House P.A. Requirements
We aim for a clean authentic 'natural' sound. Priority is attached to clean, balanced clearly audible vocals, above all else. In smaller clubs/venues we will (unless advised not to at time of engagement) provide our own high-quality P.A. and foldback. (3k/w active)
Where we are obliged to use a house P.A. it is assumed that the rig is of a professional standard, with adequate power and fidelity, and a competent technician. As a guide, we would expect the front-of-house system to have a minimum watts-to-head ratio of 10:1 and preferably 20:1 All channels should be centre-panned/mono. There must be at least two monitor wedges, if we are playing as a four-piece, and at least four monitor wedges if we have our brass section**. Ideally there should also be a monitor for the drummer in either situation. We can provide additional powered monitors if advised in advance. It is assumed that the backline will be fully miked, and that the bass will be DI'd. The promoter is responsible for ensuring that these minimum conditions are met or exceeded. Failure to do so will be deemed a breach of contract by the promoter.
Note for sound-tech We do not want any additional processor effects on any signals, other than the default reverb specified below, with the sole exception of the snare, which can have subtle reverb, but no obvious gating.
Regular band comprise four musicians as follows:- (**unless we also have our horn section, x 4 mics and stands: see additional comments below)
John Whippy
Principal vocals. Shure SM58 preferred. A decent quality reverb is expected, but application of this should be subtle, unless we have requested specific settings for some songs.
Guitar combo to be front miked (if applicable-see opening paragraphs) Shared lead guitar and rhythm guitar duties.
No post-amp effects required i.e. no panning, reverb, delay, chorus etc etc
Phil Greaves
Guitar combo to be front miked (if applicable-see opening paragraphs) Shared lead guitar and rhythm guitar duties.
No post-amp effects required i.e. no panning, reverb, delay, chorus etc etc
Martin Robinson
Bass guitar combo to be DI balanced line out. (if applicable-see opening paragraphs)
No post-amp effects required i.e. no panning, reverb, delay, chorus etc etc
Michael Hill
Drums. Kit comprises snare, two toms, bass drum, high-hat, ride and splash cymbals.
** Biggish-Band Brass section consists of:- (Each player to have separate mic on adjustable stand)
Trumpet: SM57 preferred
Trombone: SM57 preferred
Tenor sax: SM57or 58 preferred
Alto sax: Beta57 or B58 preferred
**Additional musicians
Harp combo: SM57 or SM58 front miked (not present at all gigs)
Hammond Leslie cab: will require two mics (one for bottom of cab and one for top) (not present at all gigs)
