Live mixing techniques?

[kid_amnesiac]

So, I've started doing some simple home recording, and have been introduced to some great techniques for cleaning up the mud (compression, eq'ing, etc) (thanks everyone!).

Anyways, I'm curious if these EQ'ing and compression techniques are often applied to live shows-- I'm thinking of a few bands (Radiohead and Portishead, in particular) that sound incredibly similar when you compare live shows to the studio material. Is this a result of them using studio gear during live shows (not all studio gear of course, but you get my point)?

 

[Massive Master]

Appropriate core sounds and a quality reproduction chain are fairly universal.

What you use to attain those core sounds and reproduction can vary greatly - or very little - from studio to stage.

I certainly don't use the same gear or precisely the same technique from one to the other - But the point is the same.

 

[RawDepth]

Yes, you can apply some of the same EQ and compression theory to live mixing. However, the approach often ends up being different due to different problems associated with live performances. Generally mics need to be less intrusive, instruments are less isolated, headphones are less common, and room acoustics rarely cooperate. And unless you have "superb" FOH speakers, they usually don't sound very natural at higher levels. Some of the EQing and compression that I do live is actually damage control.

I have learned that larger venues are far easier to mix compared to tiny bar rooms. Bars are worse due to ambient stage volume overpowering the PA speakers. (Damn, I wish I could get musicians to understand that.)

Those bands who do sound good live are the ones who bend over backwards to cooperate with the sound guy or remote recording guy. The point is, it's a team effort.