STILL RUNNING YOUR OWN SOUND?
The band is doing well, you're playing out a few times a month. The clubs aren't providing sound. You look at renting a sound system - it costs $200 more than you're making!
How hard can it be to run sound?
You splurge a couple, maybe even three, four grand at Guitar Satan and buy a fairly decent sound system.
You even read the manual, learn how to hook it up, use it during rehearsal, sounds fine. Load it in the family van, take it to your next gig.
Maybe you're a little late, the club manager waits til it's all set up, then says "you can't put that there!", something's not hooked up right, the power blows, your bandmates are putting pressure on, you don't know what's wrong, the gig goes up late, it sounds like crap, you're sweating, stressed, not playing your best...
Call Me!
Trying to play and run sound at the same time is a total PITA.
There's no way you can do both well.
Optimizing and running other people's systems is mainly what I do.
In the club/pub circuit, I usually get a call when the unfortunate musician saddled with being the soundperson gets tired of being responsible for the band's sound and PA system, a situation I can sympathize with fully!
What I do:
When the band arrives,
Run sound during the show.
At the close of the show,
I generally bring along my own Board, FOH FX rack and a few good mics.
I've been a live sound engineer for over 30 years. I have settled in Baltimore after a long time on the road and I'd like to do my thing locally.
If you need an experienced soundguy (everything from stadium rock'n'roll to traditional acoustic music to symphony orchestras to gospel choirs) give me a call.
I can also help with and advise on