[chaser334]

Ive been playing for about a year and a half now, and the only live shows ive had were talent shows. My band is looking into getting some gigs now and what i really wanna know is how all the live equipment works or what it is.

Ive heard the words monitor, cabinet, head, PA, gating, EQ, compressors, mics, subwoofers, Mixer, And many more. i know what some of these things are but i dont how all of it works in a live situation or recording in a studio. So if someone could please just educate me to what equipment i must have for a live show and how it all works?!

[S.A.L.]

Most venues I play have everything already and the only thing I need to bring is my SET. A few venues even have a drum kit and I just bring my snare, pedals, and cymbals.

Point being that if you can find a venue(s) to play with a house PA system then you can begin getting hands-on experience with what gear you will need to be completely self-sufficient.

Also, you can Google any of those terms you're unfamiliar with to try and grasp a better knowledge of their use in the industry.

You need a mixer so everyone can plug in and have independent volume control.
The mixer's signal then needs to be amplified and the amplified signal needs to be mechanically converted through speakers. Everything else is details.
Best wishes.


SETH

[chaser334]

Yeah i havent played any real gigs yet. But its good to hear that they will have gear for me at most venues. But im also concerned about my guitarists, bassist, and vocalist; i wanna understand completely how all that works.

We were also looking into throwing a concert at my house (I have a large backyard and a porch for a stage.) But i doubt just guitar amps will be enough volume. So were we all going to put in for a PA system but i figured i should at least know what that is before we all spend money on it.

I also wanted to buy a kick drum mic to plug into the system because the only drum i don't hear in the videos is the bass. My cymbals snare and toms are heard well but the kick is barely audible. But someone told me i have to buy subs to mic bass and bass guitar. So im just ignorant to the matter.

[Dr RealGood]

If you are just playing so shows in some garages or back yards you should probably just go down to your local music store and ask them about renting a PA system. They are a very big investment that shouldn't be taken lightly. The guy's at the music shop should be able to help you with questions, because most answers will be different depending on what equipment you are using anyways. They may even have someone to come out and set it up for you.

If you are playing live shows at actual venues you should probably look into hiring a sound guy. There is a lot of stuff to set up and go wrong with sound at a show. You need someone back there the whole time watching levels and adjusting monitors. I know from personal experience, it doesn't matter how good your band is... the sound guy can make or break your whole performance. Talk to the Venue and ask them if they have any suggestions for who to go with. or search online, craigslist, the phonebook, ect...