How To Set Up Sound Effectively for a Concert
Setting up for a concert can be one of the most stressful aspects of show day.
Whether there is one band or multiple bands, each band will have a different method that they have created and each band will have different instrumental needs.
To get the set up for a show done efficiently, use the following seven steps.
Step one: Know what the band(s) are expecting.
Prior to the show date, have a meeting with the band(s) about what instruments they have, what equipment they normally use, and what they expect to bring.
Make sure to write all of this down to avoid future confusion or conflict.
Step two: Coordinate with the chosen sound technician.
Unless you are running sound yourself, chances are you will have hired a sound engineer or technician to run the sound the day of a show.
Make sure that he or she knows of any special or unique requests from any of the bands, how many bands there will be, and what equipment will be used.
If the engineer is not familiar with certain pieces of equipment, be sure to find someone that can help with that aspect of the day.
Step three: Rent proper equipment.
Depending on the venue and the sound engineer being used, it may be necessary to outsource to another company to get the proper equipment for the day.
Some venues are equipped with all of the necessary equipment.
Some sound engineers prefer to bring equipment that they know how to use and will bring it.
If not, they may suggest a vendor that can provide this equipment for the day of the show.
Be sure to take into account that this will be an extra fee.
Step four: Double check the bands' requirements.
Nothing is worse than realizing that a band needs five microphones and there are only four available.
Make sure that there are drum microphones, handheld microphones, amplifiers, and all of the necessary wires for each band.
Allow for backup equipment in case of technical difficulties.
Make sure that the equipment is compatible with the sound system being used.
Step five: Have bands arrive hours in advance for set up.
Give each band a specific time to be at the venue to set up their equipment.
Allow each band to have about thirty minutes.
The most effective way to assure that set up and break down are quick through a multi-band show is to have the drummers set up their kits around the stage.
Have the last band's drummer set up his or her kit backstage first and work backwards.
That way, the drums will be set up in order allowing a smooth transition on and off the stage.
This has been proven to take at least fifteen minutes off of set up and break down time in my experience.
Step six: Do an inventory of the instruments and equipment at the venue on show day.
As redundant as it may sound, the day of a show can be stressful and cause band members to forget their instruments or there could be a lost microphone in the mix.
Have local musicians and instrument supply stores on call in case of a crisis.
Step seven: Do a full sound check.
Each sound engineer has a different method of doing this.
I have observed a sound engineer that only did a sound check for the first band and then another engineer that did sound check in between each of the sets.
Having only one sound check seems risky, but the results are ultimately the same.
As long as the sound is adjusted to fit the venue, it is easy to adjust levels during a set without ruining it.
Make sure that the drums do not overpower the vocals and that the guitar does not get over powered by the bass.
All instruments should be heard, but should not overpower the vocalist.
Once sound check is complete the show is ready to begin.
The process of assuring sound is perfect for the day of the show starts at least a week prior to the show, starting with knowing/learning about band expectations, coordinating with the sound technician or engineer, renting the proper equipment, double checking that the bands' needs are met, having bands arrive early for set up, doing an inventory of instruments and equipment, and finally doing a full sound check to result in a great show.
By following all of the above steps, the sound at the show will be top notch and the show day will be much simpler.
Whether there is one band or multiple bands, each band will have a different method that they have created and each band will have different instrumental needs.
To get the set up for a show done efficiently, use the following seven steps.
Step one: Know what the band(s) are expecting.
Prior to the show date, have a meeting with the band(s) about what instruments they have, what equipment they normally use, and what they expect to bring.
Make sure to write all of this down to avoid future confusion or conflict.
Step two: Coordinate with the chosen sound technician.
Unless you are running sound yourself, chances are you will have hired a sound engineer or technician to run the sound the day of a show.
Make sure that he or she knows of any special or unique requests from any of the bands, how many bands there will be, and what equipment will be used.
If the engineer is not familiar with certain pieces of equipment, be sure to find someone that can help with that aspect of the day.
Step three: Rent proper equipment.
Depending on the venue and the sound engineer being used, it may be necessary to outsource to another company to get the proper equipment for the day.
Some venues are equipped with all of the necessary equipment.
Some sound engineers prefer to bring equipment that they know how to use and will bring it.
If not, they may suggest a vendor that can provide this equipment for the day of the show.
Be sure to take into account that this will be an extra fee.
Step four: Double check the bands' requirements.
Nothing is worse than realizing that a band needs five microphones and there are only four available.
Make sure that there are drum microphones, handheld microphones, amplifiers, and all of the necessary wires for each band.
Allow for backup equipment in case of technical difficulties.
Make sure that the equipment is compatible with the sound system being used.
Step five: Have bands arrive hours in advance for set up.
Give each band a specific time to be at the venue to set up their equipment.
Allow each band to have about thirty minutes.
The most effective way to assure that set up and break down are quick through a multi-band show is to have the drummers set up their kits around the stage.
Have the last band's drummer set up his or her kit backstage first and work backwards.
That way, the drums will be set up in order allowing a smooth transition on and off the stage.
This has been proven to take at least fifteen minutes off of set up and break down time in my experience.
Step six: Do an inventory of the instruments and equipment at the venue on show day.
As redundant as it may sound, the day of a show can be stressful and cause band members to forget their instruments or there could be a lost microphone in the mix.
Have local musicians and instrument supply stores on call in case of a crisis.
Step seven: Do a full sound check.
Each sound engineer has a different method of doing this.
I have observed a sound engineer that only did a sound check for the first band and then another engineer that did sound check in between each of the sets.
Having only one sound check seems risky, but the results are ultimately the same.
As long as the sound is adjusted to fit the venue, it is easy to adjust levels during a set without ruining it.
Make sure that the drums do not overpower the vocals and that the guitar does not get over powered by the bass.
All instruments should be heard, but should not overpower the vocalist.
Once sound check is complete the show is ready to begin.
The process of assuring sound is perfect for the day of the show starts at least a week prior to the show, starting with knowing/learning about band expectations, coordinating with the sound technician or engineer, renting the proper equipment, double checking that the bands' needs are met, having bands arrive early for set up, doing an inventory of instruments and equipment, and finally doing a full sound check to result in a great show.
By following all of the above steps, the sound at the show will be top notch and the show day will be much simpler.
