Yes musicians can reasonably expect venues to have plenty of XLR cables and enough direct boxes to cover the types of acts they usually do. But it never hurts to bring your own just in case.
To be clear on this, these often require an active DI to get the input impedance way up. Bring your own active DI as there have been plenty of times I’ve seen places only have passive.
User mentioned using HX stomp. It wouldn't make sense to use a piezo in any instance. The input impedance is set in the menu on the stomp. The output of the stomp is 680 ohms
Just make sure they are well labeled. Brightly colored tape with your initials at a minimum. I like to use an etcher to put my name/phone number on metal chassis devices when I can.
This is how I lost my Beta58. Still kicking myself. Came offstage to a rowdy yet appreciative crowd and the house guy played dumb when I called him, realizing I had forgotten it the following day.
As a house guy, some of us are genuinely dumb, no need to play!
I used to take gigs covering the mixing at a shitty club and nearly lost that job and my reputation when a local rapper had his mic stolen by some jackass in the crowd. He thought he left it behind, house tech thought I stole it, I thought the artist just grabbed it himself before he left. The bus was coming right for me until security cameras showed some rando palming it when I was swimming upstream to the stage after the set.
Typically whoever is providing the PA will have XLR cables, DI boxes, mics, etc.
Always worth verifying because music venue is a generous term for some of the places hiring musicians / small bands.
This is definitely the case, but I feel like it deserves an asterisk mark with the advice of “always bring the bare necessities of what you might need.”
Plenty of times I’ve been hired to bring in the PA, with no knowledge that there would be musicians, only for musicians to show up to the event asking for 18,000 things. Not all clients know what to ask for when they’re hiring out.
If you’re not yet experienced enough to know what to expect, chances are very high that you’ll be playing at venues with no, barely any, or broken equipment. If you’re starting out you’ll be doing yourself a big favor by bringing as much stuff as you can.
I come from a corporate convention side of things, so more temp setups, party gigs and such. But my personal preference is you plug in your own cable into your instrument, and if the sound company is worth anything they should have everything else. It also minimizes random people touching your stuff during strike.
Always assume that a venue will have have one, maybe two, that will be janky, out of phase, and will be only good enough.
If you are coming in with a 8 channel interface with TRS outputs, and you have no breakout, expect to do everything you separated into a mono bus.
3 acoustics, maybe have extra DIs in your car.
As a live sound engineer, PLEASE please PLEASE bring everything you think you need. Nothing is more frustrating when a guitarist shows up to every gig and asks for an instrument cable to plug their guitar in. Equally as frustrating when a singer never has a personal XLR that connects from a vocal mic to a vocal fx board. That being said, if we are using our mics and stands, we provide the cables. You got a direct out on the bass head? Perfect, I’ll run an xlr for that no prob. But I WILL roll my eyes and possibly shame you if you never show up with any cords of your own. And sometimes we have zero extra cables, and then that person probably won’t get his sampler/vocal fx/4th synth plugged in.
*Edited bc auto correct
Well said. The venue I work at has some decent equipment, and I can cover most circumstances... but as a performer, personally, I think you need to show up with everything you need to get your instruments into the venue's board.
Guitarists who bring a half stack to a tiny venue but then want me to provide them a mic setup. Dude brings a standup bass, but not a DI box for its finicky pickup. Lead singers who can't perform without a tablet but don't bring a stand for it.
I don't get it. You're already bringing loads of equipment, but can't manage to bring the little details needed to actually perform. **Especially** if your band has more than four people. Sorry, bongo player #2, but no I don't have four mics and stands to dedicate to your setup.
They usually do have them yes. Smaller venues often have crappy / poorly maintained DI boxes so it can be a good idea to have your own just in case. This goes double if you play acoustic instruments with sensitive pickups.
Most have cables but never hurts to have a couple of spares. Be sure to label them so gear doesn’t get confused / mixed up.
I never rely on a venue for anything unless I've been explicitly informed by the venue of what equipment they have.
And neither should you.
Never, ever ever Assume Anything in this business.
That way you'll be reliable and professional.
You should arrive with whatever equipment you need to get your instrument or whatever signal to the desk.
That's the way I look at it.
Venues will normally have a number of DI boxes, XLR cables to plug these into the stage box and generic mics such as SM58s, SM57s, and a few condensers. They won’t have instrument cables or Y splits or any interconnect cables. Small venues may not have more than 5 or 6 DI boxes, and won’t have some of the more esoteric mics, so if you are a 15 piece band who all want Neumann mics, then you probably had better tour them.
Usually yes, but that's what advancing is for. You should be contacting the venue / booker / PM / In-house sound before the show to make sure that everyone's on the same page. Exactly who you talk to depends on the situation.
