If your band’s live setup feels more like organized chaos than controlled power, this episode’s for you. We’re diving into real-world band hacks that actually make a difference—from tightening up your IEM mixes with split snakes, to using a click track to start songs like a pro. You’ll also hear why phantom power isn’t the villain it’s made out to be, and how to get serious clarity from your kick drum without blowing the budget. Whether you’re rocking a basement bar or a big stage, this gear and workflow talk will level you up.

But it’s not just about sound—it’s about syncing your whole band’s flow. We cover practical tools like Google Calendar and BandHelper that take the headache out of scheduling rehearsals and gigs. Plus, you’ll get lessons learned from the madness of SXSW soundchecks, hydration tips for high-output sets, and a smart discussion about finding sponsors that actually fit your audience. As always, it’s about one thing: helping you Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 480 – Monday, May 5th, 2025
  
  
  
  • May 5th: National Concert Day
  
  
  
  


• 00:01:48 John-Spotify audio levels are out of balance
  
  
  
  • DLH-Why we stopped putting Video on Spotify
  
  
  
  


• 00:04:05 Brian-Boundary Mics and Kick Drums
  
  
  
  • Behringer BA 19A
  
  
  
  


• 00:06:29 May Monorail and May Turbo Kick


• 00:10:42 feedback@giggabpodcast.com


• 00:17:54 Brad-Who is your band’s audience, and which sponsors would want to reach them?
  
  
  
  • The Rolling Stones went from Budweiser in 1989 to AARP in 2024…who’s right for YOUR band?
  
  
  
  


• 00:22:45 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!


• 00:24:36 Scott-Hi Lyte cyclists hydration helps for strenuous gigs, too


• 00:27:19 Paul-Bring Back Bruce!


• 00:30:55 Drew-Phantom Power and Split Snakes Isn’t an Issue according to Dave Rat
  
  
  
  • Seismic Audio Split Snake
  
  
  
  


• 00:33:49 Using a Split Snake to Facilitate your IEM mix


• 00:36:38 Using a click to start songs
  
  
  
  • forScore
  
  
  
  


• Gear Gab
  
  
  
  • 00:41:55 What do you use as your gig bag?
  
  
  • 00:42:38 Gear Gab-Optogate
  
  
  • 00:44:34 LILY P4D
  
  
  • 00:46:35 Mackie EM-89D – Handheld, Dynamic Vocal Mic for $49.99 with pouch, clip, & XLR Cable
  
  
  
  


• SXSW
  
  
  
  • 00:48:33 Lessons from SX. Watching so many bands soundcheck quick was immediately obvious at my next gig.
  
  
  • 00:50:31 SXSW Official Comments on Changes to SXSW 2026 Schedule
  
  
  
  


• 00:52:18 Waves Free Plugin Pack with 9 awesome plugins


• 00:53:32 What do you use to coordinate your bandmates’ schedules?
  
  
  
  • Band and BandHelper
  
  
  
  


• 00:56:20 Gig Gab 480 Outtro
  
  
  
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  
  
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  
  
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  
  
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
  
  
  
  

The post Real-World Band Hacks: IEM Mixes, Click Track Starts, and Calendar Control – Gig Gab 480 appeared first on Gig Gab.