Episode 026: Taking It to the Streets

Episode 026: Taking It to the Streets

Practical Bass
Practical Bass
Episode 026: Taking It to the Streets
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As the summer comes to an end, let’s talk about handling those outdoor gigs.

Music: JahzzarPlease Listen CarefullyspinningmerkabaUrbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix).

Show notes

So indoor/outdoor, in general, do you have differences in your rig?

  • Paul:
    • Usually take a bigger rig
    • Outdoors there are no walls for the lows to bounce off… need more oomph to carry the bass… There’s a reason you see the famous, full-on 8×10 Ampeg SVT stack at the outdoor festival stage!
  • Dave
    • Mostly what changes for me are the accessories in my rig
      • Cable length/power supplies
      • Fan / Windscreen for the mic / Towel
      • Amp Stand
    • Because I travel light normally, I really need to consider the air I’m pushing out
    • It can be a challenge if there’s no PA:

How do you manage your sound on stage when the outdoor venue is large but your bass isn’t going through the PA?

  • Paul:
    • Oh man, this should never happen! Outdoors in a big venue you need a PA with real subs, and to run through it along with your rig
  • Dave:
    • It can be a struggle but I either place my speaker next to me or
    • Daisy chain a 2nd cabinet in front of the line of the band

 

Is there a difference in how you set your levels/eq?

  • Paul
    • I turn it up — that’s mostly it. Might goose the low lows a bit 😉
  • Dave
    • I really enjoy that outdoor gig where I can kick the lows and highs up a bit more than I usually need. – A little liberating

 

What are some other areas to consider when playing an outdoor gig?

  • Paul — I usually think about summer!
    • Hydration — need to make sure you have lots of water, NOT ALCOHOL
      • This is the biggest mistake I see people making
      • The alcohol also will make you less aware of your sun exposure and your hydration needs
    • Waterproof sunscreen — be careful of face, I always end up with some running into my eyes
  • Dave
    • Watch out for those colder gigs – late/fall, early spring – Gloves?
    • I never assume there’s going to be plenty of water – cooler time

Photo by Nainoa Shizuru on Unsplash

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