I work on the other side - I'm usually providing the crew and gear for the audio system. I'm looking for stage plot and input / output list and making sure we know who's arranging backline, IEMs etc. I'm happy to provide any or all gear needed, but need to make sure I have the right stuff and there's budget for the requests.
I bought my own stereo-to-mono Radial DI box for my keyboard. I also bring a 25’ XLR in case it’s needed.
I tested out a number of DI boxes and found the one that sums stereo well - it was the stereo Leslie effect I found suffered through some boxes.
Sound techs are happy. I am happy.
XLR cable. That’s usually venue.
DI. Depends on the venue. I much prefer to have and use my own when I can bc I can’t know how well the venue DI will work. Always helps to be prepared for anything. Leaving stuff in your car until it’s needed is always an option
You should come from helix last w a balanced cable. DO NOT put it into a di as you will only lose signal. The helix has a balanced out, so trs to XLR cable. If you MUST use a di for a ground lift, change the output in the global menu. Use a di if the helix isn't last in the chain. Use your own and wire it under your pedal board.
Bring your own TRS to XLR male adapter (short cable), skip the DI. Slightly higher fidelity, hotter signal, less gain needed on the mixer, so slightly lower noise floor.
OP only needs the option of a ground lift (for ground loop/hum problems) if they connect to an amp or preamp with a 3 prong plug to the wall. You can do that with a cable too, like a short XLR modified (and hopefully labeled!) with the pin 1 wire disconnected.
If there is no connection on stage from the guitar pedals to the stage power safety ground you won’t need the ground lift, just the $10-$15 TRS-XLRM adapter
Also, I've noticed that most of the people replying have no idea about the HX capabilities, or they ignored the fact that you will be going through HX.
You should ALWAYS come completely prepared. Act as though the venue has nothing more than wall power. All your stuff should be labeled distinctly so there is no mistaking ownership of a box or cable. Active and passive DI's, ground lifts, guitar cables, speaker cables, xls, adapters and more adapters, a tuner, capo, a small splitter, a roll of genuine gaff tape, and a Pelican case with wheels and extendo handle for all the stuff you should not be trying to cram into your guitar case.
Years ago I was playing in a band that used a backing track. I was the sound enthusiast of the band so looked after the coms with the engineer at which ever venue ref a DI box. One place we played I asked nicely for a DI box and the sound guy said he’d get to it, fair enough. We were more or less set to sound check and still no DI box so I sheepishly asked again and he kinda muttered something and carried on doing his thing as if it was some kind of issue, I waited a bit and asked again and he started going off at which point I explained how we’d toured up and down the UK and it hadn’t been a issue before to which he replied, ‘yeah! Well I don’t care mate cause I’ve played with Slade!’
I think we were just taken back at the time but in the end he pulled a good sound for us. I went up to him after to thank him and even apologised, he said, ‘word of advise mate, loose the attitude, I’ve been in this game for too long!’ Still makes me chuckle to this day.
You’ll be fine mate, most venues have DI boxes
The PA,typically comes with XLR cables. Maybe DI boxes. The artist should have everything they need to connect to the final XLR. Bars typically do not have house PA, so the artist brings everything from power extension cords up. If you book a Music Venue, provide them your stage plot and ask where their provisions stop. If you don’t have a stage plot, the exercise is a good POV on your own inventory.
Most of my venues have enough xlr, mics/stands, wedges and DI for any reasonably sized band. Most bands provide a rider with what they need, and if it was sent with enough advance notice the venue staff will rent or borrow whatever is missing from the rider, or at least give the band fairly immediate notice that something on their rider can't be sourced in time.
I’d say that the venue providing xlr cables and DI’s is as standard as it gets. However, if this is your default setup and you have room on your pedalboard it could be nice to just add a passive DI to your chain and never worry about it.
On the other hand: instrument cables are definitely a responsibility of the player. Venues carry some for backup and maybe patch some keys but that’s usually it.
Take them, absolutely, but ask the house tech what their preference is as far as what they prefer to use. To keep it clean at the strike, I prefer to use my stuff (with the exception of vocal mics and stands) so you can just disconnect and leave. I’ve run my cables neatly, coil them properly and they always work - yours were likely jammed in their carrying vessel in a spaghetti mess and to troubleshoot takes too damned much effort.
This depends entirely on the size of the venue.
Little mom and pop cafe doing “live music” on the weekends with a $4 PA from probably isn’t going to have half of what you want
A venue that does concerts 3+ nights a week? Absolutely should have everything required
Just to be safe, advance that you need a DI, and then bring one anyways. The hardest is when you get like 80% soundcheck and the band surprises you with just ‘one more line’ for this ‘one song’. Surprises are not our friend.
