what is your modus operandi when doing sound check for a gig

evoid · Post by **evoid** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 2:42 pm

ok, mine goes like this:

after all the plugging, and placing, and talk with the sound guy (if there is one):

0. never piss off the sound guy (roach808)

1. use the test tone (built in the preferences) for checking the overall behaviour of the low-end / low-mid frequencies.
if there are problems, try to solve the room physic ones (like strange vibrations on the 60 htz)

2. play a part of the live set for check on the EQ

3. correct the EQ until it sounds good

4. play another part of the set (a different type if you make ecletic music)

4. correct the EQ until it sounds good overall

5. negotiate the maximum level with the sound guy, taking in mind that you should have enough room up in your side,
just in case you want to pump the level a bit during the gig

6. grab a beer and listen to the sound in the audience area

7. check the monitor sound (if you have one!)

8. check the light with the light guy (tempus3r)

9. if possible do NOT unplug your equipment after soundcheck (Robert)

please comment on this, and add / subtract steps on your suggestions!

cheers,

synnack · Post by **synnack** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:01 pm

That's not bad.

I would add though that in my experience rooms sound very different empty than with people in it.

So i wouldn't go so crazy on the room EQ because it will change once there's a bunch of people in it.

Also during soundcheck you should cat with lighting person (if there is one) and give them an idea of what lights you want

roach808 · Post by **roach808** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:09 pm

never piss off the sound guy.

astromass · Post by **astromass** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:27 pm

most shows i do, or did have had NO sound checks...basically, set up your shit, in the dark, while other people are playing. ha!

synnack · Post by **synnack** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 4:09 pm

astromass wrote:most shows i do, or did have had NO sound checks...basically, set up your shit, in the dark, while other people are playing. ha!

Yeah that happens. Especially if you're set is more DJ-style.

But for the most part, my performance contract states it is required. No sound check, no show.

"The ARTIST REQUIRES a sound check at least 1.5 hours BEFORE venue doors
open. The house sound engineer must to be present to operate house equipment during sound check as well as during the live performance"

evoid · Post by **evoid** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 4:13 pm

astromass wrote:most shows i do, or did have had NO sound checks...basically, set up your shit, in the dark, while other people are playing. ha!

yup, i've played in all kind of situations (like setting up inside a record store while it's open) but when you do have soundcheck, i like to really check the setup

evoid · Post by **evoid** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 4:15 pm

tempus3r wrote: "The ARTIST REQUIRES a sound check at least 1.5 hours BEFORE venue doors
open. The house sound engineer must to be present to operate house equipment during sound check as well as during the live performance"

well that's a good addition to my contract paper..

synnack · Post by **synnack** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 4:20 pm

evoid wrote:
tempus3r wrote: "The ARTIST REQUIRES a sound check at least 1.5 hours BEFORE venue doors
open. The house sound engineer must to be present to operate house equipment during sound check as well as during the live performance"
well that's a good addition to my contract paper..

This is a good one too....

"MISCELLANEOUS: After soundcheck, the ARTIST requires a space to store empty cases and gear not in use. This space should be away from public access and securable (preferably by locked door)."

3dot... · Post by **3dot...** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 4:21 pm

...a UPS device can save lives... I almost stabbed the electricity guy who had dropped the power of the house 2 times while we were setting up first time with my new lappie!!!

but so far the list sounds about right...of course if you have mics in there you have to be a lot more anal about resonant frequencies!!!

Robert Henke · Post by **Robert Henke** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:02 pm

another favorite of mine:
if possible do NOT unplug your equipment after soundcheck. Chances are good that after replugging something is not like it was before. Soundcheck not only helps setting up the sound right but also ensures that all cables are working and that the soundguy's mixer setup is fine. I more than once had the situation whrere I needed to share same mixer channels with other acts, especially at festivals and the soundguy promisses that you will get exactly the same result as during soundcheck and then he forgets to reset the EQ or confuses you with the dude after you and you wonder why it all sounds completly differnent once you start playing and one side of the monitor is off while the other one kills your ear....

evoid · Post by **evoid** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:15 pm

Robert Henke wrote:if possible do NOT unplug your equipment after soundcheck.

yup, thats for sure!

i normally put my computer to sleep after the soundcheck and leave everything as is..
don't know if its better to shutown and do a quick check before starting?

synnack · Post by **synnack** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:20 pm

evoid wrote:
Robert Henke wrote:if possible do NOT unplug your equipment after soundcheck.
yup, thats for sure!

i normally put my computer to sleep after the soundcheck and leave everything as is..
don't know if its better to shutown and do a quick check before starting?

The problem I have with this is that in many situations, you soundcheck, then they feed you or you end up back stage while another band soundchecks. I never feel too good about leaving my $2500 mac laptop sitting there when I can't see it. I know it's to not touch anything after souncheck but because of high theft risk, I take my laptop with me until it's time to go on.

cosmosuave · Post by **cosmosuave** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:13 pm

Buying the the Sound Tech a drink also helps...

hacktheplanet · Post by **hacktheplanet** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 10:34 pm

Here's mine:

1. Saunter up behind the turntables.
2. Crack open a bottle of champagne. Drink.
3. Say hello to the DJ.
4. Setup computer, synth, interface, controller right next to the DJ.
5. When the DJ finishes, put everything on the turntable and mixer.
6. Turn up volume and press play.

Yeah, it sucks. But of the shows I've played, a sound check is a luxury.

I think I got one once. It was very leisurely.

lunabass · Post by **lunabass** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:22 am

liking those contract clauses tempus3r

tempus3r wrote: The problem I have with this is that in many situations, you soundcheck, then they feed you or you end up back stage while another band soundchecks. I never feel too good about leaving my $2500 mac laptop sitting there when I can't see it. I know it's to not touch anything after souncheck but because of high theft risk, I take my laptop with me until it's time to go on.

same here. i never leave my laptop up there, everything else stays but the lappy comes with me. it's not just theft, you also have to consider some other band or dj spilling drinks on your gear...or thinking it's cool to have a line on your keyboard etc.

always cover your gear with a black sheet or cover when you've finished sound check.