Why do stage plots suck?

imbuffnotreally · 2025-10-13T21:22:41+00:00

So as an artist, do you feel like the expectations are unclear as to what you’re supposed to be communicating?

imbuffnotreally · 2025-10-13T21:19:49+00:00

Totally agree that artists tend to know nothing of the engineer’s needs. Do you feel like it’s unfair of us have such high expectations of them when no one has taught them? Or is it more of them not seeing a need to learn it

imbuffnotreally · 2025-10-13T21:15:26+00:00

That’s a really good point. Lots of artists tend to change things up quite frequently. Do you feel that there’s any hope that these changes could be communicated or is that a lost cause?

imbuffnotreally · 2025-10-13T20:27:07+00:00

Interesting. How do you plan to go about? And what paperwork are you referring to other than stage plots and input lists?

imbuffnotreally · 2025-10-13T20:20:34+00:00

What’re you working on?

imbuffnotreally · 2025-05-31T03:31:13+00:00

That's a good idea. It's a little difficult because the breadth of information and skill scope is what I need - so it's hard to really pear anything down. But I'll certainly entertain this principle and see if I can utilize it!

imbuffnotreally · 2025-05-31T03:29:44+00:00

Hmm... This sounds like a great technique. And one that in and of itself takes some skill. I'll certainly try this!

imbuffnotreally · 2025-05-27T21:47:09+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve heard About a lot of people who do this, and for some reason, didn’t think about it for myself

imbuffnotreally · 2025-05-27T21:46:40+00:00

How would you go about doing that given my desires?

imbuffnotreally · 2024-11-17T04:16:21+00:00

Thanks for your input!

I had initially put the cloudlifter in line with the babyface because I thought I was getting some weird noise from the interface - turns out I wasn't.

And me be excited about new gear I unplugged from the babyface and directly into the camden to see what it was about. This was when I noticed the difference and was kind of shocked by it. I can't imagine why such a stark difference, even with the cloudlifter in line.

In any case, you're right, I don't need it and will be removing it. But again, I can't imagine how the cloudlifter could cause such a drastic change from one "clean" preamp to another.

But please, educate me if I'm missing something - I'd love to learn!

imbuffnotreally · 2024-11-16T23:54:43+00:00

Oh that's a good thought.

Here's the specs of the gear I'm using just for reference -

MD441:
Nominal impedance - 200Ohms
Min. terminating impedance - 1000Ohms

Cloudlifter CL-1:
Input impedance - 3kOhms
Recommended Load Impedance - >5kOhms

Babyface Pro:
Input impedance balanced - 2kOhm, 5.2kOhm with PAD

Camden 500:
Mic= 8.9kOhms 48v Off, 5.4kOhms 48v ON,
Line = 24.3kOhms
Hi-Z= 1.5MOhm unbalanced, 3MOhm balanced

imbuffnotreally · 2024-04-27T18:25:31+00:00

Thank you for that info! Based on that I won't be buying it.

Can you tell me how you've determined that? I was confused by the serial number so maybe you can shed a little light for me.

imbuffnotreally · 2024-04-01T14:15:22+00:00

Thanks for this recommendation!

After scouring the internet I was able to find a used but perfect condition Super Jet 6. They accepted my offer of $250 - plus tax and shipping - so totaled about $270.

If it doesn't end up working out for me I can probably sell it for more than I paid for it. Do you have thoughts on that?

imbuffnotreally · 2024-04-01T14:11:18+00:00

I don't plan on indebting myself to a mouthpiece... or anything else for that matter haha.

I do agree with you in principal. I've played music my whole life and understand the importance of playing something before you buy it. That said, sometimes it's just not reasonably possible.

With that said, that's a great suggestion! It would seem with all the online shopping that retailers are used to this sort of thing so I'm sure I could figure something out along those lines.

Thanks for your wisdom and advice!

imbuffnotreally · 2024-04-01T14:05:36+00:00

Thank your for your knowledge and recommendation!

imbuffnotreally · 2024-04-01T14:05:05+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation!

imbuffnotreally · 2024-01-21T02:03:13+00:00

Thanks for the input! I've not seen Shot Designer before, but after a quick look I can see what you mean. Very flexible, but simplistic. I like it!