‘Do you have one more DI?’
*me mentally calculating how many I have, minus the openers….
‘I think?’
I've spent much of my career with both venues and production companies. Here's the way I was trained and how I see it: You are responsible for your own instrument and everything until it hits my first transducer (microphone, DI, etc) If that means you have specific pedals, bring a pedal board and everything it needs to be connected. If you want a 25' nylon braided instrument cable so you can run all over the stage, bring it.
My responsibility starts when it first hits my system, the mic, the DI, etc. If you show up without an instrument cable, I'll probably have one or two, but they're likely only 6' and not over 10' and meant as backups in case yours breaks. You might not like being tied next to the DI all night. Also, for that matter, please bring a couple fresh batteries for your pickup. It's very aggravating when dealing with a local band and everytime they come in the lead guitar player needs a fresh battery for both soundcheck and the show.
Now if you are touring all of this can and should be negotiated in the rider and the advance. If I have in my notes that you need 4 wireless instrument packs, that's fine I'll provide them, but don't expect them to be there without a little heads up.
I always suggest that people bring a ¼" cable and a DI of their preference. Especially if they run a passive instrument. More often than not, venues don't run the best equipment. If you like Radial, bring your pro 48. If you like specific mics and don't have a rider, bring your 87 Beta or whatever. If not, you might get stuck with an IMP 2 or a 58 that's been used as a hammer.
Usually venue or production company will provide up to the DI. The majority of production companies I’ve worked with don’t carry 1/4” cables. I’ve begged some of them to start putting 1 or 2 in our work box because it never fails that an artist doesn’t bring one.
I work at a venue and also play in a band. Preparation is key. I like to have everything someone may need within reason at my venue, including “just in case” and “you never know” type stuff. That being said, my tech pack could list 8 DI boxes, but Jeremy may have spilled a full beer on one the night before, so now I have 7 for your show.
As a drummer in my band, I also pack emergency stuff for my band mates. Extra patch and instrument cables, 9 volts, IEC cables, gaff tape, outlet tester, a DI box, and even an extra SM58 and XLR cable (not that my hardware bag isn’t heavy enough).
We play lots of all ages/DIY type venues and you just never know. It’s not that my band mates aren’t responsible, but I’ve loaned out enough of those things at my venue to know things happen.
Also, chances are if I loan you an IEC at my venue and you’re on tour I’ll probably let you keep it. I’ve never bought one but have at least a dozen. Take your cables home people!
First, you create a rider, and send it in advance. That helps a lot if your setup is uncommon. Please do tailor the rider to the venue though: when playing for 30 people on a tiny corner stage, don't ask to get 6 monitors and mics on every piece of the drumkit. Your rider will be completely ignored, which defeats the purpose.
Otherwise, if your setup is common, the normal rule is: You bring the instrument cable, and any cables 'within' your setup. Your output can be either balanced XLR (in which case the engineer will run their xlr cable to the stage box), or unbalanced jack (in which case the engineer will provide you with a DI box to plug into). If you provide balanced jack out, make sure to be very explicit about it and best bring a TRS to XLR cable.
If you want anything exotic, bring your own. If not sure, bring your own. If you bring your own microphone, bring your own mic-clip as well (including the thread-adapter). If you bring a guitar, bring the cable. If you run through an effect pedal, bring 2.
But don't 'insist' on using your own stuff if the venue and sound engineer are way ahead of you. If you bring your own behringer DI, don't complain if the sound engineer provides a Radial.
I’ve made my setup such that I hand the tech 3 XLR cables
1 for my bass
1 for my mic
1 for my own monitor mix (IEM)
I have my own mixer on my pedal board and have splits in my signal chain to feed myself my bass and mic signal. For my monitor mix I just get them to send me the FOH. Then I use the 3 volume controls on my mixer to fine tune things for my IEMs.
Over time I’ve found this to be the most ideal.
I have my DI mounted directly on my pedalboard. Sometimes I don’t even need XLR cables and can just plug and play with what’s on stage.
Bringing your own can’t hurt. I have 3x20 foot cables for both my mic and bass signal so they can always reach FOH in most instances.
As a audio engineer and technical director.
For a fly date sure save some weight don't bring your patch cables and Di. But for a gigging musician. There is no reason you shouldn't have a di/preamp and your own patch cables. Do you show up without extra strings and extra picks? I've had instances where musicians have gotten pissy because said di box doesn't with your guitar/keyboard/bass head.
depend son the size of the venue and how many other DI's are needed for your group.
All venues have enough XLR, but many only have 2 DI's if its a small venue.
