suggestions for gig equipment

[mourninglights]

hey all. i just joined a band and we're currently gathering as much equipment as possible. im just wondering how we should approach the PA system setup for small gigs. ive browsed packages with two standing speakers and two monitors with a mixer and vocal mics. ultimately, whats the best way to go about mic'ing the drums or amps? how many speakers/monitors should we have? how big of a system will it take?

hopefully, someone will have some info for me. i just want to make sure i get the right equip, rather than go in circles.
thanks in advance.

[raynor]

really depends on what they're paying you. and why should you bother with it? should the people arranging it fix that shit.

2 speakers + 2 monitors sounds ok. actually it doesn't really matter.

just fucking headbang and everything will be fine. promise you.

[mourninglights]

it actually does matter. i figured two speakers and two monitors would probably be the best bet, but i just wanted a second opinion. it doesnt matter how much "theyre" paying us, because its not really their responsibility to provide the pa system. every band has to have their own equipment.

[defTHE1s]

well i dunno too much, but it will depend on the size of the place you're going to play... but dunno exactly what is better for small or big places...

[deepest_ocean]

everyone has to have theyre own PA system? maan that sucks. what kind of a place are you playing in? back here its the venues who provide PA and monitors etc, all the band has to have is their own backline.

[mourninglights]

well, ill be the first to admit that i dont know a hellofalot about live rigs. but i spoke to a friend of mine who is in one of the biggest local bands, and he gave me a few details.

to answer a previous question, i know that most clubs/bars/venues have an inhouse setup, to pump the sound around. what i wasnt sure of, is how many speakers/floor monitors most bands used. he told me they use two floor monitors to throw the sound back at them, and they have 2 cabs throwing the sound to the crowd, each cab holding 2 15" speakers.

then you got to take into consideration that the drums, and instruments are mic'd too, so all that shit runs through the speakers and monitors.

but just playing a bar, or spot for like 100 people, i imagine a setup like theres would work perfectly.

[Hesperian Death-Horse!]

Stick to playing places that have their own PA systems. Fuck lugging around your own. That's just stupid. No offense or anything. If you want a few extra monitors its fine to get some and mics are generally the band's responsibility even though a lot of places have their own but as far as the speakers for the audience and a mixer, the venue needs to supply that if they expect to book gigs for bands.

[raynor]

Stick to playing places that have their own PA systems. Fuck lugging around your own. That's just stupid. No offense or anything. If you want a few extra monitors its fine to get some and mics are generally the band's responsibility even though a lot of places have their own but as far as the speakers for the audience and a mixer, the venue needs to supply that if they expect to book gigs for bands.

agreed. spend your money on pedals/amps/drums instead.

[defTHE1s]

Stick to playing places that have their own PA systems. Fuck lugging around your own. That's just stupid. No offense or anything. If you want a few extra monitors its fine to get some and mics are generally the band's responsibility even though a lot of places have their own but as far as the speakers for the audience and a mixer, the venue needs to supply that if they expect to book gigs for bands.

agreed. spend your money on pedals/amps/drums instead.

+1
agreed!

[mourninglights]

thanks for the advice. and thanks for not kicking my "noob" ass in the process. some people can be like that.
i appreciate the positive feedback,