieling.
The advatage of rehearsing at arena volume? You'll never have to wonder, "am I too old to be rockin'?" You'll stop being able to hear long before that fateful day arrives.
I am absolutely of the opinion that genre, style, and the type of room should determine the appropriate volume for the front of the house, and that sometimes things just ain't the same unless the volume is reducing the pit to a turgid morass of shattered eardrums and soiled pants. People who enjoy this kind of show (you know who you are) won't have it any other way.
Conversely, I can think of no situation where a good band has been driven to new heights of genius by rehearsing at gut-wrenching volume. Even on stage it's easy to get the monitor mix so loud that it's difficult to hear little things like tone or tuning. You can talk all you want about "the energy level of the band" but let's face the facts - the musicians, not the monitor wedges and full stacks, bring the energy to the stage. If high stage volume is what makes you a good act, what happens when you are playing a large club and the sound guy wants to mix you at reasonable volumes? What happens when the guitarists tower of tone pumps out 140 dB, but the house monitors can only give the vocal monitors 110? Keep your stage volume down, kick a&& doing it, and you never have to deal with these issues again. It seems like a little less volume + a little more listening almost always equals more musical music. We may even find that when the guys are listenining to each other and hitting tighter is when the energy level goes through the cieling.
The advatage of rehearsing at arena volume? You'll never have to wonder, "am I too old to be rockin'?" You'll stop being able to hear long before that fateful day arrives.
What about hard-core speed metal blues?
I completely agree that the blues should not leave your ears ringing.
not all music is meant to be completely "safe."
That's why I only play while riding a motorcycle at top speed on interstate 80.
What about hard-core speed metal blues?
No.
But 'hard-core speed metal anthropomorphic deity worship with glockenspiel metal blues is OK.
I agree 100% with baalroo that it depends on genre as far as what's "appropriate".
I'm in a stoner rock/doom band, that consists of nothing but drums and bass. Last show I used...
Sunn Concert Bass (200w)
Sunn Concert Slave (200w)
Earth Sound Research Producer (220w)
2x15
2x15
4x12
4x10
1x18
Usually I don't use one of the 2x15's or the Earth head, but we felt like being louder, so we brought them along.
For me, the point of using all of this, is for the music to have more of a physical presence instead of just auditory. And for our band in particular, to be as loud as a full band, with guitars and vocals. I just don't feel that heavy music has the same impact if you can't feel it.
For practice though, I'll usually use both my Sunn amps and the 4x10/1x18 stack. Sometimes at practice I'll use the full setup if I feel like it. Depends on what I feel like hauling out to our garage.
One thing I'll note though, is that a band should all be in agreement about the volume they'll play at. If I was in a "full" band and felt the band needed to be louder for example, I wouldn't just turn up, I'd discuss it with the band. Having one member who is stubborn and always wants things his way is never fun.
I'm in a stoner rock/doom band, that consists of nothing but drums and bass. Last show I used...
Sunn Concert Bass (200w)
Sunn Concert Slave (200w)
Earth Sound Research Producer (220w)
2x15
2x15
4x12
4x10
1x18
Usually I don't use one of the 2x15's or the Earth head, but we felt like being louder, so we brought them along.
For me, the point of using all of this, is for the music to have more of a physical presence instead of just auditory. And for our band in particular, to be as loud as a full band, with guitars and vocals. I just don't feel that heavy music has the same impact if you can't feel it.
For practice though, I'll usually use both my Sunn amps and the 4x10/1x18 stack. Sometimes at practice I'll use the full setup if I feel like it. Depends on what I feel like hauling out to our garage.
One thing I'll note though, is that a band should all be in agreement about the volume they'll play at. If I was in a "full" band and felt the band needed to be louder for example, I wouldn't just turn up, I'd discuss it with the band. Having one member who is stubborn and always wants things his way is never fun.
If you want loud you should have went to see Ministry (possibly the loudest shows ive ever been too), Pantera with their wall of speakers, or Motorhead.
I expect things to be totally different when seeing a blues band, or pop, or country, but you get get the idea.
When i go to see a band i want to see and hear them, not chit chat with friends or the bartender except between sets so to me that is a nonpoint. And if something superawesome happens i will holler in my friends ear, or wave my bottle and the bartender usually gets the idea.
Practice, loud is not necessary.
I expect things to be totally different when seeing a blues band, or pop, or country, but you get get the idea.
When i go to see a band i want to see and hear them, not chit chat with friends or the bartender except between sets so to me that is a nonpoint. And if something superawesome happens i will holler in my friends ear, or wave my bottle and the bartender usually gets the idea.
Practice, loud is not necessary.
