Live Stage Performing: Stage Setup

When performing a live stage show you must make sure that all the technical aspects of the show are correct. You will not have a chance to check all of the technical stuff if you show up late to the practice! While you may be thinking that everything will be set up the way you want, it won't be! Different bands sometimes want their music mixed in different ways such as microphone effects, equalizer boost etc.

Setting Up

When setting up take care to notice how high the volumes are on everything. This goes all the way from microphones to speakers. Since the microphone is what you're going to be using most of the time, make sure it is tuned right, meaning make sure you can stand next to the big speakers and get no feedback. Feedback is the most annoying problem and sounds when it comes to microphones. If you find that the microphones are putting off feedback, turn the mic input down on the equalizer or live sound mixer. When using wireless microphones make sure to set the gain at the proper volume or you'll be putting off feedback all over the stage all night. If using more than one microphone on stage, make sure that the microphones can come within 5 feet of each other without putting off bad feedback. Another important technical aspect to check is wire connectivity. If you're wires are lose, you can just say goodbye to your perfect performance because nobody will hear you.

Using Live Effects

If you're planning on using live effects through the microphone, test it out first before you do you final stage performance. If using reverb, makes sure you have the echo effect perfected otherwise nobody will be able to understand what you're saying because of the distorted vocals. If you plan on using the "talkbox" or "vocoder" feature, set the gain right otherwise you'll be sounding like a complete robot. If that's the effect you're looking for, go for it, however; the best vocals are the ones that still display your original tone somewhat. If you find that the microphone you're using doesn't have a built in pop filter, you should try the compression effect while performing live. Not only will this feature clear your vocals, it will take away the extra effect that comes off the "s" and "t" ending words that pop the microphone. If you see the microphone levels reaching into the red, this means turn them down a little bit. Try to have the level whether the microphone isn't too low but doesn't max out either.