Nerding Out About Live Sound with Robert Scovill

Update: 2024-05-13

Description

Nerding Out About Live Sound with Robert Scovill — Gig Gab 429 episode image

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