Nerding Out About Live Sound with Robert Scovill - Gig Gab 429

🌎 Shownotes with links at giggabpodcast.com/
In this week's episode of Gig Gab, Robert Scovill brings his wealth of live audio expertise to the show. As a front-of-house engineer for legendary acts like Tom Petty, Prince, Kenny Chesney, and Rush, Scovill shares the art of balancing sound in massive stadiums while ensuring the audience gets a crystal-clear experience, especially in the crucial front-fill zone. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, stating that "facts are not truth" in the quest to blend technical perfection with the creative essence of the artists. He advises managing the trade-offs inherent to audio mixing, as live music remains a visual art form where "Always Be Performing" is key. Scovill discusses managing sound for Kenny Chesney's stadium tour and recounts working with Matchbox 20 on a silent stage, sharing how cell phone videos can be instrumental in helping to reveal potential audio issues.
Scovill dives deep into drum audio techniques, recommending starting with stereo overheads and advising against isolating the drums in an "aquarium." He also explores his favorite microphones and explains why in-ear monitors (IEMs) have positively impacted performers.
Scovill wraps up with stories from touring with Rush and insights into beamforming technology at U2’s innovative Sphere shows. Throughout the episode, he remains open to ideas and resources, underscoring the importance maintaining audio integrity and continually refining one's craft in pursuit of perfect live sound.
Press play and enjoy, folks...and always be performing!
00:00:00 Gig Gab 429 - Monday, May 13th, 2024
May 13th: National Apple Pie Day
Robert Scovill - FOH sound … for the rest of us! (That is, when we’ve gone to see Prince, Tom Petty, Rush, Jackson Browne, and nowadays Kenny Chesney!)
00:02:00 An Educator at his core
00:03:05 Importance of Integrity
Facts are Not Truth
00:06:33 This is Adult Audio - Doing Stadiums for the Kenny chesney Tour
00:08:18 Open to All Resources and ideas
Diction as a priority
Live Music is a Visual Art - Attendees Need TO See The Artist
45ft off the ground (vs. 25ft in arenas)
00:11:19 Making it sound good in front of the stage as it does everywhere else
The Front Fill Zone - Separate PA with different mix, panning, positioning
EAW Adaptive PA
00:16:16 The Technique of Mixing Right In Front of The Stage
Balance the stage first
“Audio is About Managing Trade-offs”
Making Petty Sound Good
00:24:33 Live stages… ampless vs. just drums
Silent Stages with Matchbox 20
00:26:58 Beware Room Reflections
Cell Phone Videos Will Highlight This
00:30:37 In-Ear Monitors… Because why not?
IEMs Affect Performers…Positively!
…so long as you can hear in an ensemble
…and don’t sing too quietly
00:35:34 Managing Drummers (and Singing Drummers)
Start with Stereo Overheads
00:39:34 Don’t Put the Drums in An Aquarium
It’s a Last Resort!
Drum Shields in The Sphere
00:41:56 U2 at The Sphere
00:44:20 Beamforming Sound at The Sphere
The Sphere Aronofsky Movie
00:46:54 Gear Gab: Microphones for Drums and Singing Drummers
Heil PR-31BW
Beyer M88
Beyer M160
Shure SM57
Telefunken M80 as snare bottom
Lauten Snare Mic
Earthworks SR117
Beyerdynamic Ribbon Mic
00:54:26 Geeking out on Gear Gab
00:56:04 Drum Overheads
Royer Stereo Ribbon
Tul Condenser Overhead Microphones
Austrian Audio’s 414 Remake
00:56:58 Reminiscing About Being on Tour With Rush
01:00:49 The Emotions of Declining Rush
01:02:27 Find Robert Scovill
On Facebook
On Instagram
On LinkedIn
RobertScovill.com
The Back Lounge
01:04:20 Gig Gab 430 Outtro
Contact Gig Gab!
@GigGabPodcast on Instagram
[e-mail]
Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
🔗 Stay Connected:
Visit our website: www.giggabpodcast.com/
Follow us on Twitter: / giggabpodcast
Like our Facebook Page: / giggabpodcast
Join our Facebook Group: / giggab

[@LaneMilesMusic]

Great episode Dave. I love Robert’s instructor like delivery of information. 🤘🤘

[@DaveHamilton]

Thanks, Lane! Yeah, he really knows how to teach this stuff. SO great.