Running sound in a gym

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 11:32 am

I'm running sound for a band in a gym the 20th of December. The band consists of a trap set, 1 bass and 1 guitar player and two vocalists. This is no high-budget show or anything like that, so I can't bring in sound deadening or anything fun like that.

The band will be on one side of the gym facing the bleachers, there will be a sound barricade that is about 10 feet high dividing the gym in half.

Does anyone have any simple advice for this setup? Any tricks to help with sound?

Matthew.

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:35 pm

When you sound off saying that you are "running sound" for this band, is that to be interpreted as " I am making a recording for this band in one half a gymnasium"? Or is it, " I'm trying to run PA in a gym that has been cut in half"?

The band will be on one side of the gym facing the bleachers. And I don't doubt that but that part about the " sound barricade" that might divide the gym in half? So, which side will the audience and the band be on? And what will be going on, on the other side of the gym?

There is quite a difference there.

So let's try the question again?
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 3:31 pm

I'm going to run PA for a live band in a gym. there is a sound barrier (about 10-15 ft high) that cuts the gym in half, the band will be playing for a crowd in the bleachers and no one will likely be on the other side.

The kick and snare will be mic'ed on the drumset, the guitarplayer will play with an amp that will be mic'ed and the bass and vocals will be direct.

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Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:21 pm

First off, keep as much sound emanating from the PA speakers AWAY from the walls, floor, and ceiling. I wouldn't think that a 10-ft high "barricade" would be that effective in a typical gymnasum, but ya never really know, eh?
Not knowing about your rig or material, I would keep the FOH as high up in the air as possible, aimed directly at the audience. Many times I've used the "single point cluster" approach in a gym. In other words, don't put (1) house speaker on one side of the stage, and the other speaker on the opposite side. Try setting the 2 next to each other to "acoustically couple", and fire them both at the audience. Putting 2 seperate boxes on opposite sides may cause more cancellation and standing waves, hampering clarity and inducing feedback. And put the speakers up in the air, if at all possible (like on poles). If you have subwoofers, use them to elevate the FOH, but don't dial in much bass...the room will amplify that range on it's own just fine. And wipe the goofy grins off of those faces...playing live music in a gym is never fun!

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:26 pm

thats a ton moonbaby, good advice.

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 1:30 am

and

good luck
Smile

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 2:58 am

also looking at your diagram try and move your mix position towards the middle of your space and move back..

twon

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