Question About Stage Volume?

Todd Pertll · Post by **Todd Pertll** » 30 Jul 2001 2:59 pm

When setting up on stage how do you determine your stage volume? Also when playing on a stage that warrents a soundman, how do you set your amp? As a new steel player I haven't encountered the latter yet. But, I'm scared that if I give him a certain level that everything I do with the volume pedal below that level will be olst for the rest of the night.

Thanks in advance,

Todd

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 30 Jul 2001 3:23 pm

Todd, if you have a sound man, play at a level that's comfortable for you, and let him worry about the "house mix". If you don't have a sound man, then someone knowledgeable will have to go to the floor to check house levels.

I like playing without a monitor, but other pickers don't. They're usually essential for the singer, though.

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 30 Jul 2001 4:20 pm

Guitar players are known for setting their guitar volume control on about half for sound check and then turning it up for the gig.

I know . . . I used to be a guitar player.

All seriousness aside, a good sound man is as important as any other member of the band. You work with them, pay them well, and they'll be good to you. TALK TO THEM. A good sound engineer is playing the BAND. A good balance is their prime objective. Some don't have much experience with steel guitar but if you let them know what tone you're after and be willing to work with the sound man you'll sound good out front. BE THE SOUND MAN'S BUDDY. The sound man's ENEMY is the one who gets buried in the mix.

My experience, anyway.

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Emmons D-10 9x9, 1971 Dobro
[This message was edited by Larry Bell on 30 July 2001 at 05:25 PM.]

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 30 Jul 2001 7:10 pm

* [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 06 May 2002 at 09:58 AM.]

Craig Allen · Post by **Craig Allen** » 30 Jul 2001 8:17 pm

What they said, but...........

Get your amp as close to you as possible, and pointed at your EAR, not your back. (My backside doesn't hear too well!!)

I always use a Direct Box,(D.I.), and I ALWAYS go to the house. Even in a small house with a small P.A. I don't play so loud that the bassist on the other side of the stage can hear me with out a little help.

I mix myself mostly off of the vocalist, and the bassist, for rythm, and off of the guitar for lead.

With the steel in the house mix, it fills out the sound a little, even when you might think that it's overkill.

What to do with the engineer:
If he has no experience with steal, I generally ASK him to give me a flat stip, and average the gain. (remember, we play with a VOLUME pedal). And if they don't snap to THAT, they'll be riding your gains all night long and really give you the fits.

ALWAYS buy him his favorite drink, and tell him about any chix that he may not have seen yet. It helps. LOL

The bottom line is to just chill out, and have a good time. It will come, and you'll get it. Just relax and play good music, and have fun. And if ya screw up, just tell 'em it was Avante-Garde, and they just wouldn't understand it.

C YA

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 30 Jul 2001 8:32 pm

Lots of good advise here. I would add one trick I have learned dealing with sound guys:

Do not face your amp towards the soundman. The direct highs headed straight at him will keep you out of the mains.

Bob

Why do sound guys only count to 2 when they check mikes ?

Because if they counted to 3 they might have to lift something.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 30 Jul 2001 8:43 pm

HUH? CAN'T HEAR YOU. MUSIC IS TOO LOUD.

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 31 Jul 2001 6:19 am

* [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 06 May 2002 at 09:59 AM.]