Tech: Playing Outdoors

Subject: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 01:41 PM

I have a gig this weekend playing for a private party of 10-15 people. Will I be able to get by without amplification or would it be better to be on the safe side? I have a portable amplifier and mikes etc., but if I don't need 'em it simplifies the gig. I have played outside for larger crowds where amplification was absolutely necessary. This is a new size for me. Thanks in advance for your input.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: jeffp
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 01:44 PM

A lot depends on the size of the space. Will you have a wall behind you? Is there a lot of ambient noise?

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Cluin
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 01:48 PM

Take your amp & mikes along just in case. First rule in any gig situation: come prepared.

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 02:50 PM

Amplification gives you credibility as a performer, which will engender respect from the albeit small audience, and allow you to talk over them when you want them to listen.

I have a nursing home solo gig coming up for the same number, but it's inside, and I still intend to use amplification to endorse the performance.

Good luck

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: GUEST,Fnurd
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 03:37 PM

Have they manners? If so, PA not needed. If they are oiks, then about a kilowatt should do it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Cluin
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 03:41 PM

Depends on the performer. I've seen those that can come across amazingly well without amplification or mikes, and others that need them to show their best. It's all about providing a good performance either way.

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 03:50 PM

What Cluin said... both times!

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 06:57 PM

If you need PA and havent taken it , you're stuffed !! Take the PA , get it set and if you DOnt use it , take it home again !!FAR better be safe than sorry !!

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 10:44 PM

Having played both in a tent and outdoors I would say use the PA, sound can easily ' get lost ' outdoors.

eric

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Cluin
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 11:38 PM

You could end up yelling yourself hoarse or breaking strings or picks because you can't hear what you're doing as well.

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: GUEST,Les B.
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 12:58 AM

And, if you take mics and a PA sytem, be sure to take wind socks for the mics!

I just played an outdoor wedding last week and even though we were in a tent, the wind came up and it was damned near impossible to hear your voice or instrument in the monitors for the roar of the wind.

It didn't actually sound so bad for the audience, but trying to sing with that racket in the monitors was hell. I actually blew the words to a song because I coudn't concentrate.

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 08:17 AM

Thanks for all of the advice. It makes perfect sense to take all the equipment, rather than lock myself in to one approach.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 10:20 AM

Roger, when you try and sing over the top of crowd noise, even simple conversation, you push your voice and can injure it. I did this once and will never do it again. Bring the sound.

all the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Terry Allan Hall
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 10:30 AM

My "day job" is performing at various nursing homes, hospitals, etc., and no matter how small the space, I still use a small acoustic amp/mini PA (a Genz-Benz 25 watter, currently)...outside, I use my 130 watt 6-channel and a couple of speakers on tripod stands.

Sound disappates(sp?) outside, so be prepared for that!

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: GUEST,emily b
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 01:51 PM

I would ask the party host. Depends if they want background music or you will be more a focus of the gathering. I've had gigs where clearly the host had no idea how loud a few voices would be. Although as others have said, it's best to have to equipment ready just in case.

Emily

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 03 Sep 05 - 05:35 AM

The band I frequent does loads of outdoor stuff and I agree with Cluin. if only to save your voice...leave yourself choices.
Ned.

Subject: RE: Tech: Playing Outdoors
From: GUEST,John Rouse
Date: 03 Sep 05 - 06:53 AM

Its probably obvious, but unless you've got a big battery, make sure you have an extension lead and plug it into an RCD.