How many of us have found ourselves in the following “not again” dilemma: it's the right gig in the right place but the fee the venue is paying you is just barely enough to cover band members' expenses - not including a sound tech. Yes, it’s another night of do-it-yourself sound reinforcement.

Here are some tips that will help you avoid total aggravation:



Keep a basic gear checklist stored on your computer and print it out before each gig so that you can refer to it when you’re running late and know you’re going to forget something.

If you’re bringing your own system or components, have a designated case that is already stocked with most of your cables and mics and don’t forget to bring the following extras:

• Flash light and clip light
• Masking tape and Sharpie for labeling channels
• Extra mics and clips
• Extra cables, both XLR and 1/4 inch
• Extension cord and power strip



You want to minimize the possibility of being stressed out while trying to support your band’s technical needs. Having plenty of time to set up and scope out the room or the in-house system – all by yourself or with just one other band member – is essential.

Too many cooks tend to make for chaos, unless you’re in a band that works exceptionally well as a team. Leave enough time to relax, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the opportunity to think things through before everyone starts plugging in and making noise.



Ideally you’ll have a trusted friend or fan in the audience who knows something about your band and what you want to sound like under ideal conditions.

This person can also help during sound check or at least during your show. Once the show starts, you’ll want your focus to be on playing music, not on trouble-shooting sound-related issues.



If venue proves to be acoustically problematic, your ally can give you feedback in real time during the show. There is no way for you to really gauge how loud you are or if the balance is right without help from the floor. It can make the difference between people loving your show or having to leave to save their ears.

Of course there’s no way to completely eliminate all the complications that can arise running sound. Any good sound person will tell you that. But by developing an organized routine and good habits, you should be able to reduce the chances of things going awry.

And in the end, it should be about the music.



Kristina Stykos is a recording engineer, writer, musician and gardener from Vermont. After her self-recorded release “In The Earth’s Fading Light” was designated “Best Vermont Album of 2005” (The Times Argus) she went on to further her audio engineering education at the Berklee School of Music’s online school. She now owns and operates Pepperbox Studio in Chelsea, Vermont and runs her sessions using solar, wind and generator power at the end of a long dirt road.

Kristina on the web:
www.kristinastykos.com
www.pepperboxstudio.com