Sounds better at home


Does anyone else think that mic/pa setups at live events are crappy? We went to see Gary Burton at a well respected jazz theatre here in Pittsburgh and the sound quality - as usual - was disapointing. This hall has two large p/a speakers hanging high on the wall and they almost always eliminate any sense of real acoustics in the hall, even when they're being used sparingly. I've even seen artists - most recently Jimmy Heath - turn the system off after a number or two. Looking for a good acoustic experience, the whole thing is frustrating and in general my system at home sounds better.
grimace
It may be just a matter of perspective. Most people go to live music shows to hear the music in a social setting. Only an audiophile would go to hear a "good acoustic experience".
Grimace is right on in my experience. Last year I went to a Mark Knopfler concert at red rocks just outside of Denver. Fabulous venue, visually, but I found the sound at the concert to be total crap. Almost unlistenable, not to mention the thoughtlessness of the crowd gabbing throughout the concert. I was baffled by AudioGoners glowing reviews of the concert afterward wondering if we attended the same event. Aside from small venues I've had it with large-scale music events.
I often visit Birdland and Irridium jazz clubs of NYC. The sound and acoustics are awesome with minimal amplification.
Recently visited BB-King at Times Square. This venue has even great sound in the man's room:-)
I guess I'm not alone. The problem with this particular venue isn't that they amp everything really loud, in fact that's not the case at all. They're actually pretty restrained with it. However, the sound quality from the two speakers is mediocre and therefore noticible AND they are hard right and left obove the stage. So, unless you're dead center on the aisle you hear the speaker on your side of the stage over the band. Very annoying.
Another jazz club not to be missed, alwyas with great, natural sound is Dizzy's CokeCola club in New York City.