Live music and sound

[PorscheGAL]

My husband and I go to live shows once a month or so (less since covid). Mostly we see rock and metal groups. Sometimes you can hear every word coming out of the lead singer's mouth, even over the guitars and drums and sometimes, the lead singer gets drowned out. I've been to shows where I can hear the opening act clearly but not the headliner and vice versa.

Why does this happen? How does the band and their sound people not realize the lead singer is being drowned out?

Along that note: we went to a show recently where the lead singer switched ear pieces half way through the show and his voice changed. I'm guessing he was perceiving the sound different with the new ear piece?

No musical background here, just someone who loves music.

[Rick Lee]

The headlining band soundchecks first. The opening band does it last, so they're likely to sound better. Though the venue filling up with people between soundcheck and downbeat will absorb a lot of the high end. These days most sound guys can save all the settings on an iPad and then just pull them up when the next band comes on. But things get moved around in between and it affects sound. I refuse to use in-ears. I only wear foam earplugs and I can myself singing so much better that way, no matter the stage volume or ambient noise. I hate nothing in the world more than relying on batteries for anything, which is why I rarely use a wireless transmitter on my guitar, unless it's a real short set. In that case I use a new set of AAs and toss them after the set.

[Norm K]

Not all sound equipment or sound engineers are created equal.

_

[David]

I've been at shows in small venues where I'm sitting within feet of the sound board and wonder if the tech is listening to the same show I am. How can some of these guys be so bad?

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

The headlining band soundchecks first. The opening band does it last, so they're likely to sound better. Though the venue filling up with people between soundcheck and downbeat will absorb a lot of the high end. These days most sound guys can save all the settings on an iPad and then just pull them up when the next band comes on. But things get moved around in between and it affects sound. I refuse to use in-ears.

That makes so much sense for a show I went to last week. Thanks for the insight.

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by David

I've been at shows in small venues where I'm sitting within feet of the sound board and wonder if the tech is listening to the same show I am. How can some of these guys be so bad?

Yes! This happens too often

[David]

Stephanie, since you're not too far from Charlotte, did you ever go to the Double Door Inn?

I always looked forward to business trips to Charlotte because I knew I was in for some good live music. Too bad it closed a few years ago.

[Gogar]

Sound engineers are like drivers.

PA systems are the cars.

A great driver can drive a terrible car and win;

Conversely a terrible driver can drive a great car and lose. Or win.


It also helps (if possible) to move around in the venue if you don't have assigned seats, to find the place that you enjoy best. You might not find that place.

I'm always amazed how many people will stand at the barricade basically 5 feet behind the speakers, and complain they can't hear the vocal. And people who will plop themselves right in front of a Marshall stack and complain that all they can hear is guitar.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by David

Stephanie, since you're not too far from Charlotte, did you ever go to the Double Door Inn?

I always looked forward to business trips to Charlotte because I knew I was in for some good live music. Too bad it closed a few years ago.

Been there quite a few times... it was an awesome little club . Always had access to the "green room" with the band upstairs too ... good times!

I don't see many live shows anymore, but the Visulite Theater near there was always a great venue too!

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Gogar

It also helps (if possible) to move around in the venue if you don't have assigned seats, to find the place that you enjoy best. You might not find that place.

Yep... I usually found a "sweet spot"

[herr_oberst]

I love little clubs, seen a lot of acts come through my small town in 5, 600 seat venues... (BHTM is one, and they are always great). Access to the band is why I appreciate the local halls.

Rule number one, never forget your earplugs. If you do forget your earplugs, go to one of the concessions and ask for some. A lot of times they pass them out for free.
You'll probably need 'em. If you're going to see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club you will 100% need 'em. Every time.

And yeah, check out the room for a listening spot. I saw Bruce Cockburn at a small club, I found a sweet spot and was just blown away. It's very rare that a club hall sounds better than a recording, but that was one of the few times.
I saw Miles Davis at the same club that same year and the mix was horrible no matter where I stood.

[KFC911]

Hey David... do a search on the Double Door Inn and you can find a link to a documentary that was on UNC public TV a couple years back.... you'd probably enjoy it.

[flatbutt]

On a tangent but related is my experience at large parties particularly weddings. The music is so loud that I can't remain in the same room. Wearing ear plugs makes it impossible to converse so the whole experience is a waste of time.

At least at a concert you can still enjoy the show with earplugs.

[PorscheGAL]

My husband does not like crowds very much. We compromise by paying a little more for a seat in our local, small venue. It is right beside the sound engineers so I would think I am hearing what he is hearing but could be wrong.

I'm amazed when I hear the same band in 2 different venues and have 2 different experiences. One is clear and one is not.

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by David

Stephanie, since you're not too far from Charlotte, did you ever go to the Double Door Inn?

I always looked forward to business trips to Charlotte because I knew I was in for some good live music. Too bad it closed a few years ago.

No, I never got to go there.

[KFC911]

Many venues only have a few "sweet spots" and it's possible the location of the soundboard & guy aren't in it and he "tweaked" everything for those areas. Or mebbe he is just can't drive