Sometimes It’s too LOUD!

You ever go to a concert or go to your local venue to listen to live music and notice that even though you enjoy the music, you found it difficult to hear the vocals over the volume of the band?  Well I would say if it’s too loud then go home….(just kidding, that’s just what I think).

Some bands want to put on a show and have their sound blast you in the face to leave an impression! Loud is one thing as long as the audience can make out what the singer is singing and each instrument has its own voice, this is about levels and the right mix.  Usually in a band one member will know how to run their PA or the venue provided one, and can do a soundcheck before hand to make sure all the levels are good. Make a judgement call, is the guitar overpowering the bass, are the vocals too hot and distorted, how about backing vocals, are you micing the drums in a larger venue, these are some questions to consider.  Also during the show, these levels can be adjusted based on how you hear the mix, the audience’s feedback or the venue’s staff.

In some cases the band will have a sound man, hire one or the venue has its own on staff. This insures someone is dedicated to adjusting the mix and volume. From an audience member’s standpoint, do some research on the bands you are going to see and determine if it will be a low key performance or a high voltage rock show!  Make sure your expectations are flexible as a heavy metal band probably won’t understand why they are asked to “turn it down”. I can say from experience that some of the greatest bands of all time playing an arena concert are definitely loud, but personally I thrive on this! But in saying that, I have seen bands in smaller venues that are too loud and it sounded like a wall of sound with no dynamics.

Depending on my mood and craving for music I want to hear, the low key intimate performances I’ve seen were just what I needed at the time.  Each to their own. Remember to STOP and Appreciate the music!

Here at bookAVE we want you to Rediscover the Joy of Live Music in your Community!

Jared Hancock 

co - founder