https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQme4Ma9Uc1NqWGGvSUPCubsRz1XwJEBxtgQSqVbCRFtvYX/Soundcheck_Bansko%20copy.jpg

Hello Stemians!

4 years ago I started my journey as an assistant & manager for a very famous bass player called @snow.owl. In my introduction post you can find out how that happened:

https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@bitcoinfused/introducing-the-bear-cave

As part of my job I had to learn how to set up a bass rig on stage and even do a soundcheck for my artist.

https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmT6Nuj9mecjm1uZb3dZj5TTuUkAp8VfhRPvZiCzko8KEi/05.png

Many hours of explanations have passed, building and taking apart pedal trains, following signals going in and out of effect pedals, trying out compressors, analysing frequencies, you name it... We did it all.

I'm nowhere close to fully understanding the mystical workings of frequencies but thanks to my curiosity and the outstanding explaining skills of @snow.owl I am now able to communicate with sound engineers.

In a concert situation, the most important part of my job is to make sure that the band sounds great! Unfortunately a bad sound engineer can ruin the sound of a fantastic band. Communication skills are needed in this case to make sure the engineer understands what is asked of him.

Snow Owl's band has a very specific sound and due to the uncommon combination of instruments it can be very challenging to make each instrument stand out and at the same time blend with the entire band. I honestly consider this an art form!

So, every time we come to a stage, the first thing I do is finding the right placement for the band leader. Usually that is the center of the stage, with drums and piano setup close by, so the rhythm section can communicate (visually and sonically) well with each other.

https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNqgCQiXf4w9CTZfTJKNe4YuqdvPJfc7fvwaio9yhxFX9/Snow%20Owl%20-The%20Blue%20Road--15.jpg

The speaker and amplifier on top mark the center, roughly 1-1,5 meters in front I place the pedal board (this board deserve an entire post dedicated to itself...!).

Now is the time to connect all the cables: electricity cable for the amp, speak-on cable to connect the amp to the speaker;

Jack cable (by Vovox!!!) from Basswitch DI (a must have for every bass player!) Line Out to the Input of the Amp;

To save time, the pedal board is set up in a way that all the connections are established and don't have to be touched or disassembled every time we set up or down! All that's left for me to do is getting the juice in there -> connecting to electricity!

The youngest member of "the family" is the iPad Pro, which has proven to be a great investment! No more printing of music charts that are likely to be blown off stage in an open air concert!

https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNrDkiMH4BNDsn99ZXpyMk75HyC1cB2jQhCGrvnnFYwwz/04.JPG

All charts and scores are stored safely in this device and can be opened and edited at any time. All you need is a page turner and you don't even have to touch that thing anymore. Makes performing a lot easier and more fun, I've heard! :-)

In some situations I had put the bass around my neck, connect it to the DI with the instrument cable and tuned it myself.

https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZtngoPYseKxrX3bgxhofUoaeedZSLtpMhP4SvuDGDRR2/Soundcheck_Bansko.jpg

When all of this is done, it's time for the Maestro to come on stage and do the "fine tuning".

https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTQSzV4TPYJeU6jJ9nJJFv5ciUW28DcWHbtZLPpzunArv/01.JPG

A plastic bottle of water and a towel are prepared on top or next to the speaker.

From this point on I have my eyes focused on the artist to jump in/or on stage in case he needs anything.

I spend most of the performance at the FOH (Front of House) at the mixing console next to the sound engineer to make sure everything sounds how it should.

Towards the end of the show I go backstage again to be handed over the bass once the performance is over.

https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXVXUMuK7mFTdLh2jadQVKSeAo3C6zvQqEnJ71ofRk45L/Bow_JazzalParque.JPG

One of the best moments is when I observe the audience how they are drawn into the music, how their faces change, their bodies move to the grooves. These moments are priceless!

I am so grateful to have found my passion and to be able to live it every day! Thank you @snow.owl for this opportunity !

This is the first time that I have actually described and shared these tasks and I know that this is only possible here on Steemit! 😂

Thank you for taking the time to read through this, I hope this gave you a little insight! 😎

There’s always more honey in the cryptopot!

@bitcoinfused

https://steemit.com/story/@snow.owl/africa-days-vienna-report