Lots of questions seem to be coming in regarding stage volume and audio clarity. The fact of the matter is that most of the time, a band that is too loud onstage often sounds distracting compared to one that makes a conscientious effort to monitor their stage volume. It sounds counterintuitive, but bringing your stage volume down can improve your live show for a variety of reasons. Lowering our stage volume means higher-quality house mix. All of my experience has made me a firm believer in controlling stage volume as much as possible. However, equipment or gear is only one part of the equation.
What is Stage Volume
This refers to the sound level experienced on stage by performers. It includes the sound coming from stage monitors or in-ear monitors (IEMs) that allows performers to hear themselves and other musicians. The sound produced by instrument amplifiers (e.g., guitar or bass amps) on stage. The combined sound of the instruments, vocalists, and monitors bouncing around the stage area.
Excessively high stage volume can cause feedback issues and muddy the sound for the audience. Balancing stage volume is essential to ensure performers can hear clearly without overwhelming the front-of-house (FOH) mix.
Some solutions
- Use in-ear monitors to minimize reliance on loud stage monitors
- Position amplifiers strategically or use amp isolation boxes
- Keep volume levels moderate
- Let the FOH system handle the bulk of amplification.
Any resolution of an audio dilemma requires a commitment from all concerned to adapt their personal preferences to reach a common goal. I can’t stress enough the need for musicians (instrumental and vocal) to take responsibility for their part, particularly as it relates to creating the overall sound. But, don’t get stuck focusing on your individual part alone.
It’s very easy for a musician to get used to his or her sound and have little or no concept of how it affects the overall mix. Bass/low frequency can be very tricky for musicians as there is so much feel involved with it. They need to ask why a song in any particular style sounds and feels the way it does and begin to see how their part (vocal or instrumental) fits with all the other parts in the mix.
The transition to reducing stage volume (especially as it relates to bass/low frequencies) requires that you learn to feel with your ears and brain as well as with your body. It can be a bit of a faith walk early on. The low frequencies are still there but you’re not going to sense them at lower volumes the way you would when things are louder.
Clarity
Clarity refers to how well individual sounds or parts (like vocals, instruments, and speech) can be heard and distinguished from one another. On stage, clarity ensures that performers can clearly hear their own part and others’ parts without confusion and maintain tight timing and accurate pitch.
A few challenges with clarity can include poor stage acoustics (e.g., reflective surfaces or excessive reverb), unbalanced mixes in monitors, or FOH and Overlapping frequencies between instruments (e.g., bass and kick drum).
Solutions:
- EQ Adjustments: Use EQ to carve out frequency spaces for each element.
- Proper Monitor Mixing: Customize monitor mixes for each performer.
- Acoustic Treatment: Reduce reflections and echoes with stage drapes, carpets, or panels.
In-Ear Monitors have purpose and can really help.
In-ear monitors are used to listen to music or to hear a personal mix of vocals and stage instrumentation for live performance or recording studio mixing. In-ear monitors are an absolute godsend for live performance. As anyone who has battled against feedback squeals, or struggled to hear themselves against the crack of a snare drum, these things will change your life.
Lean on your team
It’s very important that you are not by yourself when it comes to discussions about volume. You need to coordinate with your pastor and music leader to make sure everyone is on the same page. This happens even in the general market music world. That’s why, along with the talent, there are producers, production managers, system techs, monitor and front of house engineers, etc. As a team they collectively decide their volume parameters and collectively work to maintain them. Our position often requires us to be mediators, educators and artists. It’s no small responsibility, and continuing to learn will only make us better at wearing all the hats required to do our work well.
It Matters in Worship Settings
Good stage volume and clarity help worship leaders, musicians, and speakers deliver their message effectively. Clear sound enhances the congregation’s ability to engage with the service or performance. If you’re working on your lighting and sound design for sermons or performances, these elements can significantly improve the overall experience!
