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Thread: Stage noise and drum shields

  1. #1

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    Default Stage noise and drum shields

    Our bass player has been complaining for a while about how loud I am. We are the very first live band he has ever played with. Killer bassist, just never played in a band.

    I'm not a hard hitter. I've never once even dented a head. I use in-ears and am the only one that does. He thinks if I went to a stage monitor, that I would subconsciously play softer. I don't think a monitor will do anything but hurt my ears. I play the way I play and I can't see a monitor changing that.

    The lead singer who is right in front of me says ''yeah it's loud, but I can still hear."

    I'm willing to invest in a shield if that will help but wanted to check in here first. I know some of you have dealt with this at some point. Any thoughts or suggestions?

    Finally, I'm not looking for comments that bash my bassist. He's a great guy, not going anywhere, and I don't want him to. I'm looking for constructive responses that will make everyone happy at the end of the gig.

    thanks,
    Tex

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Stage noise and drum shields

    I would try using a regular monitor and see what happens. It won't cost anything and if it doesn't make a difference, then you can say you tried his idea. No harm, no foul. In a light hitter as well, but our Bass player always complains that I'm too loud. I try to accommodate him because I like having him right off my hi-hat. It works good for communication and I don't want him clear on the opposite side.
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  3. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by Texdrumr View Post
    Any thoughts or suggestions?
    I hate drum shields. The end.


    Seriously, I don't think the shields are the answer. What is the stage volume like? In some bands, it's not as bad. You might be able to adjust to external monitors if it balanced out the sound better. Think about it; with something in your ears, especially you being the only one, you're hearing something different than everyone else in a more significant way. It might be worth trying it just to see if you like it. I wouldn't jump to drum shields though. They're a pain in the butt. Then again, if you're getting all your mix from in-ears anyway, maybe you won't mind it as much as I do.

  4. #4

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    I'm with Tom on this. I would never use a shield.

    It's all about dynamics.

  5. #5

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    Hey Texdrumr! Just a couple of questions:

    Is he's complaining about your dynamics rather than the actual volume you play at? Do you have the entire band and the kit in your in-ear-monitors or just the vocals?

    I use a stage monitor so I can hear the overall stage volume at which the entire band is playing and I build my dynamics around it. I know alot of drummers who prefer in-ear-monitors over a stage monitor these days since the technology has improved over the years.

    I use a drum shield for one of my cover bands at the practice studio and it's not that practical to use. I need to rig up a headphone amp hooked up to the PA in order to hear the band since all I get behind the shield is the drums in my face.

    My bandmates like the drum shield for the obvious reasons but I don't drag it out to gigs. It's heavy and has no way to support itself. Go back and listen to some gigs and see if your bass player has a point.

    In my opinion, we play the way we play as you mentioned but there may be room to compromise by either playing more dynamically or refining your monitor mix in your ears?

    Here's how I had the shield set up when I had my Pearl kit:




  6. #6

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    Default Re: Stage noise and drum shields

    Thanks everyone. It's not dynamics, it's the overall volume of the drums.

    Late, I have everyone mixed out in my ears, including the drums. That's why I don't think the monitor will make a difference. Maybe I'm wrong though.

    I will try a stage monitor - hope it works. I don't want to resort to a shield - for the one reason of not wanting to lug the heavy beast around. I already carry a truck full.

    thanks again,
    Tex

  7. #7

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    Default Re: Stage noise and drum shields

    I have an IEM, a small powered Hotspot monitor, and a floor monitor. Dynamic wise, I probably play softest with the IEM. Hopefully your experience is different. Regarding the shield, let that be the last resort. Carrying those things around SUCK. But it may work if the bass player is in front of you, the shield itself will just deflect the volume. Make sure to get one that has some sort of absorbent if you want the actual volume to be lowered.
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  8. #8

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    Used a shield live once. Hated it. It gave a feeling of separation not only audibly, but physically. Under stage lights it acts as a dirty mirror. I couldn't see past the front of the stage. Literally had no idea if anyone was off of their seat dancing.
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  9. #9

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    Have you suggested to your bass player that in-ears might even out the sound for him and let him hear the whole band like you do?

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by hippychip View Post
    Have you suggested to your bass player that in-ears might even out the sound for him and let him hear the whole band like you do?
    That's a good idea.
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  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by hippychip View Post
    Have you suggested to your bass player that in-ears might even out the sound for him and let him hear the whole band like you do?
    Oh yes. He's tried them and agrees they work. Says he can't stand to have them in his ears. He likes the ambient noise. Just not too loud, I guess.

    Tex

  12. #12

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    I hate shields. Drums sound like crap, you feel like your quaranteened from the band like a deseased animal.
    Try having the bass player change positions on the stage.
    You said this is his first band, well time for him to learn drums are loud, take him to some open mics so he can play with some other people so he sees normal stage levels.
    Last edited by Northern Redneck; 03-19-2014 at 09:56 PM.

  13. #13

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    I'm wondering where the bass player stands in relation to your drums. I think another issue that you mentioned is his limited exposure to the sound level of a live band. If he's going to lock in with you, he should be able to hear you clearly. I think if you went behind a shield, I think he'd have a much harder time locking in with you.
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  14. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by Northern Redneck View Post
    You said this is his first band, well time for him to learn drums are loud, take him to some open mics so he can play with some other people so he sees normal stage levels.
    Maybe he'll be thankful to play with someone that has dynamics after he meets others.
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  15. #15

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    not until the final frontier, Vegas! or any other hole in the wall casino
    Last edited by slinky; 03-20-2014 at 07:21 AM.
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  16. #16

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    I don't think a shield is an answer either.

