Saturday, June 29, 2019

Setting Up Backline Equipment For Concerts

By Thomas Phillips


Concerts are fun and exciting times for the band and the crowds. The size of the venue and type will determine the systems that need to be set up. How it is set up and the type of backline equipment can determine the difference between a successful concert and a bust. The systems are sometimes provided by the venues and sometimes by the bands. Neither can be expected to have everything needed.

The equipment that is set up in front of the musicians is called the frontline. This usually includes monitors and PA speakers to help broadcast. All of the other systems included are usually backline systems. They include the instruments, amp speakers, and various implements. The quality and type depend on both the band and the venue where they are playing. When being booked, the band manager should discuss what the venue has as part of the contract process.

It is critical to be sure the equipment setup is right for the venue. Having speakers that are too small for an outdoor concert will end up with sound wafting in the wind. Bands cannot be expected to have a different set of systems for each type of venue. Thus, the discussion needs to be done prior to the concert to make sure the venue has whatever the band needs ahead of time.

Many bands will have most of the equipment they need. Even smaller groups will have amps and some speakers to be able to play small venues. However, the cost of the systems can be very high for larger venues. The smaller amps won't do the job in this case. The crowd will end up not being able to hear the band and the concert will be a bust.

Permanent systems are common for larger venues. If they have concerts all the time, they've probably invested in a pretty nice system. Some will even have used drum sets and other instruments in case a band is in a bad spot. The parts that are not available at the venue can usually be rented prior to the concert date.

New and up and coming bands usually have to rent or borrow what they need. Equipment costs can skyrocket quickly. Having to buy a whole system is cost prohibitive and newer bands just can't afford it. If the venue is without the needed systems, they can often be contracted to rent whatever they don't have from a local music supply store. They need to be the right size for the venue in question.

Sound checks are critical before each concert. The last band to play usually sets up first. They'll finish their sound check and slide the instruments and amps towards the back. Going in reverse order, the rest of the groups will do their checks and push their equipment back. This gets every band set up with the systems in order. As each band is done playing, their systems are quickly pulled off stage and the next set is pushed forward to make for a fast change between bands.

No traveling band can have all the equipment needed for every type of venue. Renting the systems they do not have is something that can be worked out in the contract during the booking process. Larger venues or those that have groups play all the time, often have their own permanent setup so incoming bands will have minimal needs when they get there.




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