Help On Live Sounds

[Safety Chaser]

I have no clue what sorts of stuff you need for a full sound, enjoyable sound for a live band. We just play in like local shows, with crowds of 50-100 people. We're a hardcore band with not one piece of live equipment. We're willing to hand in all our money for stuff, but we're not sure exactly what we need.

Can someone list some stuff down that you'd need, like for a suitable show?

Thanks alot

[fishbulb]

What instruments?

You're going to need 1) microphones 2) mixer (if the venue doesn't have one) 3) PA system (if the venue doesn't have one). For mediocre quality, that could cost you upwards of $2000 US.

[Safety Chaser]

This may clear things up a bit:

The band line-up is:

Me - vocals (I do the screaming and singing)
Gill - guitars and vocals
Matt - drums and vocals
Colin - bass
Jarret - guitars

We have nothing, and I really don't know what we'll be needing if we want to host our own shows. How much amps and what not will we need? What sorts of essentials and other stuff?

I'm out of my mind, and hav no idea on this sort of thing. We played two shows so far but neve really took the time to see what sorts of things we need.

[shayne_122]

This may clear things up a bit:

The band line-up is:

Me - vocals (I do the screaming and singing)
Gill - guitars and vocals
Matt - drums and vocals
Colin - bass
Jarret - guitars

We have nothing, and I really don't know what we'll be needing if we want to host our own shows. How much amps and what not will we need? What sorts of essentials and other stuff?

I'm out of my mind, and hav no idea on this sort of thing. We played two shows so far but neve really took the time to see what sorts of things we need.


Well, you have 3 vocalists, so that's 3 vocal mics. Industry standard happens to be the Shure SM58, running you down around 115$ each. Add a stand for each of the instrumentalist/backup singers, and that's 60$ in total.

Do you have your own amps?

You'll probably want a 300 watt MINIMUM poweramp driving 2 PA speakers and a monitor or 2, which could run you easily over 1000$ alone.

sometimes you can get a powered mixer in a package, which defeats the need for an actual mixer.

you'll also need at least 2 SM57s or Audix I5 instrument mics for the guitars. these can go from 100-120$.

there may also be a drum mic kit needed. a 5 piece mic kit can be around 500$.

as for bass, usually you can get away with running it into the PA.


finally, there's cabling and other miscellaneous items that I'd leave 100$ of leeway for.