Getting A Good Live Sound
Getting A Good Live Sound
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Allcroft]Kevin Allcroft
Getting a good live sound is not rocket science and doesn’t need a Midas Heritage 42 channel mixing desk with 10 aux sends, 4 band parametric EQ and a load of outboard gear that needs fourteen roadies to move it and a specialist cable guy to set it up.
If you have a PA already with a decent mixing desk, your half way there. The first thing to think about is the input level. You need there to be no hiss or hum on every channel you’ll be using and also make sure that the channels are not peaking as this can lead to distortion and feedback.
Now that you have a good clean input level, try some equalization or EQ. This part will depend on the mixing desk you’re using. Most desks have a three band EQ on each channel. This will allow you to change the high, mid and low frequencies of your input level. It’s best to have a look at you instruction booklet to see what frequencies these are set at.
If you are lucky enough to have a more expensive mixer which has sweeping frequencies and even a Q control then you should be able to achieve the sound you what for the channel your working on.
Now there is not much use for panning within live sound in small venues (which alot of us start out in within original, [http://www.grooveonline.co.uk ]function and show bands) as the sound will be reflected of the walls. A small amount can help to bring the vocals out if they are left central and everything else is panned.
Different effects can be added to you channels. These will depend on what you want to do to the signal. If to want to add some reverb to a vocal then some delay and verb should be added. If you want to get a really tight and punchy kick drum sound a gate and compressor would be needed.
Effects can be added to a signal in different ways Pre-fader/post-fader, through and Aux send, using an insert or before the signal reaches the mixing desk. Generally speaking Reverb to vocals is added post fader through an Aux send. Punchy Kick drum is either inserted pre fader to a gate and compressor or Pre-fader through an Aux send to one or both the gate and compressor.
There is no right or wrong way to do any of the things covered here but through time and trying different things out you will come up with your method of achieving a good live sound. Never be scared to try something and for it to go wrong it’s the only way you really learn.
By Kevin Allcroft HND Music Production
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Allcroft http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-A-Good-Live-Sound&id=549125
Related Articles:
How to Start Your Own Band
Have you ever had a desire to start your own band? Do it today by following the three easy steps outlined in this article...
Rock Band Song List - Now and In the Future
The latest entry into the music/rhythm gaming genre is MTV/Harmonix's awesome Rock Band. Just in time for the holidays, this is one hot ticket that's about to set a new level in the gaming industry. The Rock band song list has songs from the Rolling Stones, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and many others. Read on for the entire Rock Band song list and future additions.
This Game Doesn't Suck - Don't Get Discouraged With Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero has quickly become one of the hottest games on the gaming market. Unfortunately, some have a tougher time of it than others. This leads them to proclaim that "Guitar Hero sucks". No, it most assuredly does not suck. You just need to take the right steps to develop a little proficiency with the game. This article provides handy tips to get you on the road to being great at Guitar Hero.
Musician's Guide To Band Agreements
If you write songs within a band, you need to plan for the day when you will be earning royalties from your songs....
Where Do You Want Your Music To Fall Into? The "Biz" Or The "Everything"?
To quote a question from my favorite movie Almost Famous, "What do you love about music?", the answer,"Well, to begin with.... everything!" There is a pretty big difference between the "everything" that we love in the "Music Industry", and the unnerving abyss that is the "Music Biz". Teetering on the fence between the two, where does today's artist fall?
"Muggles" Make Magical Music
Exploring Harry Potter's Influence on Music: This informative and fun article goes beyond the books and into our Muggle world of music which was inspired by J.K. Rowling's series.
Musicians: How to Look for Band Members
Looking for band members is never an easy task. You may first want to ask yourself what exactly you’re looking for – whether it is to join an existing band or find individual members to start your own band. Obviously, both have their differences and this should be answered first before you start your grueling search.
Bare Bones Rock Band Equipment
What are the "bare bones" needed to start a rock band? Well, besides the desire itself, one of the first requirements is having the...
The Rock Band Bundle - Rock Band Bundle Gives You More Playing Choices
MTV has released the newest addition to the rock band gaming industry. Hot on the heels of the popular Guitar Heroes game, the Rock Band bundle offers the consumer more choices than its competitor.
Starting A Band
So you are an excellent musician, you love your music and the notion of performing excites you. From the time you first discovered that music was your life, there has been some hollow feeling deep down inside, this feeling like a part of you has not been born yet, something is incomplete perhaps.
Bare Bones Rock Band Equipment
What are the "bare bones" needed to start a rock band? Well, besides the desire itself, one of the first requirements is having the...
Top Ten Things To Do At A Rock Show
Between waiting for the bands to set up, sound checks, and the random nothing in between acts, there can be a lot of downtime at a rock show.
Oh Go On, Say You'll Be My Baby
Okay, so we can spare a moment to remember the sultry vocals of Morrison-esque Hutchinson and his band, INXS, but the story of modern Aussie audio contributions doesn’t stop there. Therefore, it may be high time to give Savage Garden an affectionate hug.
Big Old Names Touring in Los Angeles in July '07
Given the current big names in music touring today - Beyonce and Justin Timberlake to name a few - it is impressive to see some older bands from 40 years back competing for limelight in the summer concert season.
Getting A Good Live Sound
Getting a good live sound is not rocket science and doesn't need a Midas Heritage 42 channel mixing desk with 10 aux sends, 4 band parametric EQ and a load of outboard gear that needs fourteen roadies to move it and a specialist cable guy to set it up.