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Originally Posted by
light-o-matic
My advice would be to simplify (for now).
Because as a new electronic act you will be happy to get gigs at all, you can't necessarily control the stage layout or the sound system.
I was somewhat aware of this.. but the solution to simplify is a point taken. Although I think it's better to have a stage map ready than not have one... asking for a monitor could be too much but it doesn't hurt to ask does it?
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Work out a nice compact arrangement of your most important gear (computer, synths, drum computer etc), make sure you do not absolutely need a ton of space because you may not have that space.
I think the gear takes about the same footprint as an average DJ setup but usually DJs are located in a booth of some sort or the side of the stage (another thing is if there is no stage.. I could play from a medium-size booth I guess but it takes away the live element)
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As a beginner you need to be able to get on stage and set up in a very short amount of time, and everything obviously has to work. That's the important thing, that you get up there and perform successfully.
I've seen live bands (also ones starting out) and solo acts do their soundcheck during the quiet hours. Then again I've been given once or twice less than 15mins to pack my gear as a DJ (not with a PA though).. I'm kind of used to a quick setup with my DJ gear and sound even if there's no hurry but I'm unsure how long the soundcheck would take with the live setup (the cabling isn't much else than a mic cable and a couple of 1/4"s/RCAs with two MIDI cables)
I'd estimate with a PA it takes about 20-30min to set up the sound and another 20min to set up the rig plus hauling and soundcheck.. I haven't been in the professional show business much so I can't tell if it's a long or short time (I've been a roadie and a sound guy so I should know but I don't because we never had to work with other acts on the same stage)
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So yea, the minimum setup.. which is, your sound sources, a mixer, headphones (always have them, because even if you have a monitor you will need headphones to test things and solve problems).
Yeah I was thinking about the headphones the other day.. but my smaller mixer has no solo ch or PFL.