[kj] For those who miss the old Geordie sound

[TB]

MichaelHead at HBOSplc.com wrote:


I was lucky enough to be at the Friday 3rd London soundcheck and must
say Geordie's guitar was overwhelming the rest of the mix. Big Paul's
efforts could hardly be heard and the whole experience was somewhat
disappointing. Seems quite contrary to people's experience on the night.
I would comment on the sound at the gig, but my judgement was impaired
somewhat thanks to certain Gatherers generosity!

Anyone here have knowledge of what general effect filling a hall with
punters has on a band's sound? Can the effect be generalised? Do sound
engineers bias the pre-gig sound knowing this effect?

++++++++

Oh yeah, there's a huge difference in sound between an empty venue and a 
full one.  A mass of people is like a room full of sandbags - they 
physically cut out much of the high end coming from the PA which is why 
you'll often hear the sound man scrambling to (re)adjust the balance and 
levels the first couple songs of a set.  Places with really high ceilings 
(like most House of Blues clubs) don't have such a severe difference but any 
small theater with a low ceiling is going to show a drastic difference 
depending on how full it is.  On the plus side, for a larger venue like a 
arena, when it's full of people, it actually cuts down (a bit depending on 
the venue) on reverb and slap back echo verses an empty venue.

T.B.