Hi Everyone,

Just wondering how sax players who are currently using this system feel about it. Also, how does it work overall if its the only unit being used (everyone else using conventional amplification) Thanks!

Jack

Hi Jack.

I’m a brass player, but play with three Saxes in my group. We are using the Personalized Amplification System™ family of products for the entire group – 10 piece Funk & Soul (5 horns).

In the past, we have always had the luxury of a separate monitor mix; but even with the wedges on the floor, it was still next to impossible to hear yourself let alone hear the group. Feedback was a constant burden. We use clip on mics – move a centimeter to the right – squeal, howl, and pain. And, intonation across the entire horn section was always a gamble. When I think of the number of “game-tapes” I listened to the next day only to hear the section out of tune – what a disappointment. In fact, traditional approaches to amplification has actually cost me players – I have people quit because they couldn’t hear themselves or heard too much of someone else.

Since we have switched to this new approach, the entire section has easily gotten twice as good – with no additional practice time! I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the time to practice enough to get 2x better. So in my opinion, this new approach is a slam dunk for any wind instrument. Also, since we can hear, my chops are still feeling pretty lively at the end of the night – even with a bunch of Tower of Power tunes.

As far as using one for yourself: absolutely! Depending on the size of the club, you probably won’t need to go through the PA. You will get to hear exactly what the audience hears. The rest of your band-mates will likely follow your lead. The beauty of your entire group using this approach is that you will all be able to hear each other and play with the confidence that comes from knowing you and the audience are hearing the same mix (plus you are in control) – this makes for an intensely musical performance. Again, twice as good (in my experience) without any additional practice.

Best regards,
Thomas

Hi Jack,

Thanks for writing in. Yes, a number of wind players, including sax players are using the system, and according to them, loving it.

I poked around and you can find a post herefrom a fellow sax player.

Also, use the Find tab and search for "wind controller" and you'll see a bunch of posts.

Also, sounds like MindThirst posted here on his band.

I wrote a report about a guitarist using the system while everything else was conventional here.

I hope some of this is of use to you. Try this out yourself if you can. Keep in mind that if you don't get the kind of restults others are getting, you have no obligation to keep the product.

I'm a tenor sax player in a horn section, (soul funk ska). I have a Bose L1 with 1 bass unit and up till now have only used it in re-hearsal or for jazz. I'm very impressed with this concept but my experience of other brass players is that they will happily spend thousands on their instrument but try getting them to part with money for a "personal" PA !! no chance

quote:

Originally posted by barry tone:
I'm a tenor sax player in a horn section, (soul funk ska). I have a Bose L1 with 1 bass unit and up till now have only used it in re-hearsal or for jazz. I'm very impressed with this concept but my experience of other brass players is that they will happily spend thousands on their instrument but try getting them to part with money for a "personal" PA !! no chance

The thought just occurred to me....

Maybe, in a jazz/swing/big band type group, one way to introduce the benefits of the L1 might be to use a T1 (ToneMatch mixer) with three mics (on stands, of course), each with a preset for each of three different kinds of soloist instruments (e.g.: when the player stands up to do their 'riff'). For example: one for sax, one for trumpet, one for t'bone.

Let other players, one at a time, during rehearsal, sit out in the back of the audience area and hear the difference it makes when a soloist is using the L1 vs. not using it.

With the Model I [rounded base], one can set up two mics with different presets; by adding a T1 to a Model I, then 5 different mic/Preset combinations can be made available to "step up to the microphone".

Once they hear the benefit of the L1 for the listeners, the next refinement is using clip-on mics rather than stand mics, for a more consistent "pickup" of the instrument.

Brass players have little trouble monitoring themselves, so the "personal monitor" aspect of the L1 is not a 'selling point'. However, being able to hear the flute/clarinet from back in the trumpet section just might be a nice feature to point out... depending on their opinion of those players!

FYI I have been playing solo, with a combo and with a big band thru the L1 that I have. Last gig on Xmas we set the L1 tower on the back row with the trumpets and put the vocals and solo saxes thru it.....great system..works for me......my 2 cents......