From M_Zacher@gmx.de Sat Nov 11 09:37:59 2006
Subject:Re: OT: Setting volumes in a band

Hi all!
One comment on the solo-volume: If anybody plays a solo, it is NOT him
to be louder, ist the OTHERS who have to be quiter! If you can´t get it
that way, at least try to find a compromise, e.g. all the others get a
bit quiter and you a bit louder. You could grab a bunch more of drawbars
or if you have two guitar players, have only one of them play while
there is the keyboard solo. That way, you´ll leave much more room for
soloing and get the volumes right as well... We do it, and it works
perfectly. Remember the saying: every note you don´t play is a good
note... :-)
Concerning volumes in general: We are playing Hard Rock. Hard Rock has
to be loud. But: Not too loud. When you reach a certain volume level,
even with good PAs, everything gets mixed up in your ears. You hear a
wall of sound, but cannot distinguish between the instruments any more.
You won´t hear every little note. Try it at rehearsal. Its much more
difficult playing things quiter cause you hear every mistake :-)
Oh.. ahm..so... if you don´t want to hear the audience your errors, play
louder with a bit of delay mixed in. Sounds crap - but loud crap ... ;-)

greetings
Michael