The Best Ways To Use Your Audio Main Speakers and Amplifiers For Great Band Sound!
Sooner or later it was bound to happen. And, it is a good thing. Your band finally gets the chance to play for a real live audience, and get paid to perform. But, that leads to the problem of equipment. Up until now you have been able to get by with one or two speakers, and maybe an amplifier. Now, you are going to have to have enough audio equipment and speakers for the band, and that will mean purchasing or renting it, and learning how it works, so you can perform.
No matter what the size of your band, main speakers and amplifiers will be needed. Your singer will most definitely need amplification to be heard over the rest of the band. If your finances can swing it, you should try to use a main amplifier, main speakers, and even an input sound mixer to have the best chance for a good band sound.
For your main amplifier unit, you can concentrate on two ways to go. The first option is to get a single amplifier that combines a power amp and the mixer functions. And many time, these units will also include an equalization function. This is an advantage in poor sounding venues. The outputs for this type unit should be main speaker outs, left and right, and a monitor out.
Audio equipment like this all-in-one unit can be a great solution for a band just starting out, or for a small group. Since these size band do not usually have a separate person to take care of the sound at the performance, a single unit as the recommended choice.
Creating a combination of main speakers, monitor speakers, separate power amplifier and mixer, and maybe even an effects unit should be seriously considered by your band. By using these audio components, you will have greater band sound flexibility and enhanced sound reproduction choices. The down side of this approach is that you will need to allow more time to setup your audio gear before a performance. Also, your start-up expenses are higher than with a simpler setup. Although, when and if you expand your band, you can do so for no additional costs later.
The number of speakers you use for your performances is an important decision. At a minimum, using a monitor speaker, along with two main speakers, one left and one right, should be preferred. If you perform in an exceptionally small room, you may get by with only one or two speakers.
Regarding monitor speakers, you may be able to survive with one monitor if your band members are relatively close on stage. If members are not closely arranged, you will need more monitors. You should not skimp here, since performers need to hear themselves and the rest of the group in order to perform their best. Monitor speakers are critical to good band performances.
The main speakers should be placed to balance the sound in the venue. Even though the terms left main speaker and right main speaker are used, this does not refer to a stereo sound effect, but to traditional speaker placements in relation to the stage. The main sound feed is the same in both left and right output channels.
You will most probably need an audio snake for your cable runs. Having any number of separate cables all consolidated into one larger cable is a smart way to have a clean installation for your performance. With a connection box at one end, you can connect many pieces of audio equipment gear and have one simple cable run to your amplifier. You can also do the same for cable runs to your speakers.
There are many different strategies for your band microphones. For sure, each vocalist will need an individual microphone. Shared mics can be used for show, but the actual sound reproduction of each vocalist is greatly diminished. And with individual mics, each can be adjusted for the vocal qualities of the singer.
You will probably need a microphone for any acoustic instruments the band uses to balance the amplified sound of electric instruments. To minimize feedback, try to use the fewest mics possible. Most acoustic instruments can be fitted with a pickup to make life easier for the sound guy.
Every band has the problem of matching the sound that runs through the main audio system with the sound that is produced by on-stage amps. This can be solved by having an input line from the individual amplifier to the main audio system. That way, the sound person may be able to blend the on-stage sound with the main speaker system sound. This can be ideal for both the individual band member, and the group. When properly balanced, you will have a great overall band sound, and, at the same time, the individual performances of your band members can be heard.