HELP!! Live Mixing!!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nilbog
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Nilbog

Nilbog

hello
Okay, this lady called me because she heard I did recording through a friend. She asked me if I would be interested in doing live mixing for her band. I told her I would try, but I didnt have ANY experience doing live mixing. Anyway, tonight I'm going to their gig and am going to be working with their regular soundman (who is quiting or some such nonsense). Anyway, so I need your help.
Tell me everything I need to know about live mixing. I mean, all the tips and tricks so everyone wont think I'm retarded. The band is a pop band with acoustic guitar, keys, cello, etc.. She said the vocals were the most important thing.
-Nilbog
 
hahahahhaha.... I just went through the same thing but it was worse. Quick story =)
Ok.... I was all ready and set to record a big live performance my school does every year. About 2 hours worth of live bands. Ranging from death metal to a a pair that played a sax while the other played the spoons..(it was hilarious.) As we were setting up the live sound guy tells me about 2 hours before it starts that he has to work and I have to do ALL the sound....well to say the least I was thrilled! Like you I had ZERO live exp. And for mics they gave me Shure BG 1.1's. Want a REALLY bad stage mic... use those. So I was beyond nervous as the thing began. The setup was ridiculous.... we had no monitors for the performers, crappy speakers, awful mics, not enough cables to hook it all up and a lousy amp. heh... I was ready to die.

Thats my more than little story... in the end it went really well and I had no complaints from the audience(the performers weren't pleased about the lack of monitors). But it is basically the same setup when it comes to plugging things in. Just watch for feedback and make sure the vocals can be heard. Obviously I'm not a pro.... but just take it easy and learn from it. I learned a lot from it! just don't bother trying to uphold your rep as a kick ass recording guy, just learn as much as you can from the live guy while he is still there, don't be afraid to ask questions. Better to look dumb to him than to look dumb infront of the audience when they can't hear half the band or itz feedback hell. Talk to the guy and try to get used to the equipment and PUSH for a run through or 3.... thats my thoughts! GOOD LUCK!!!
 
Damn good advice Sabith! I went thru the same
experience. Nuff'said! :)
 
A coupla' more points. Put your self in the audiences shoes. They came to hear the music!
Focus on the vocals. Don't make them too over-powering. Always be on feedback alert!
Try not to let any 1 instrument control the overall sound unless the particular piece
calls for it.Keep the acoustic guitar placed
evenly with any electronic instruments. Try not to be a "Tweak-Freak".Relax and have a
good time!
 
Nilbog,

Being a "tweak-freak" as Misterque put it is one of the things to watch out for. It's OK to tweak the EQ occasionally through the show, but try not to play with the volume too much, especially if there are foldbacks. If the vocalist has decent mic technique, you're in luck, cos they are the hardest to get right (the little bastards keep varyingthe distance they sing from if they don't know what they're doing).


Mostly, make sure you get a decent sound in the soundcheck, write down the levels (so if some smartarse decides he wants to play sound engineer while you're getting a beer, you're not completely screwed), tweak a bit through the first couple of songs to allow for the corowd in the room, then sit back and really just watch out for feedback.

Guitar and drum micing techniques are similar to recording, 'cept bleeding can be a bit more annoying.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the change. Live sound teaches you a different style of sound engineering - it's far more the "gaffer tape and pray" approach, which keeps you on your toes.

- gaffa
 
Thanks for your help guys! Those are all great tips. I ended up not actually doing any of the sound myself, but just kind of watching. Tryin to figure out if I was up for it. The soundguy they already have is pretty amazing, but I tell you what, he can't keep his hands off the board. (I dont know if thats good or bad - I say if it aint broke, dont fix it). Anyway, it sounded really good, and I had a good experience. I have to tell the lady tomarrow if I'm going to do it permanantly, and I still havent decided. ughh..

-=Nilbog=-
 
Nilbog, go for it and do the mixing. It's a lot of fun (although it's also a lot of late nights/early mornings.) Shows you a whole different side to sound engineering, with all new problems to overcome.

I just re-read my first post, and decided that the first paragraph din't actually make a lot of sense. Oh well, the moment has passed...

- gaffa

[This message has been edited by gaffa (edited 05-07-2000).]
 
Hey. Since your just starting, you might want to think twice before you turn a knob, but your goal as an engineer is NOT set-and forget :). Eventually you'll want to be as involved in the song as the musicians themselves. Once you know the music, you'll be bringing up different parts for emphasis, changing effects levels and basically working your ass off all show long. and its totally fun. All im saying is, an engineer is a musician and the board is your instrument. dont be afraid to play it.

xoxo
 
Excellent point by Camn. The board is an
instrument. Make it part of the band Goblin
er......Nilbog! :)
 
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