Help with live sound mixing

[vidieowiz4]

youtube.com/watch?v=xT_EtpT_D6E]Big

This performance was about a year ago and I haven't performed with my friend since then, basically why does it sound so bad? I am running the backing track through my amp (I am the one singing).

Does it have to do with distortion/delay/reverb? Is it our volumes or maybe the EQ (I have no idea how to set up EQ optimally I just mess with it till I like it)

Any Help is appreciated, I am using a Peavey Vypyr 30 in that vid and I am unsure of my friends amp

 

[BroKen_H]

It has to do with the amplifier in general. Guitar amps are deisgned to make guitars sound good. If you're running the bass and drums through your amp instead of a pa, you're going to sound "bad"
You kick the song, though dude! You might choose material more appropriate for your vocal range, though. You sing well, but Klaus is an octave above you...

 

[vidieowiz4]

It has to do with the amplifier in general. Guitar amps are deisgned to make guitars sound good. If you're running the bass and drums through your amp instead of a pa, you're going to sound "bad"
You kick the song, though dude! You might choose material more appropriate for your vocal range, though. You sing well, but Klaus is an octave above you...

yea I know the singing is not fitting for my voice I just really love the song, so you think if I just run the backing track through another speak I am good to go?

 

[bouldersoundguy]

...so you think if I just run the backing track through another speak I am good to go?

That depends on your definition of "good to go". It would certainly be a step in the right direction. One decent powered PA speaker would improve the sound a lot, and a second one could be used for a stage monitor.

 

[vidieowiz4]

That depends on your definition of "good to go". It would certainly be a step in the right direction. One decent powered PA speaker would improve the sound a lot, and a second one could be used for a stage monitor.

What is the best I could do without having to buy a PA system? I am a poor college kid who just wants to play at open mic nights and talent shows

 

[bouldersoundguy]

What is the best I could do without having to buy a PA system? I am a poor college kid who just wants to play at open mic nights and talent shows

About the minimum that will work would be a single powered PA speaker. Some have several inputs so you could hook up an iPod, laptop or whatever and a vocal mic or two.

 

[rob aylestone]

If you cannot use appropriate equipment and need to sound good then play live and forget tracks. It's impossible to get decent sound from the wrong kit.

 

[BroKen_H]

The problem is, its drums and bass. If it were just drums, I'd say borrow your mates' stereos and daisy chain some home stereos to pump the drums out, but you got bass in the mix and it'll tear up other peoples' kit if you pump bass at volume through a stereo. ( I know they're made to push bass, but in a mix, not by itself. )
You guys obviously have some talent Why don't you advertise around the campus for someone who plays bass or drums or both. I got a lot of gigs in college because I played my bass at volume in the dorm room and other musicians heard what and how well I played...I'd throw on some Yes or Angel or UK and just let the cab shake the building. Never got any complaints (except about the music itself). When I joined the military, I did the same thing and found amazing musicians to form the bands I was in in Denver. Anyway, maybe someone on your campus (or a high schooler nearby) will have a practice space or a PA or you never know where it might lead. I made my living for 15 years after getting out of the Air Force because I played in my barracks room and a lot of other musicians were in the same building.