The Sound Couple to the Rescue!

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In this video, the Sound Couple receive a call for a last minute gig where the bands production fell through. Bart and Stacy re-arrange some personal plans to make, yet another show, go on!

It was a long day, primarily because of nearly a 6 hour break between sound check and downbeat. We really enjoyed working this talented band as we share some tips on working with an unfamiliar client. More importantly, Bart shares a retrospect of trying to over mix a band which is not an effective approach in every case….in this situation, it was not.

The Sound Couple primarily use PreSonus gear featuring:
PreSonus UC Surface
PreSonus CDL12
PreSonus CDL18s
PreSonus 32R
PreSonus SW5E
PreSonus NSB Stageboxes
PreSonus AVB-D16

Please see our “About” for a more comprehensive list of gear we use.

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22 thoughts on “The Sound Couple to the Rescue!”

  6. Once again, the Sound Couple teaches us how to employ flexible thinking, in order to guide proper production when a number of potential unknowns could cause extra stress for a gig. This kind of flexible thinking that guides flexible performance of numerous tasks is a genuine hallmark of the level of professionalism to which serious production crews should aspire. Thus, following the example of the Sound Couple’s professionalism is an excellent training exercise.

    First of all, this gig came up in a hurry, when the client’s original production supplier was unable to provide the contracted service. The band turned to the Sound Couple to come to the rescue, which they did, even though it took significant effort and a change of personal plans.

    Secondly, and fortuitously, the band had their own mics and their own in-ear system, using Behringer gear and suitable whips (snakes). This markedly helped reduce the equipment setup time, especially since Bart had to do setup by himself.

    Thirdly, though not available for the initial setup, Stacy arrived in time to tweak the lighting setup and run the lights during the actual performance. She also helped significantly to make the teardown and load out flow smoothly and rapidly, all within a desired time frame.

    Finally, unlike some other gigs, the freight elevator worked flawlessly and permitted load-in and load-out to proceed smoothly, without the kind of annoying hassles that the Sound Couple had previously experienced and documented in videos of certain other past gigs. The freight elevator was sized properly and though manual, as many older freight elevators are, it allowed the load-in and load-out to flow without wasting time and adding stress to the gig.

    The principal learning element of this video is a combination of the commentary, both audible and by notes on the screen, and the illustrations that Bart gave of how to properly mix this kind of band at this type of venue. The professionalism of the members of the band can be enhanced or degraded by the professionalism of the individual mixing the band for front-of-house. Once again, Bart clearly illustrated the kind of professional thinking that must go into the decisions necessary to provide a proper mix. This thinking includes those times when the individual mixing must back off on techniques that he or she might use with other bands or at other venues.

    All in all, this video was packed with a number of highly valuable tips and, as usual, had lots of moments where those hoping to hone their professionalism can learn from Bart’s and Stacy’s expertise. We must remember that Bart has well over 20 years of experience and Stacy has well over 10 years of experience. That experience consistently shines through these videos.

    Thanks to the Sound Couple for another truly helpful and enjoyable video: more Five Stars added to your chart!

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  18. The sound on the stage was really clear and comfortable! It would be a good idea to make video about monitors (not in-ears) – how do you setup, sound-check and make them not to ringing.

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  19. Bart do you use any Presonus presets such as Kick 1 on kick drum as a starting point! I will be the first to admit that I’m not the greatest at eq’ing and compressioning drums. I just kinda would like a starting point that I could work with! If I do get a great drum mix I save it as a science and project. Love watching your vids, have learned a lot of Stacey and yourself!

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