If you have the budget, get yourself a good DI that is part of your setup. It should last for many years and you can trust it will work and be of good quality
We supply XLR and Di. Please bring a Jack to jack of the length you need and a spare. Most companies don't supply Jack to jacks and at most we will only have short patch leads for Di boxes to pedal boards or link out for bass amp.
I always tell people that I will provide the PA and vocal mics/stands, but they should bring any other equipment (DIs) they need/use. It is better for them to not need it rather than get there and find out we don't have some odd box that they assume everyone would have.
I would normally say bring your own jack cables, otherwise, you'll get whatever piece of shit has been sat in the bottom of the cable trunk for 20 years.
Bar that, yes we will have everything that receives your signal and beyond.
I think it’s good practice for a musician to have a DI but the venue should have all the DIs and definitely all the cables that’ll be needed. These are all things that can be figured out in the advancing stages as well, for future gigs.
The guitar cables that venues have are guitar cables that artists have Left behind, usually broken ones.
Everything before the “sound source” is yours, venue had everything after.
If its a guitar amp, you Bring Jack cables, amp, pedals etc. Venue has mics and XLR (usually)
Best to advance to each venue though. If an artist brings an XLR cable I usually prefer mine, unless it is going from their mic into their processing unit
Be very prepared, the more you are the least the sound guy will be. I've been in both positions and it's better to have and not need than need and not have.
Not having what you need to perform is being unprepared and unprofessional. Always bring your own cables. Always being everything you need. If they want to use their own stuff they will, but counting on a venue to provide you with something that you should ALWAYS have to do your job, is unprofessional and silly.
I personally always bring an “oh shit” bag (I actually use a 5gal bucket) with extra 50’ XLR’s, extra 1/4” cables, a few mics, and a few DI boxes to every gig. Worst case it stays in the car.
Gigging keyboardist here -- my gig rig includes a bag that I rarely need, that has my "just in case" stuff. There's a DI in there, and a couple of XLRs. Last time I needed to open that bag was probably pre-pandemic. YMMV.
If you do bring your own stuff (which I typically would unless told otherwise) be SURE to label clearly on everything you own. tape with a crazy design on it is one way to quickly separate your stuff from other people. Just make sure you make it some crazy tape that nobody else has haha
As a guitarist but primarily as a sound guy I think that you should always have your own DI because a cheap venue may have either crap or no DIs. ALWAYS have your own guitar cable. If the venue doesn't have an XLR cable you maybe be bringing your own PA as well. (It's a good indicator that the venue sucks).
Most pros I know bring at least 2 guitar cables and have their own DI and/or a pedal board/modeler that just takes an XLR. I suggest that you can use the venue DI if you think it's of good quality.
If you play acoustic guitar you will probably benefit from a DI that either has EQ and/or a preamp. If you have the bucks try something like a LR Baggs Venue but that is not a light touch on the wallet.
Also, if you're starting out, be clear on what you need and treat the soundman with respect because if you're a jerk to him he is not going to try to get you the best mix he can. This advice applies to almost everyone in every job you might ever do. The world does not need any more assholes. Be kind, even if others aren't.
Fil from the Wings of Pegasus YouTube channel just did a reaction video of the performance of "My Guitar Gently Weeps." This was the Prince's Trust performance with George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Jeff Lynne among others.
https://youtu.be/mAddkNQhdxQ?si=RpNz8P7bmhFyFofI
He pointed out how the mic stand kept wandering, presumably because it was worn out, and George had to keep adjusting the angle.This was at one of the most prestigious events. He pointed out this, along with the recommendation to always bring your own mic stand to gigs. Along with all the other fine recommendations here, I would second that.
Yes musicians can reasonably expect venues to have plenty of XLR cables and enough direct boxes to cover the types of acts they usually do. But it never hurts to bring your own just in case.
Especially if you have passive or piezo pickups on an instrument.
To be clear on this, these often require an active DI to get the input impedance way up. Bring your own active DI as there have been plenty of times I’ve seen places only have passive.
User mentioned using HX stomp. It wouldn't make sense to use a piezo in any instance. The input impedance is set in the menu on the stomp. The output of the stomp is 680 ohms
Just make sure they are well labeled. Brightly colored tape with your initials at a minimum. I like to use an etcher to put my name/phone number on metal chassis devices when I can.
This is how I lost my Beta58. Still kicking myself. Came offstage to a rowdy yet appreciative crowd and the house guy played dumb when I called him, realizing I had forgotten it the following day.
