Pdrummer
Eager Beaver
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 17
Location: NC |
| The difference between studio and live |
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Hey guys I'm new to audio engineering so I just wanted to know what the difference between studio engineering and live engineering. Um, I know there is a different setup of course and live actually has their own specialized EQ, but anyways, I wanted you guys to compare and contrast for me. |
Sun Mar 26, 2006 5:44 pm |
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AUdIoCoUrSeS
Joined: 31 Oct 2002
Posts: 2014
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| Re: The difference between studio and live |
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quote:
Originally posted by Pdrummer
Hey guys I'm new to audio engineering so I just wanted to know what the difference between studio engineering and live engineering. Um, I know there is a different setup of course and live actually has their own specialized EQ, but anyways, I wanted you guys to compare and contrast for me.
Well just a real quick reply to welcome you.
The big difference is stress levels ..... there exists little time in live work.
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Sun Mar 26, 2006 9:11 pm |
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conquistadore
Forum Moderator
Joined: 03 Aug 2004
Posts: 514
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Yes stress definitely!
But the whole workflow is different on the whole. In a studio there is always a chance for a retake if a mistake is made but in a live setup mistakes should be minimum (not that in the studio there isnt - but there is no chance for a retake in a live setup).
Your approach to things in a live setup would be different.. while in the studio you may spend time going through your closet of condensor microphones to capture that 'perfect' sound off your vocalist, in a live gig you may have no option but to stick an SM58 in front of the vocalist.. Its a whole different experience really. Probably you should try joining a local sound company and help around just to get the taste of things.. |
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Mon Mar 27, 2006 11:07 am |
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wailingalleycat
Forum Manager
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 694
Location: Jersey C.I (UK) |
| The Differences |
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Where to begin?
Conqy made a good point about the "only one take" thing, in live u get it right, or you go home.
And yes there is a big difference in the equipment, first and foremost, unlike some studio gear, if you throw live sound equipment off the back of a truck, it has to bounce... Which means in some cases, sound quality is compromised for durability and reliability. for the same reason, digital is much less prolific in live as it is in sound. although digital gear is making an impression, computers are still somewhat taboo.
In a live situation, the key aim, is to make the audience AND performers happy, happy performers = happy audience. This means finding a balance/compromise to get the best possible sound for everyone, not just one person. you could have 100,000 people to please all at the same time, not just one guy in front of his stereo.
Anything else you want to know? what have i missed out?
-Paul
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If In Doubt...Hit It With a Hammer, If Still In Doubt... Find a Bigger Hammer. |
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Tue Mar 28, 2006 7:34 pm |
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Calipso
Family Friend
Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 154
Location: N.Ireland |
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I think one of the most important things about live work in relation too studio work is what your acutal objective is. In a studio you are possibly trying to layer up and create a track that is perfectly balanced and is listenable in any speaker system. In a live sitatuation its very different. The most important thing to remember is that live sound is "sound reinforcement" and not "sound amplification"! So if its a small venue, and you have a drumkit, do you need to mic up the kit, is it loud enough? Do i need to mic up teh guitar amp or is it loud enough? These are the question you gota ask, and depending on the venue and size you are just reinfocing the sound that is already there.
You are also trying to keep things as simple as possible in live work. Less is best in live. You wont really be wanting to mic up every single mic on the kit with the best mics all the tiem, but of course you may do in some cases, or have 3 mics on your guitar amp, one being an ambient mic. You have to be wary of positiong on a stage and where your mics are positioned, because if in the wrong place it could set iof a feedback loop which will melt your head all night! Usually less is best, as the less you have to work with, the easier it is to control. Mixing live with 32 channels is a bit of a head melter, especially when you get some feedback, and you are trying to work out where its coming from! lol
In the studio, you can take your time, have a coffee break, take 16 takes of that vocal and record a song in weeks lol. Live, you gota nail it the first time and only first time. There are no second chances! So you gotta be confident and skilled to be an live engineer, and in my personal opinion the live engineers are the more skilled than the studio engineers, but thats debatable! ;p
I know a story aobut a studio engineer who was doing FOH sound for some band, and had not really dont much live work before. They were at sound check, and spent 20 minutes EQ'ing the snare drum! And before he knew it he was outa time b4 he even got on to the other instruments! The in house engineer had to but in and get it finished promptly. lol
So, you got to be quick and effieicent in LIVE, and remember it does not have to be perfect! There will not me sound guru's ion the audience, and infact most times the punters will be drinking and will be clueless to any troubles you face! |
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Wed Mar 29, 2006 11:41 pm |
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wailingalleycat
Forum Manager
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 694
Location: Jersey C.I (UK) |
| Debateable |
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my my calipso, talk about controversial!
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If In Doubt...Hit It With a Hammer, If Still In Doubt... Find a Bigger Hammer. |
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Thu Mar 30, 2006 3:53 pm |
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