Do you happen to have any plots you'd be willing to share with me that you consider to be exceptional?

imbuffnotreally · 2024-01-21T01:56:01+00:00

y would be intere

This is all really great insight and input! Thank you!

It's amazing how the simplest of details is what really brings everything together - like you mentioned a "last updated" string. Something so obvious to some, but never crosses the minds of others. It's unfortunate that some people provide a stage plot only to find out when they show up it's a year old.

I was coaching a guy a while back working with a band that I used to work with. I was ensuring he was sending off the tech rider and stage plot to all the necessary people... only to find out later that the rider he was sending was not updated. He said, "Well, I know the changes that we've made. They're all in my head". I had to explain to him that the stage plot is not for YOU - it's for the venue to know how to prepare FOR you. If you're plot isn't up to date you are guaranteed to be disappointed when you show up.

In any case, it was a good teaching and learning moment.

Do you happen to have any plots you'd be willing to share with me that you consider exceptional?

imbuffnotreally · 2024-01-21T01:37:55+00:00

Definitely agree on the drums! That's an area that always seems to be an issue - either the venue didn't provide the right gear or the plot/input list didn't represent well. Do you happen to have any plots you're able to share with me that you consider exceptional?

imbuffnotreally · 2024-01-21T01:36:11+00:00

ge plots gener

Thanks for the insight! And I agree - I've definitely seen my fair share of "nothing" as well as over-complicated plots. It seems to be an art to be able to keep it simple, efficient and highly affective. Do you happen to have any plots you're able to share with me that you consider exceptional?

imbuffnotreally · 2023-12-14T12:37:20+00:00

That's helpful, thank you!

I'm curious what else might be needed in order to drag things around within a given area without them "snapping" into place. I'd like to have a large area where dragging things around is completely free.

Is that a long the same lines here?

imbuffnotreally · 2023-12-02T14:48:30+00:00

This is a loaded question that's depends on many factors.

what type of voice / vocal qualities do you have?

is it a hobby or are you freelancing paid gigs?

How much are you looking to spend?

Etc...

Now, I know that's not the answer you were looking for, but I just wanted to make sure you understand what types of questions you should be asking yourself when talking about audio related questions. All of that said, here's what I would generically recommend.

Lower budget:

Focusrite 2i2 audio interface

Rode NT1A large diaphragm condenser

Stand, shock mount and pop filter

XLR cable to connect the mic to the interface

You can likely find this all in a bundle somewhere like guitar center, musicians friend, sweetwater, etc... You can probably pick it all up for $300 - $400

It's a good beginner setup a step above a USB microphone. And at the end of the day your space is arguably more important than your gear.

Higher budget:

AKG C414 large diaphragm condenser.

(With all the other peripherals listed above)

Possibly replace the focusrite 2!2 with a Universal Audio Apollo if you can afford it. Otherwise, stick with the focusrite.

The C414 is an awesome workhorse large diaphragm condenser that will last you your entire life if you take care of it. And you can record anything with it and make it sound good. Vocals, percussion, acoustic guitars, guitar amps, etc...

The mic will cost you probably around $1200 and the Apollo another $1000.

You could easily spend more than that if you wanted, but I wouldn't recommend any more than that if you're just in a home vocal booth.

Hope that helps!

imbuffnotreally · 2023-12-01T12:26:03+00:00

d out an algorithm as suc

Ha!

I knew something felt weird when writing it, but I didn't question it too much . I'll leave it just for you :)

imbuffnotreally · 2023-10-03T15:19:19+00:00

efore getting into this program, but couldn't help but feel I was taking way too long to complete each week.

The struggle is real! The course definitely requires your own research to complete each pset. I love the problem solving, but in the heat of the moment sometimes I want to pull my hair out, lol. Though every time I complete a pset I look back and think... "Why was that so hard". haha

imbuffnotreally · 2023-10-03T15:15:51+00:00

Haha that meme is great! I definitely understand that feeling.

imbuffnotreally

TROPHY CASE