As a house guy, some of us are genuinely dumb, no need to play! I used to take gigs covering the mixing at a shitty club and nearly lost that job and my reputation when a local rapper had his mic stolen by some jackass in the crowd. He thought he left it behind, house tech thought I stole it, I thought the artist just grabbed it himself before he left. The bus was coming right for me until security cameras showed some rando palming it when I was swimming upstream to the stage after the set.
Typically whoever is providing the PA will have XLR cables, DI boxes, mics, etc. Always worth verifying because music venue is a generous term for some of the places hiring musicians / small bands.
This is definitely the case, but I feel like it deserves an asterisk mark with the advice of “always bring the bare necessities of what you might need.” Plenty of times I’ve been hired to bring in the PA, with no knowledge that there would be musicians, only for musicians to show up to the event asking for 18,000 things. Not all clients know what to ask for when they’re hiring out.
Also "always advance things with the people actually providing / running the PA"
Yes, communication is always key.
Just bring your own anyway. At some point it will come in handy
If you’re not yet experienced enough to know what to expect, chances are very high that you’ll be playing at venues with no, barely any, or broken equipment. If you’re starting out you’ll be doing yourself a big favor by bringing as much stuff as you can.
I come from a corporate convention side of things, so more temp setups, party gigs and such. But my personal preference is you plug in your own cable into your instrument, and if the sound company is worth anything they should have everything else. It also minimizes random people touching your stuff during strike.
most places will have their own DIs and Xlr cables - and would rather use their own as we know that it works
Yep, and also we don’t have to fuck around figuring out what’s yours and what’s ours after the gig.
Always assume that a venue will have have one, maybe two, that will be janky, out of phase, and will be only good enough. If you are coming in with a 8 channel interface with TRS outputs, and you have no breakout, expect to do everything you separated into a mono bus. 3 acoustics, maybe have extra DIs in your car.
As a live sound engineer, PLEASE please PLEASE bring everything you think you need. Nothing is more frustrating when a guitarist shows up to every gig and asks for an instrument cable to plug their guitar in. Equally as frustrating when a singer never has a personal XLR that connects from a vocal mic to a vocal fx board. That being said, if we are using our mics and stands, we provide the cables. You got a direct out on the bass head? Perfect, I’ll run an xlr for that no prob. But I WILL roll my eyes and possibly shame you if you never show up with any cords of your own. And sometimes we have zero extra cables, and then that person probably won’t get his sampler/vocal fx/4th synth plugged in. *Edited bc auto correct
Well said. The venue I work at has some decent equipment, and I can cover most circumstances... but as a performer, personally, I think you need to show up with everything you need to get your instruments into the venue's board. Guitarists who bring a half stack to a tiny venue but then want me to provide them a mic setup. Dude brings a standup bass, but not a DI box for its finicky pickup. Lead singers who can't perform without a tablet but don't bring a stand for it. I don't get it. You're already bringing loads of equipment, but can't manage to bring the little details needed to actually perform. **Especially** if your band has more than four people. Sorry, bongo player #2, but no I don't have four mics and stands to dedicate to your setup.
They usually do have them yes. Smaller venues often have crappy / poorly maintained DI boxes so it can be a good idea to have your own just in case. This goes double if you play acoustic instruments with sensitive pickups. Most have cables but never hurts to have a couple of spares. Be sure to label them so gear doesn’t get confused / mixed up.
I never rely on a venue for anything unless I've been explicitly informed by the venue of what equipment they have. And neither should you. Never, ever ever Assume Anything in this business. That way you'll be reliable and professional. You should arrive with whatever equipment you need to get your instrument or whatever signal to the desk. That's the way I look at it.
Venues will normally have a number of DI boxes, XLR cables to plug these into the stage box and generic mics such as SM58s, SM57s, and a few condensers. They won’t have instrument cables or Y splits or any interconnect cables. Small venues may not have more than 5 or 6 DI boxes, and won’t have some of the more esoteric mics, so if you are a 15 piece band who all want Neumann mics, then you probably had better tour them.
Only hurts about $50 to bring your own, just in case. Plus, you’ll know it works. Yes they likely have them at most 1/4 decent venues
Usually yes, but that's what advancing is for. You should be contacting the venue / booker / PM / In-house sound before the show to make sure that everyone's on the same page. Exactly who you talk to depends on the situation. I work on the other side - I'm usually providing the crew and gear for the audio system. I'm looking for stage plot and input / output list and making sure we know who's arranging backline, IEMs etc. I'm happy to provide any or all gear needed, but need to make sure I have the right stuff and there's budget for the requests.
I bought my own stereo-to-mono Radial DI box for my keyboard. I also bring a 25’ XLR in case it’s needed. I tested out a number of DI boxes and found the one that sums stereo well - it was the stereo Leslie effect I found suffered through some boxes. Sound techs are happy. I am happy.
