Re: HELP! I'm Running Sound For the (sort've) First Time
I've provided sound system support for many gigs over the years, though only on "ancient" equipment (that I own). Don't even own a laptop, shows you what a geezer I am.
I just want to reassure you: you're a musician, and that gives you an advantage. You know how things are supposed to sound, and you can basically set up the board "flat," then make careful small adjustments to get the sound you want to get. The fewer adjustments you feel you need to make, the better.
If you can get a practice session on the unfamiliar board, that could surely help. But your own ears are your biggest asset. And keeping "tweaks" as few and small as you can.
Get there early, if possible, and check out mic and speaker locations, crucial in minimizing feedback problems. Talk to the musicians before their sets, see what they like and what issues they've experienced. With a succession of acts, you're probably not going to be able to do real sound checks, and you'll be adjusting on the fly. Not ideal, but rely on your ears, smile and agree with each act and then set the board the way you like it, and keep it as simple as possible.
Years ago, I went to a city-sponsored concert by Walt Michael's band -- hammered dulcimer, fiddle, guitar, string bass mostly. I knew Walt slightly; before the show started he came over and said to me, "You know what we sound like, and the kind of music we do. Let's have you sit next to the sound man and make suggestions during the show." The sound guy was OK with that, and after starting out all guitar-and-bass as if it were a rock band, we soon had the mix changed to one that was good for the group.
Musicians make good sound persons, even if they're less than fluent with the newest technology. IMHO, anyway.
Allen Hopkins
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