One of the biggest problems people have at our studios when they're starting out, is getting the right levels for rehearsal. So we thought we'd give you some simple tips on finding the right volumes for everyone, so you can hear everything properly.
Firstly, good levels means balanced levels, in short, the drummer needs to hear the guitar, the guitar needs to hear the singer and so on. It's not about the lead guitarist blowing the walls off! What's more, it's not about live volumes, leave that to the sound engineer, you aren't looking for a live level, just some point where you can all hear everything during rehearsal. Avoid making the mistake of all gradually cranking it up;
Right, now to set up, so that hopefully, you aren't surrounded in feedback, or burst ear drums.
#1 Start with the drummer
Obviously, the drums are pretty 'un-tameable', they're either quiet or loud, depending on the drummer. Use the drums as the spring board for the rest of the set up, determining the overall volume of everything else. Remember though, there are a few things you can try, such as varying tuning, to limit 'ring' (see our drum tips- part 1 for some help) or use studio rings.
This wont necessarily make the drums quieter, but it could help.
#2 Guitars and Bass: Tone First!
Remember when setting a guitar up, changing the tone can alter the volume! Don't try to get your levels and then whack the gain up for good measure. Make sure you set the tone first, then adjust the volume in line with the drums.
#3 The rule of fingers?
Many people are advocates of 'the finger rule' but what is it? Put simply, keep your mouth one finger width away from the mic, no more, no less. Most live mics work best at close quarters, so don't try and re-enact the 'Iiiiii-Eeee-Iiii' from Whitney Houston's greatest hits. All you'll get during rehearsals is intermittent sound, keep that gob, near that mic!
#4 One channel at a time
When you're setting up the PA, forget the master volume at first. Look at getting each channel to a desirable output first. Sing into the mic and turn the volume up (1) until the loudest notes just reach the clip monitor, normally shown with a small light. It should flash or light up to show you it's reached the maximum input (2). If it lights up too frequently, or constantly, chances are, you'll get a load of feedback or clipping whilst you rehearse. This is what we do, but there are other methods out there!
Remember, when sound checking, try and give it the same oomph you will when you're all rehearsing. Once you've repeated this for all inputs (lead vocals, backing vocals etc), work on the master volume (3) until it really cuts through the room mix.
#5 Don't add, take away
If you really need to use the EQ on a PA system, we find the best method is to 'take away' frequencies, rather than add to them. What we mean by this is; if it's too 'bassy' take some bass away, don't add more treble to concentrate. Otherwise you'll be cranking up the problems!
And, most importantly, don't forget to ask the staff! They can help (most of the time)
We hope you enjoyed reading, we'd love to hear your thoughts on any of our blogs, you can join in the debate over on our twitter, facebook, or go and check out our website, to keep up to date with all our goings on.
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Keep your eyes peeled for our next posts, including; tackling feedback, guitar sounds and drum tips-part 2!
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