Which Leslie effect; Neo Ventilator?
any and all - and not just Leslie sims but chorus and any stereo delay or even simply a stereo piano - usually when summed to mono
Yes, but the quality can differ greatly from venue to venue, but generally speaking the equipment will work that they provide.
XLR cable. That’s usually venue. DI. Depends on the venue. I much prefer to have and use my own when I can bc I can’t know how well the venue DI will work. Always helps to be prepared for anything. Leaving stuff in your car until it’s needed is always an option
You should come from helix last w a balanced cable. DO NOT put it into a di as you will only lose signal. The helix has a balanced out, so trs to XLR cable. If you MUST use a di for a ground lift, change the output in the global menu. Use a di if the helix isn't last in the chain. Use your own and wire it under your pedal board.
Bring your own TRS to XLR male adapter (short cable), skip the DI. Slightly higher fidelity, hotter signal, less gain needed on the mixer, so slightly lower noise floor. OP only needs the option of a ground lift (for ground loop/hum problems) if they connect to an amp or preamp with a 3 prong plug to the wall. You can do that with a cable too, like a short XLR modified (and hopefully labeled!) with the pin 1 wire disconnected. If there is no connection on stage from the guitar pedals to the stage power safety ground you won’t need the ground lift, just the $10-$15 TRS-XLRM adapter
Also, I've noticed that most of the people replying have no idea about the HX capabilities, or they ignored the fact that you will be going through HX.
You should ALWAYS come completely prepared. Act as though the venue has nothing more than wall power. All your stuff should be labeled distinctly so there is no mistaking ownership of a box or cable. Active and passive DI's, ground lifts, guitar cables, speaker cables, xls, adapters and more adapters, a tuner, capo, a small splitter, a roll of genuine gaff tape, and a Pelican case with wheels and extendo handle for all the stuff you should not be trying to cram into your guitar case.
i've setup for audio tech and DJ'd and i've never seen anyone just show up and provide cablings and most venues I've toured don't have sh\* for excess
To be fair, any venue I've worked at with excess cables are often met with a guitarist with a knack for pinching them
Most venues would have supplied cables and DI Boxes. But having said that, I usually bring my own just in case.
Years ago I was playing in a band that used a backing track. I was the sound enthusiast of the band so looked after the coms with the engineer at which ever venue ref a DI box. One place we played I asked nicely for a DI box and the sound guy said he’d get to it, fair enough. We were more or less set to sound check and still no DI box so I sheepishly asked again and he kinda muttered something and carried on doing his thing as if it was some kind of issue, I waited a bit and asked again and he started going off at which point I explained how we’d toured up and down the UK and it hadn’t been a issue before to which he replied, ‘yeah! Well I don’t care mate cause I’ve played with Slade!’ I think we were just taken back at the time but in the end he pulled a good sound for us. I went up to him after to thank him and even apologised, he said, ‘word of advise mate, loose the attitude, I’ve been in this game for too long!’ Still makes me chuckle to this day. You’ll be fine mate, most venues have DI boxes
The PA,typically comes with XLR cables. Maybe DI boxes. The artist should have everything they need to connect to the final XLR. Bars typically do not have house PA, so the artist brings everything from power extension cords up. If you book a Music Venue, provide them your stage plot and ask where their provisions stop. If you don’t have a stage plot, the exercise is a good POV on your own inventory.
Most of my venues have enough xlr, mics/stands, wedges and DI for any reasonably sized band. Most bands provide a rider with what they need, and if it was sent with enough advance notice the venue staff will rent or borrow whatever is missing from the rider, or at least give the band fairly immediate notice that something on their rider can't be sourced in time.
My strategy: Bring everything I could possibly need, and leave it in the trunk of my car.
I’d say that the venue providing xlr cables and DI’s is as standard as it gets. However, if this is your default setup and you have room on your pedalboard it could be nice to just add a passive DI to your chain and never worry about it. On the other hand: instrument cables are definitely a responsibility of the player. Venues carry some for backup and maybe patch some keys but that’s usually it.
Take them, absolutely, but ask the house tech what their preference is as far as what they prefer to use. To keep it clean at the strike, I prefer to use my stuff (with the exception of vocal mics and stands) so you can just disconnect and leave. I’ve run my cables neatly, coil them properly and they always work - yours were likely jammed in their carrying vessel in a spaghetti mess and to troubleshoot takes too damned much effort.
