Hi eveyone. This is my first post. I'm the drummer in a 10-piece variety band that plays about 70 gigs a year, mostly weddings and conventions. The audience sizes range from 100 to 1000. We have used the Bose system for 5 years. We use one unit (an L1 & B1) for each of the two vocalists, keys/vocals (one unit), guitar/vocal (one unit), horn section (2 trumpets, tenor and baritone saxes), mixed into one, and then an L1 and 4 B1's for the acoustic drums. While I like the concept of the Bose system, I do not feel that we're achieving the best possible mix and sound for the overall band. We attempt to mix ourselves (no sound tech) and it often becomes a volume battle. Is anyone out there in a similar situation? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi tn,

You know, from what you say, this sounds like it's more of a human problem more than a technological problem.
A volume war is a human creation, nothing can cure that but a sensible human being.

I don't play day-to-day in a large band, but at the Bose East Coast Conference last year, I played in a 12pc band with 6 systems, and we sounded fantastic. No volume problems, I could hear everyone just fine.

I notice, looking at a picture of that gig and venue, that we had the L1s angled in a bit towards the middle.
Do you guys do that as well?
Do you set the systems up very close to each other or spread them out?
Are *backline* amps involved that could be overpowering the L1s?

Hi Drumr,

Thanks for the reply. I agree with you completely that the problem is with us humans, not the Bose speakers. I also think that placement is an issue also. When we first began with the Bose, we did try placing the units behind us, pointed toward the middle. However, that was shortly altered due to volume. For example, the horn section standing right in front of the drums could not hear themselves if the unit was behind me. So, what happens is they would turn up, causing my ears to bleed- not to mention play much harder than necessary. We now set up with the units close to the musician using that unit. We have played a few shows where I was at the end of the stage, but several band members didn't like that. I do. Generally, my biggest complaint is I don't hear the bass drum and vocals. But, my bigger worry is that the audience doesn't hear the entire group. The few times I've had someone sit in and I got to go out front have not been impressive. Again, I agree with you- there's a volume war going on.

The only backline amp at all is the bass amp. Oddly enough, when our bass player went back to a conventional amp, he started playing much quieter than with the L1 & 4 B1s. I think it has to do with the frequencies. Our keys and guitars go direct to the units.

I personally think acoustic drums are not the best choice for this setup. I have played one show with my old trusty drumKat and Alesis sounds and that's also what I use for rehearsal. The band hates the electronics.

Thanks again for your advice. I'll bring up the subject of placement and volume again and let you know.

Life is good!

I'd like to add my voice to the others and suggest that you take a look at the video presentation on musical arrangement by Cliff Goodwin.

Many who have seen it say that it changed their approach to live music. Many also said that having their bands watch it together was transformative.

I hope you like it.

You also said:

quote:

We now set up with the units close to the musician using that unit.

I'm really glad to hear about this. The technology is designed with this in mind. The sound needs to be a little louder only for the person producing it. Also, it's important to have the sound come from the direction of the player. This adds to listeners ability to quickly employ their eyes and ears together -- an example of something called "sensory integration" known in this case to add significantly to our ability to hear and appreciate music.

With best regards,

Ken