Recently I have seen Tool, The Black Crowes and tonight will go and see the Stone temple Pilots there. I have always been astonished at the very poor sound quality. It's very loud...I think the Tool gig was my loudest ever, but the sound upstairs in the 'circle' section is so confused and bright, it's rediculous. No distinciton between guitars, and I missed half of Danny Carrey's amazing drum workout! They may as well not have a bass player on stage.
Tonight I will be downstairs, so I hope there will be a big difference tonight..
Anyone else have similar experiences???
Cheers
Goose
Posted on: 21 August 2001 by Rico
I've heard reasonably good sound at the Academy, never been upstairs there. One notable exception was The The last year, but that was all down to the soundman - should've been strung up. As a venue overall, I rate the academy. The sloping floor is a real bonus for anyone under 6 foot.
Rico - Save the Kans!
Posted on: 23 August 2001 by von zipper
I've attended quite a few gigs at the Academy over the years and have never noticed the sound to be particularily poor - in fact I was seated upstairs for Gomez and remember it as being one of the best shows I've heard.I think Brixtons sound system is very capable - it just depends on who is at the soundboard, I guess
Posted on: 28 August 2001 by Clive B
I reckon this problem is endemic. I have so often been to concerts where the sound "engineer" (I use the term loosely) has mixed an appalling noise.
The usual mistake is so much boomy bass that you have to struggle to hear the lyrics. But I put this down to most of these guys being near deaf anyway. If they're working most nights at concert volumes it's not surprising their hearing suffers. I wonder if it's the same in recording studios? And I wonder how many artists ask their sound men to have hearing tests before letting them loose in a way that could so adversely affect the artist's career.
Regards, CB