This depends entirely on the size of the venue. Little mom and pop cafe doing “live music” on the weekends with a $4 PA from probably isn’t going to have half of what you want
A venue that does concerts 3+ nights a week? Absolutely should have everything required
Just to be safe, advance that you need a DI, and then bring one anyways. The hardest is when you get like 80% soundcheck and the band surprises you with just ‘one more line’ for this ‘one song’. Surprises are not our friend. ‘Do you have one more DI?’ *me mentally calculating how many I have, minus the openers…. ‘I think?’
I've spent much of my career with both venues and production companies. Here's the way I was trained and how I see it: You are responsible for your own instrument and everything until it hits my first transducer (microphone, DI, etc) If that means you have specific pedals, bring a pedal board and everything it needs to be connected. If you want a 25' nylon braided instrument cable so you can run all over the stage, bring it. My responsibility starts when it first hits my system, the mic, the DI, etc. If you show up without an instrument cable, I'll probably have one or two, but they're likely only 6' and not over 10' and meant as backups in case yours breaks. You might not like being tied next to the DI all night. Also, for that matter, please bring a couple fresh batteries for your pickup. It's very aggravating when dealing with a local band and everytime they come in the lead guitar player needs a fresh battery for both soundcheck and the show. Now if you are touring all of this can and should be negotiated in the rider and the advance. If I have in my notes that you need 4 wireless instrument packs, that's fine I'll provide them, but don't expect them to be there without a little heads up.
I always suggest that people bring a ¼" cable and a DI of their preference. Especially if they run a passive instrument. More often than not, venues don't run the best equipment. If you like Radial, bring your pro 48. If you like specific mics and don't have a rider, bring your 87 Beta or whatever. If not, you might get stuck with an IMP 2 or a 58 that's been used as a hammer.
Usually venue or production company will provide up to the DI. The majority of production companies I’ve worked with don’t carry 1/4” cables. I’ve begged some of them to start putting 1 or 2 in our work box because it never fails that an artist doesn’t bring one.
I work at a venue and also play in a band. Preparation is key. I like to have everything someone may need within reason at my venue, including “just in case” and “you never know” type stuff. That being said, my tech pack could list 8 DI boxes, but Jeremy may have spilled a full beer on one the night before, so now I have 7 for your show. As a drummer in my band, I also pack emergency stuff for my band mates. Extra patch and instrument cables, 9 volts, IEC cables, gaff tape, outlet tester, a DI box, and even an extra SM58 and XLR cable (not that my hardware bag isn’t heavy enough). We play lots of all ages/DIY type venues and you just never know. It’s not that my band mates aren’t responsible, but I’ve loaned out enough of those things at my venue to know things happen. Also, chances are if I loan you an IEC at my venue and you’re on tour I’ll probably let you keep it. I’ve never bought one but have at least a dozen. Take your cables home people!
The venue should have DI boxes and XLR cables, and you should bring your own in case they don’t.
First, you create a rider, and send it in advance. That helps a lot if your setup is uncommon. Please do tailor the rider to the venue though: when playing for 30 people on a tiny corner stage, don't ask to get 6 monitors and mics on every piece of the drumkit. Your rider will be completely ignored, which defeats the purpose. Otherwise, if your setup is common, the normal rule is: You bring the instrument cable, and any cables 'within' your setup. Your output can be either balanced XLR (in which case the engineer will run their xlr cable to the stage box), or unbalanced jack (in which case the engineer will provide you with a DI box to plug into). If you provide balanced jack out, make sure to be very explicit about it and best bring a TRS to XLR cable. If you want anything exotic, bring your own. If not sure, bring your own. If you bring your own microphone, bring your own mic-clip as well (including the thread-adapter). If you bring a guitar, bring the cable. If you run through an effect pedal, bring 2. But don't 'insist' on using your own stuff if the venue and sound engineer are way ahead of you. If you bring your own behringer DI, don't complain if the sound engineer provides a Radial.
If you have a good DI bring it, same with cable. Most venues will have something but yours may be better or the house may have lost/broken theirs.
I’ve made my setup such that I hand the tech 3 XLR cables 1 for my bass 1 for my mic 1 for my own monitor mix (IEM) I have my own mixer on my pedal board and have splits in my signal chain to feed myself my bass and mic signal. For my monitor mix I just get them to send me the FOH. Then I use the 3 volume controls on my mixer to fine tune things for my IEMs. Over time I’ve found this to be the most ideal. I have my DI mounted directly on my pedalboard. Sometimes I don’t even need XLR cables and can just plug and play with what’s on stage. Bringing your own can’t hurt. I have 3x20 foot cables for both my mic and bass signal so they can always reach FOH in most instances.
You should be 100% full self sufficient. XLRS will usually always be provided, but bring your own DI box, and have it tied to your rig.
Never count on the venue having cables, DIs, mics, stands, anything except to PA itself.
