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Post by Pickers Ditch on Jan 19, 2020 10:11:17 GMT
I'm seriously considering going to an open mic. night with my MM Blues 28 and I am told that I'll need to mic. it.
The PA ownerman, apparently , doesn't like us plebs to mess with his PA settings.
So my toughts are to:
a) not bother going or
b) take my SM57 and ask said PA ownerman to give me a channel where everything is set flat eq wise and plug in the mic through a suitable pre amp like a Behringer ADI21 or similar so's I can set up "the frown" without disturbing his precious PA. All he's got to do is adjust the volume.
Your thoughts please, bearing in mind cash is limited at the moment (new guitar being saved for), and this non techie wants to keep things as simple as possible.
Ithangyooo.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 19, 2020 11:09:48 GMT
Morning PD,
Take the SM57. Don't take any preamps or other boxes of tricks. Just flatten all settings in the channel you are plugged into, turn off all effects on that channel and don't try and be too loud. That way it should be fine. If it feeds-back, don't panic, just turn it down and/or roll off the top/treble. Put the mic somewhere between the coverplate and the F hole on the lower side nearest your leg and don't have it so close that it gets in your way. Remember... take a few moments to get it set up correctly and yourself comfortable and don't worry about anyone else, they will wait. If there is a foldback speaker, either turn it off or have it no louder than your guitar and turn off all effects on it.
Turning it off is your best bet.
Can I come and be your sound man for the evening?
Have fun!
Shine On
Michael
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Post by Pickers Ditch on Jan 19, 2020 11:48:44 GMT
Thanks Michael, I thought you would say that. - simplicity is what I like - I'll do all that.
It would be great to have you as my sound man but I'll be terrified enough to play up front in public, on my own, to start with.
Years of being the bass man at the back allowed me to hide.
Contrary to stories about my "up front" persona I have very little self confidence, hence I'm slowly getting into this open mic. malarkey where not a lot of the average punters understand slide and proper blues, so's I can get away with blue murder and build up that said self confidence.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 19, 2020 12:10:22 GMT
I am sure you will be fine and in November if you are feeling up to it, maybe front the Robbie & Michael band for a song or two.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by slide496 on Jan 19, 2020 14:09:16 GMT
I hope you don't mind my comments - I haven't ever gone to an open mic. Another thing you can do is go to this open mic session this time and just see how people are handling the mic situation, ask any questions or propose to the soundman what you are planning on doing so you can focus on getting up there. I think I'd probably want to know if my equipment was going to stay with me until my turn and I would be taking it off when done. I might also try to calibrate audience talking and try to "go on" with a strong opening or figure out what I could live with best under the circumstances.
Best,
Harriet
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Post by blueshome on Jan 19, 2020 14:59:03 GMT
Don’t overthink this Harriet. Just go along with mic and cable and get up and play. Have 2 or 3 songs ready and make your choice when you’ve judged. The audience and the act ahead of you. If they are loud, be soft and vice versa.
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Post by Pickers Ditch on Jan 19, 2020 15:08:40 GMT
I am sure you will be fine and in November if you are feeling up to it, maybe front the Robbie & Michael band for a song or two. Shine On Michael Aha... now you know why I'm wanting to practise...... ...and Harriet, my gear goes where I go unless I trust EVERYBODY around me.  ...and Phil has done it before by the sound of it - wise advice re song selection. Thank you all so far - anymore? |
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Post by slide496 on Jan 19, 2020 15:58:40 GMT
Don’t overthink this Harriet. Just go along with mic and cable and get up and play. Have 2 or 3 songs ready and make your choice when you’ve judged. The audience and the act ahead of you. If they are loud, be soft and vice versa. I tend to what you call "overthink" but it has served me well in general as a modus operandi so that's probably what I still would do, but I like your input as someone who has gone to open mics, both the "have 2 or three songs ready" and the recommendations for scoping the audience as upgrades. Something to think about...  Warmly, Harriet |
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Post by mitchfit on Jan 19, 2020 22:23:01 GMT
PD,
dynamic mics ~usually~ produce plenty of voltage without pre-amping*. even work good for recording into "line" inputs.
meter out put voltage, 1 about one volt generally enough for line useage.
mitchfit
*cheaper dynamic mics may not, high end dynamic mics may not. it gets involved.
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Post by richclough on Jan 20, 2020 13:50:06 GMT
Hi PD,
I went through a phase of Open Mics a few years ago, they are great confidence builders. I think Michael has a good point re: being comfortable, particularly making sure that you are comfortable (and centered) before you start playing. It's very easy in the rush to get on stage and get set-up to get distracted.
Another point is that an open mic's vibe tends to be very driven by the organiser. Some are encouraging, patient, generous and appreciative. Some are...not. I used to scope out open mics first, wander in without my gear and see if I liked the atmosphere and set-up.
One of the best open mics in my area is run from Alexander's in Chester (no affiliation). Decent PA, two very encouraging chaps who know how to use the PA, and a really nice appreciative audience who are not just the partners of the people who have come to play. Also, two songs only!
If it's a busy open mic, there is usually a sign-up list. It's better getting there early so you can choose rather than getting the 10.50 slot, or no slot. It's nice to play early and have a pint whilst listening to everyone else. People who show up, play and immediately leave....not cool.
Oh, and have the pint after your slot rather than before. First time I got up, I was 3 pints of Guinness worse off. Wasn't good, alcohol and nerves conspired to make fingerpicking impossible and so had to strum my way out.
Something else you might consider is hiring a local rehearsal room with a PA for a few hours to get used to things without pressure.
Just some thoughts.
Cheers,
Rich
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 20, 2020 14:14:09 GMT
Alexander's in Chester - I played there a couple of times back in the early/mid noughties. They used to programme good music and it was a great venue, but now they just put tribute bands on.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by richclough on Jan 20, 2020 14:51:43 GMT
Alexander's in Chester - I played there a couple of times back in the early/mid noughties. They used to programme good music and it was a great venue, but now they just put tribute bands on. Yeah, just had a look at the schedule. Far less varied than it used to be. There are still posters on the walls of some great bands that have played there. Looks like they have blues Sundays scheduled in the afternoons coming up though. Might be worth a nosy.... |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2020 17:13:52 GMT
Nought wrong with some tribute bands. PD Just stroll on stage as if you own the place and talk/sing as if there was no PA and the nearest punter is 50 feet away. You'll have them eating out of your hand. |
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Post by Pickers Ditch on Jan 20, 2020 18:18:03 GMT
I won't get started on tribute bands, but when you've seen the real thing, specially Hendrix, PGs Fleetwood Mac, LZ, Stones etc. blah, blah...... However Graeme, your advice is great. Thank you. |
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