    I think one thing that you can do is, if possible, pick a different practice area. I realize that this may not be a plausible solution, but if y'all are packed together during rehearsal, you are going to seem much louder. If this isn't possible, there are some ways to deaden a room on a budget (by the use of soft furniture that you already own, mounting/stapling egg crate mattress pads to the walls, hanging up rugs, using bookshelves, carpet scraps on the floor, or whatever).

    If you are practicing in a garage, open the garage door and set your drums up to where they are catty-cornered to the door.

    Also, maybe try having the bass player move further away during rehearsal. Have him trade places with someone.

    I do appreciate you disclaimer about having a good bass player with a good attitude. Those guys are hard to find, and you need to hang onto them when you can. I think over time, your bass player will come around. He'll get used to the levels if he plays with a live drummer for any length of time. It's quite a wake-up call for someone that's never played with live drums. Believe me, I know. I had to get the choir at my church accustomed to standing beside of a live drummer without a shield. Now, several actually prefer to stand beside me when I play.

    Let us know how it goes!
    Last edited by porkpieguy; 03-20-2014 at 07:28 AM.

  17. #17

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    Your bass player should put in one regular ear plug in his ear that's toward you. I don't see how a monitor
    for you would help him at all. And I'm with these guys here, I would never invest in a drum shield or use one.

  18. #18

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    I know you said you didn't want us bashing him and I ain't unless you just take it
    that way but I'd say he can try an ear plug and/or take a step or two forwards
    away from you.

    If he don't wanna help with the problem it must not be that big of a problem.
    Last edited by Ray on the Drums; 03-20-2014 at 09:17 AM.

  19. #19

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    I always wondered what those Drum Shields where used for. Studio work cause I have seen them there and also at some live performances. Paul McCarthy's drummer used one on the recent concert I saw on tv. I think they look cool but if they are of no use then they are a waste of money.

  20. #20

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    Quote Originally Posted by Pearl MCX Man View Post
    I always wondered what those Drum Shields where used for. Studio work cause I have seen them there and also at some live performances. Paul McCarthy's drummer used one on the recent concert I saw on tv. I think they look cool but if they are of no use then they are a waste of money.
    This is a copy/paste from my reply to the same question/concern regard shields from the church drummers page/thread:

    The Pros and Cons of drum sheilds

    Pros for the drummer:

    1. The drummer does not have to be as reserved and can play at a volume that is more comfortable as opposed to playing softer.

    2. If the drummer uses a wedge-type monitor, the drummer can cut up the monitor louder without as much worry about bleed-through to the mikes outside of the drummer's area.



    Pros for the sound guys:

    1. More control over volume.

    2. More mic sound as opposed to natural sound. Sound techs may have more control of mix, EQ, effects, etc.



    Cons for the drummer:

    1. The drummer looks like he/she is in an aquarium (I simply do not like the way that they look. Even from the audience I think that they look pretty bad.).

    2. May promote more of a stage presence of "me and them" as opposed to "us." In other words, the drummer may feel more isolated and not part of the band or group.

    3. If the drummer is not using in-ear monitors, this can be extremely loud and cause hearing damage. All of the sound that's supposed to be projected out is now coming back toward the drummer...with vengeance.

    4. If you are part of a group that travels, it's one more thing to have to set up night after night (like drummers don't have enough to set up already!).

    5. During rehearsals, the drummer has to shout to get anyone's attention.

    6. If the drummer uses a completely enclosed shield, it can get really hot in there.


    Cons for sound guys:

    1. As mentioned in a previous post, if the sound guy is lazy, you may have to play louder to get the same effect.

    2. While there is a more mic'ed sound to the whole thing, any natural sound that you have from the stage will sound muffled. A lot of the time, you have to crank the mics to get it to sound decent (which sort of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?).

    3. If the drummer uses a non-shielded monitor and chooses to crank it up, it can cause nasty feedback...in a tight, loud environment.


    Additional issues:

    1. It can make lighting difficult.

    2. If you are traveling, stage sizes can vary night after night. Space may become an issue.

    3. I'm sure those things get dusty and get fingerprints from time to time.

    4. They really aren't as cheap as they should be.


    I'm sure others will have more to say and better info. This is just from my experiences.
    Last edited by porkpieguy; 03-20-2014 at 10:04 AM.

  21. #21

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    Have your bass player come play with me. LOL. He'll never say another word about your volume.

  22. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by marko138 View Post
    Have your bass player come play with me. LOL. He'll never say another word about your volume.
    Ha! I know you are somewhat kidding, but I've actually considered this. My cousin is a very accomplished drummer in a band that plays a similar genre. He's a hitter. I'm considering having him come over for rehearsal one night to show him (bassist) that it's not me. Or at least, not JUST me.

    Thanks again everyone.

    Tex

  23. #23

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    Quote Originally Posted by hippychip View Post
    Have you suggested to your bass player that in-ears might even out the sound for him and let him hear the whole band like you do?
    + 2

    Seems like a "duh" moment............
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  24. #24

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    Quote Originally Posted by Texdrumr View Post
    Ha! I know you are somewhat kidding, but I've actually considered this. My cousin is a very accomplished drummer in a band that plays a similar genre. He's a hitter. I'm considering having him come over for rehearsal one night to show him (bassist) that it's not me. Or at least, not JUST me.

    Thanks again everyone.

    Tex
    Send him up. I'll pick him up at Harrisburg International. LOL.

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