Chromium
Senior Member
Today my band and I (a trio) are undertaking a set-up and break-down testing activity...
As a band who's usual circuit is pubs, it means our fees charged are pretty limited, so we certainly can't afford a roadie or two. Even though we use quite a bit of kit, we have to set it up ourselves, and as I'm the only technical one (the others struggle to put a lead into a foot pedal the right way around), it's usually down to me... As you can imagine as a drummer, being knackered before we take to the stage to play a gig (which can be up to 90 minutes usually) is not a big plus!
This includes all our equipment; backline amps, PA, mics and stands, stage monitors, pedals and effect units, V-drum kit (inc SPD-SX and other 'ancillaries'), lighting and lighting desk, recording equipment etc.
I used to run a video production and AV company, and I believe that planning any config benefits from being run like a military campaign. Paying attention to the smallest details (such as having every lead labelled), and planning where everything goes avoids any ambiguity, therefore allowing for far less mistakes to be made and set-up time also being kept to a minimum and done efficiently.
We will start with all our equipment packed up in the regular rehearsal room (music room in my house). Then transporting to the van from there and packing it will be timed. Unpacking and setting up at another venue will be timed next. We will probably have a short rehearsal and take some photos. Then pack it all up, load the van and return to my home and once again unload there. All the activities will be timed for duration.
This all serves a number of purposes:
Do any of you in bands practice doing this too or am I alone in this?
As a band who's usual circuit is pubs, it means our fees charged are pretty limited, so we certainly can't afford a roadie or two. Even though we use quite a bit of kit, we have to set it up ourselves, and as I'm the only technical one (the others struggle to put a lead into a foot pedal the right way around), it's usually down to me... As you can imagine as a drummer, being knackered before we take to the stage to play a gig (which can be up to 90 minutes usually) is not a big plus!
This includes all our equipment; backline amps, PA, mics and stands, stage monitors, pedals and effect units, V-drum kit (inc SPD-SX and other 'ancillaries'), lighting and lighting desk, recording equipment etc.
I used to run a video production and AV company, and I believe that planning any config benefits from being run like a military campaign. Paying attention to the smallest details (such as having every lead labelled), and planning where everything goes avoids any ambiguity, therefore allowing for far less mistakes to be made and set-up time also being kept to a minimum and done efficiently.
We will start with all our equipment packed up in the regular rehearsal room (music room in my house). Then transporting to the van from there and packing it will be timed. Unpacking and setting up at another venue will be timed next. We will probably have a short rehearsal and take some photos. Then pack it all up, load the van and return to my home and once again unload there. All the activities will be timed for duration.
This all serves a number of purposes:
- It (hopefully) will mean I'm not the only band member who knows how it all connects and fits together.
- It will allow us to identify (fairly) accurate timings, so we don't under-estimate how long it will take us to set up/strike at a venue (something often my band members get wrong, or question when I tell them).
- Reduce the duration a set-up/strike takes, therefore creating efficiency.
Do any of you in bands practice doing this too or am I alone in this?