What was with the sound?

Festivarian Events Telluride Bluegrass Festival
1

Let me begin by saying, Telluride was absolutely incredible this year. There were so many stand out performances I can’t even pick a favorite. But I did have one issue with the festival. What was with the sound in Town Park? It seemed like almost anytime a lead break would come up, especially the fiddles, the sound was too low.(unless there were drums in the set) Just from memory, here are a few of the stand outs that I noticed:

Jerry’s dobro on the opening set
Brittany Haas’ fiddle with Crooked Still
Eamon’s fiddle with the Greencards
Stuart’s fiddle with the Sugarcanes, although it seemed to be corrected halfway through
Sara’s fiddle with WPA
Stuart’s fiddle with Tim O’ Brien

Those were the major ones I noticed. And I thought the sound could have been a bit louder overall. I may be alone here, although it by no means ruined the festival, it was a disappointment. I only bring it up because I don’t recall sound being an issue last year. But I was in Telluride so I got over it…

2

the RRE set was way too low as well.

3

Inconsistancy would be my word for it. I could barely hear Greensky, but was driven back to camp durring the afternoon Thursay performers.

But I am not complaining at all, just noticing. I wouldn’t be able to begin to understand all that goes into putting such a great show on.

4

possibly some of the inconsistencies are due to guest engineers unfamiliar with what they’ve got to play with. I recall the ryan shupe set from a few years ago being dangerously loud. I looked back and there was a guest engineer at the desk.

5

:medal

See also: Ryan Adams (:argh)

while this doesn’t answer all of the sets mentioned, it can be a reason for varying volume levels from time to time.

Sorry about the issues, akus_1985. Hopefully you’ll forgive us and come see us again. :flower

6

Ya alot were too quiet in my opinion, not that big of a deal. On you forgot was poor Luke Bulla in the house band.

7

I only mentioned it, because I was afraid I might have been the only one who noticed. I can’t imagine how stressful it would be to be constantly changing mics and readjusting the sound for different instruments. It was really only a minor issue to an otherwise exceptional weekend. I didn’t intend to come across as overly critical. I’m sure I speak for many when I say I’m already making plans to attend next year.