Depends on the size of the venues, IMHO. If you're just doing little cafe and bar type stuff, then the drummer should be able to adjust his dynamics down or at least use lighter sticks. A or B should only be used in extreme circumstances, like casino or auditorium settings where echoes from the stage set would interfere with the sound at the board, or if you are going to record everything at the board.

Mike, it sounds like you guys have enough experience to handle whatever situation presents itself. Just make sure you've got the right drummer for your needs, then adjust from there. Ideally, choice 'C' rocks... but in those cases where someone truly can't bring themselves down (which is a negative thing in my mind) option 'A' sounds great. My drummer plays an electronic set during rehearsal, then busts out the acoustic set live. It IS nice having total volume control over the drummer...

yohan

blunt objects and threats of additional violence.

E: Put sheet music in front of him.


Sorry, old joke, couldn't resist.

are you talking practice volumes or performance dynamics? for th former, there's always mute pads to help keep it down, tho that doesn't help w/ cymbals. if it's th latter, a wayward player can be confronted w/ a recording of him/her drowning out everyone else & be shamed back into line.

Why is it most sound people don't know a thing about running sound?

I'd go with option D.

We have two people (not professionals by any means) who run our sound boards, but we have preset our levels on the board prior to them assumming their duties. We have a photograph taken of the sound board showing all where all controls ought to be set at. As for drummers, we have our drummers use brushes for the softer songs & the "bundle" sticks for the more energetic tunes. You may want to muffle the bass drum. We are still considering a plexiglass shield more to protect the drum set from kids, but also to help with sound. Recommendation: Get a Feedback Destroyer for your soundboard (have the mic go thru them). This will make your sound persons job easier. The Feedback Destroyer is a computer that memorizes all the levels (and freqs) that distortion occurs and eliminates them. Great tool.

Ivan--I think you just gave the best drummer advice so far. For smaller clubs I recommed, or second the notions of using plexiglass. It helps control the sound-doesn't distort anything. Even Butch Vigg of Garbage uses one when they play.

The plex screen is good to control a wild flying drum stick, sometimes from hitting the bass.
Word for the wise when selecting a drummer for your band " A soft drummer can be miked, but a loud drummer can't be quite.
Tim

let the drummer be loud! LOUD I SAY! LOUD!!!