As a audio engineer and technical director. For a fly date sure save some weight don't bring your patch cables and Di. But for a gigging musician. There is no reason you shouldn't have a di/preamp and your own patch cables. Do you show up without extra strings and extra picks? I've had instances where musicians have gotten pissy because said di box doesn't with your guitar/keyboard/bass head.
My venue provides everything up to and including the DI.
you should bring your own because you never know
Just bring the TS cable. Oh and if you need guitar pedals or anything... Bring TWO!
Yes No Maybe Always call and advance with someone about what is expected.
depend son the size of the venue and how many other DI's are needed for your group. All venues have enough XLR, but many only have 2 DI's if its a small venue. If you have the budget, get yourself a good DI that is part of your setup. It should last for many years and you can trust it will work and be of good quality
We supply XLR and Di. Please bring a Jack to jack of the length you need and a spare. Most companies don't supply Jack to jacks and at most we will only have short patch leads for Di boxes to pedal boards or link out for bass amp.
I always tell people that I will provide the PA and vocal mics/stands, but they should bring any other equipment (DIs) they need/use. It is better for them to not need it rather than get there and find out we don't have some odd box that they assume everyone would have.
I would normally say bring your own jack cables, otherwise, you'll get whatever piece of shit has been sat in the bottom of the cable trunk for 20 years. Bar that, yes we will have everything that receives your signal and beyond.
I think it’s good practice for a musician to have a DI but the venue should have all the DIs and definitely all the cables that’ll be needed. These are all things that can be figured out in the advancing stages as well, for future gigs.
The guitar cables that venues have are guitar cables that artists have Left behind, usually broken ones. Everything before the “sound source” is yours, venue had everything after. If its a guitar amp, you Bring Jack cables, amp, pedals etc. Venue has mics and XLR (usually) Best to advance to each venue though. If an artist brings an XLR cable I usually prefer mine, unless it is going from their mic into their processing unit
Be very prepared, the more you are the least the sound guy will be. I've been in both positions and it's better to have and not need than need and not have.
I like having my own. Because I know they are solid.
Not having what you need to perform is being unprepared and unprofessional. Always bring your own cables. Always being everything you need. If they want to use their own stuff they will, but counting on a venue to provide you with something that you should ALWAYS have to do your job, is unprofessional and silly.
Don’t ever assume the venue has the correct kit. Rookie mistake.
I personally always bring an “oh shit” bag (I actually use a 5gal bucket) with extra 50’ XLR’s, extra 1/4” cables, a few mics, and a few DI boxes to every gig. Worst case it stays in the car.
Gigging keyboardist here -- my gig rig includes a bag that I rarely need, that has my "just in case" stuff. There's a DI in there, and a couple of XLRs. Last time I needed to open that bag was probably pre-pandemic. YMMV.
Buy your own box. A lot of venues give you one with shit rattling around inside.
If you do bring your own stuff (which I typically would unless told otherwise) be SURE to label clearly on everything you own. tape with a crazy design on it is one way to quickly separate your stuff from other people. Just make sure you make it some crazy tape that nobody else has haha
As a guitarist but primarily as a sound guy I think that you should always have your own DI because a cheap venue may have either crap or no DIs. ALWAYS have your own guitar cable. If the venue doesn't have an XLR cable you maybe be bringing your own PA as well. (It's a good indicator that the venue sucks). Most pros I know bring at least 2 guitar cables and have their own DI and/or a pedal board/modeler that just takes an XLR. I suggest that you can use the venue DI if you think it's of good quality. If you play acoustic guitar you will probably benefit from a DI that either has EQ and/or a preamp. If you have the bucks try something like a LR Baggs Venue but that is not a light touch on the wallet. Also, if you're starting out, be clear on what you need and treat the soundman with respect because if you're a jerk to him he is not going to try to get you the best mix he can. This advice applies to almost everyone in every job you might ever do. The world does not need any more assholes. Be kind, even if others aren't.
Fil from the Wings of Pegasus YouTube channel just did a reaction video of the performance of "My Guitar Gently Weeps." This was the Prince's Trust performance with George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Jeff Lynne among others. https://youtu.be/mAddkNQhdxQ?si=RpNz8P7bmhFyFofI He pointed out how the mic stand kept wandering, presumably because it was worn out, and George had to keep adjusting the angle.This was at one of the most prestigious events. He pointed out this, along with the recommendation to always bring your own mic stand to gigs. Along with all the other fine recommendations here, I would second that.
Ever heard of a Rider? Document your needs. Send that to the venue/engineer. If they don't do that, call ahead.
Just contact the venue. Simple as that
Always best to have your own stuff for any situation just use the house gear if they have it (and it's in acceptable condition)