Jun 11, 2005 12:52 pm oh,
and I can do without monitors, cabs, subs, amps, EQ and such for now. I first want to get to know the possibilities of a mixing console and mic positioning.
Building up a P.A./recording 'empire'
Posted on Jun 11, 2005 12:35 pm
zildjiandude1
Member Since: Dec 10, 2004
Hi guys,
I would like to start my own P.A./recording empire, but I actually dont have any clue how to do so (what kind mixer to start with, mics, ...) another problem is that I dont understand 90 % of all the terms I see you guys use and such, but I think that once I do some practical stuff I'll learn much quicker.
In short I'm pretty much just a newb who's wondering how you guys started out. Anything you'd like to share is welcome.
THX , later .......
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Jun 11, 2005 12:52 pm oh,
and I can do without monitors, cabs, subs, amps, EQ and such for now. I first want to get to know the possibilities of a mixing console and mic positioning.
Jun 11, 2005 12:57 pm You'll never be able to run a PA even suitable for small clubs without some sort of monitors...and setting up a PA properly REQUIRES a multi-band EQ to control feedback...though you don't need them in the knowledge gathering stage you are at now, to actually run a show it's essential.
That said, there are a few articles in the tips section explaining mixing consoles part by part and many discussing mic positioning for different instruments as well.
I started out running live sound and had my own small PA before ever getting serious about recording, got burnt out on that pretty quickly...
Jun 11, 2005 01:04 pm But what kind of mixer would you start of with?
Jun 11, 2005 01:17 pm Well, that's up to you to decide, learn what the do, think about what your needs will wind up being and figure accordingly...for live gigs you'll need a lot of mic inputs, and not likely need too many stereo line inputs, but thats about all the advice anyone could give you with no further details.
Most PA "empires" have multiple mixers to choose from and take the right mixer that any gig will require.
Jun 11, 2005 02:59 pm Maybe it'd be a good idea if I started with a 2nd hand mixer and mics or do you think it'd be better if I got a 'cheaper' Behringer with more up to date technology ?
Jun 11, 2005 03:53 pm Nothing wrong with second hand - but you need to know what you want. Therefore, you need to know what you want to supply i.e. which market.
If you wanna supply pub bands to start with, you'll need a pile of SM58's or similar, 57's for mic'in amps/drums etc and a pile of cables.
Then you'll need a mixer to route it all through and a power amp to drive it with enough speakers to do the job including monitors if the venues will be big enough. An alternative would be a powered mixer. I suggest at the BARE MINIMUM an 8 channel mixer and this is NOT flexilbe by any means...16 would be better but for smaller gigs, 8 channels would surely do. That would give ye say, 2 mics on drums, 2 vocals and guitars/bass/keys possibly.
Consider some bands have 3 backing vocals, 1 lead, 2 guitars, bass AND keys and this is getting heavier and notice i didnt mention the drums.
So - KNOW what ye wanna do, then conisder inputs/outputs that way.
Cheers and good luck
Coco.
Jun 12, 2005 09:07 am Small steps. Research and thinking stage 1st. If you're in a band, great. Pay attention to what works and doesn't work. You need to get 1st hand experience with the gear, either as a band member or a roadie for a band, using the gear, hauling the gear, setting up - taking down the gear.
Take in live shows of other bands. Pay attention to what they use, if they sound good and balanced. Do you hear any feedback, etc. Talk with the crew, if possible. (NOT while they're working the sound, btw.) Get their input.
Go to the library and get books on sound re-inforcement and recording. Study (yuck). Study. Study.
All choices depend upon the band genre, size, instruments, personal choices, customer choices, monetary funds available, etc.
Jun 12, 2005 10:47 am Hmm, I see the mixers on ebay are descently priced.
I think I'm gonna get a second hand one with some drummic's and monitor them through my headphones 'til I can scrap some more money together and work myself up from there.
THX guys ....
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