Great Idea

[junior]

In our band we just got another guitarist. I've been the only one for about 6 years, and always controlled my volume myself when we didn't have a soundman. Being a 3 peice band + vox is relatively easy to keep a steady mix, but with the addition of the other guitarist, it got a little more cluttered. But he had a great idea- put the amp mics on A/B switches and use it as an on/off . Keep the mic off for rhythm stuff and set the levels between the guitars evenly. When we go to take a lead, we click on our individual A/B switch and the solo is coming through the PA. The solo is heard loud and clear, both by the crowd and the monitors (if needed), and the mix is kept clean. Its seemed to work pretty well so far. Of course this isn't needed when there is a soundman, but for small places, who wants to pay another person?

 

[RW James]

Re: Great Idea

That might sound good on stage - but I think it might be a bit jarring out in the house - to suddenly have a guitar jump out like that - then go away.

I don't know, I would have someone with discriminating ear check that for you.

 

[junior]

Re: Great Idea

It kinda depends on how much you goose the mic vol- we really do it just enough to cut through the band and be heard a bit more-as subtly as possible- too much would probably kill the people in the 1st few rows of course. Its really not any different than the soundman upping the volume during the solos