Prog Power X - The sound engineering was seriously bad :(

[maendark187]

10 marks my 2nd prog power, with 8 being my first. I've done some studio sound engineering in the past, but never live sound.

I noticed that there was a serious problem that other fans agreed with me on when I talked to them after the sets--- the sound was really bad. Overly loud (even for the fans of loudness) and a total lack of dynamics because of the volume.

The musicians would always fight to have their monitors turned up, which would in turn cause others to have their monitors turned up and then we'd get serious feedback through whenever there was a minor lull in the music.

It really couldn't be that every singer was having a bad day. Many seemed to strain just to hear themselves, and some, notably, in my case, Circus Maximus, seemed to give up altogether and just sing and hope for the best.

The only band that seemed to redo levels and the sound was fate's warning, but by that time, the event is almost over.

I've never ever worn earplugs before, but I purchased a set reluctantly, and wouldn't you know-- I could hear music again!

I never got a chance to speak with Glen, but I wish I had. A lot of loyal fans were reluctant in being the voice of discontent because they are so thankful for the experience, but with the way I see it... if it makes the event better for everyone, we've got constructive criticism that makes everyone have a better time for 11.

Anyone else feel how I do?

For those wondering who I was at the show-- I'm the guy that doesn't look like he fits in who wears the bright golf shirts and talks to people all of the time

 

[Cheiron]

Some sets sounded great, some not so much. Sabaton, DSO, and Circus Maximus sounded good. Royal Hunt didn't.

The monitor mix is different from the mix we hear, as far as I understand.

 

[The Invisible Guest]

I am so glad I don't really pay much attention to this kind of stuff. I never once had a problem with the sound. I think the key is to wear earplugs, stand on the floor, and drink a lot of beer. I was on the left side, right side, and in the center at times .. never had a problem.


Britt

 

[mëtålspëd]

The monitor mix is different from the mix we hear, as far as I understand.

It is. I recall everyone complaining about the last Angra set.... well I heard the show through their monitors, and it sounded AWESOME. Seems this year a few folks had similar issues with Brainstorm. All I know is it sounded great through their monitors.

I will take "crappy PP mixing" over my local venues best days any time uke:

 

[Bear]

it sounded like some of the PA monitors were blown and alot of the mixes were bass heavy...

Bear

 

[King Lek]

In general, 80% of shows I go to I consider the mix too loud and PP is no exception. I have no idea why it is done, but since I can not go fix it....problem solved with a good set of ear plugs.

I do agree, there was a heavy hand at times on the bass side which led to some muddiness, but nothing overly serious.

Overall, PP has some of the best sound around and I certainly don't think it was anywhere near seriously bad. I actually was quite happy with it.

 

[Troy the nomad]

I am so glad I don't really pay much attention to this kind of stuff. I never once had a problem with the sound. I think the key is to wear earplugs, stand on the floor, and drink a lot of beer. I was on the left side, right side, and in the center at times .. never had a problem.


Britt

I support this statement

 

[Kaosaur]

I thought this was one of the better years, actually, regarding loudness.

 

[Havermout]

In general, 80% of shows I go to I consider the mix too loud and PP is no exception. I have no idea why it is done, but since I can not go fix it....problem solved with a good set of ear plugs.

Got myself a set of custom made earplugs with db-filter about 1,5 year ago. Something i should have done years and years ago. The best buy in the past years, attending a gig is a feast for the ears now .

H.

 

[The Invisible Guest]

I wear something like these from Etymotics Research. They are a very nice plug (around $17 o 18). You can kind of control how much you want to jam into your ears.

 

[King Lek]

I wear something like these from Etymotics Research. They are a very nice plug. You can kind of control how much you want to jam them into your ears.

Pretty much what I have, though I only returned with one...hmmmm....lol


Havermout - where do you get them custom made?

 

[General Zod]

I too thought the volume, for most acts, was lower than previous years. As for the mixes being different from act to act, I would think that is by design, based on what the band requests during the sound checks. Ironically, I commented to my wife during the Circus Maximus set, that the sound was perfect.

To Britt's point, anyone not wearing a decent set of ear plugs, is too Metal for their own good.

Zod

 

[Havermout]

Havermout - where do you get them custom made?

I have earplugs similar like these:

I have them made (here in Holland) at a local shop that provides hearing aids and protection. You can choose for a db filter -15db or -25db. (i have the -25 because i use to be up in front near the speakers when i walk around with my camera, normaly -15db would be enough)

These filters take the db out of all ranges instead of the regular plugs that mostly only filter the high.

H.

 

[General Zod]

I wear something like these from Etymotics Research. They are a very nice plug (around $17 o 18). You can kind of control how much you want to jam into your ears.

Yep. I have these as well.

Zod

 

[Mullmuzzler]

I have earplugs similar like these:

I have them made (here in Holland) at a local shop that provides hearing aids and protection. You can choose for a db filter -15db or -25db. (i have the -25 because i use to be up in front near the speakers when i walk around with my camera, normaly -15db would be enough)

These filters take the db out of all ranges instead of the regular plugs that mostly only filter the high.

H.

i would be interested in getting some as well...

 

[Visa Guy]

I felt a few of the bands were a bit bass heavy as well. However, having seen a lot of the sound checks and then sitting near the sound booth during the show, I was aware that the bands that I felt were bass heavy had their own sound guy and did not use Glenn's sound tech. Hence, I cannot put the "blame" on Glenn/PPUSA for those bands' sounds. However, even those bands didn't have "bad" sound, just sound that was not as good/balanced as possible.

 

[Virtual Scott]

I'm not sure if I'd agree with that. From the nosebleed rafter section, the sound for Fates was crystal clear. The best sound I've heard from any band any year I've attended, yet. And very fitting, as it accentuates all of the nuances and independent guitar lines of the Fates boyz. Rawk!

 

[BABS]

Most definitely the sound was off for most of the weekend, I tended to notice it more during Circus Maximus' set and Orphaned Land. Thankfully for Fates it was corrected.

 

[ratanda]

Metal concerts are loud. That's how it goes. I wore plugs and it sounded fine.

 

[templeofmax]

Having studied sound engineering and music production, I can say that some sets do sounded great and some other didn't. The music coming out of the monitors also had some trouble as far as mixing since a lot of musicians were complaining during their sets for more volume on their ear monitors! As far as the speaker mix, it could have been better. Too much keyboard sometimes, not enough guitar and maybe even a little clipping on some instances. I did wear earplugs, but form time to time took them off and at one point, during Circus Maximus, in one of the guitar clean arpeggios parts, couldn't hear them at all because the keyboard and bass was drowning the sound!! Yes next year...just hire me.....kidding of course...