Is that true with the $17 vodka redbulls? If so that is absolutely ridiculous. That is higher that any venue I've been in clubbing in Sydney, Melb, Brisbane and the Goldy

^^^ Getting your priorities right But $17 for any drink is

He had to adjust his own speakers??, that would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

Reminds me of the time Jamie Stevens was setting up the speakers for Danny Howells at Blue Diamond.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DANCINGDI

^^^ Getting your priorities right But $17 for any drink is

He had to adjust his own speakers??, that would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

Reminds me of the time Jamie Stevens was setting up the speakers for Danny Howells at Blue Diamond.

It would be fairly rude if anyone else did it as the monitor speakers are usually for the dj not the crowd. He obviously decided it the extra sound was best used on the floor not the dj booth.

^^^ Yeah, I realise that , but he did do it for the crowd, and he shouldn't have had to do anything for the crowd. Even for himself I would have thought minimal adjustment .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesterfield

He started at around 1 I think and finished at about 3:45. About 10 minutes into his set Derrick turned the music right down and got everyone to be quiet so he could say "I'm doing the best I can with the sound system I've got. I'm sorry". I can see why there was no extra sound brought in though because there wouldn't have been nearly enough ticket sales to cover it.

$10 for a basic spirit is fucking ridiculous.

thanks for the info champ.....so I didnt miss much then leaving just before 4am....

I was outside at the start cant believe he had to say that...much respect to the man

Brown Alley nothing ever changes... it's always the same shit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruno from Burwood

I have to say I felt like such a tight arse when I openly scoffed at being asked to pay $17 for a vodka and redbull.

That is fucking balls! Only got charged $13 for the same thing at Zabiela boat cruise in Sydney...that's on a fucking insanely flash-ass boat cruising one of the worlds most stunning habours, and scummy old Brown Alley charge $4 more than they did?!? That's a joke...place needs to wake up and get it's priorities sorted, going down the gurgler otherwise.

Such a shame !! I have had some my best nights ever there. It has the potential to be the best most versatile club in Melbourne and it's just rotting away. It's a slow awful death Just hope it doesn't take some of the better promoters down with it.

Apparently big changes are happening at BA in the second half of the year....no idea what but lets hope it includes a decent sound system.

Fingers crossed...if you're running a place as a specific nightclub, it shouldn't be for each promoter to have to "bring in extra sound" in order for it to be good.

This was in Blights Bar, yeah? Best I remember hearing that was sound was Charlie May and again for James Lavelle

Ooooh, that Charlie May night !!! I've heard so many great djs in that room and the sound was fine.

No matter how good the sound system is , it will have to be tuned properly. That should be every promoters job.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DANCINGDI

That should be every promoters job.

Hmmm, not so sure I agree there...that means letting every Tom, Dick and Harry Promotions Co. access to your amp racks, EQs and shit...technically that should be the job of a sound tech...

Definitely agree with you there!! That is actually what I meant. I should have said responsibility of every promoter.

I remember what Derrick said at Q&A. "I sometimes have bad days but bad day and then its bad day." 2 hours after that, It became real.

Just forget about behind the scene talk. Its pretty simple if you paid for ticket then at the end of the day it doesnt matter whos fault it is either venue or promoter or sound tech or whoever it is, whoever paid to get in and experienced bad sound and sound problems then they will surly complain about the venue. no matter what. I am just a paying customer and everytime i go to Brown Alley, i come home with ears ringing all day next day. However, when i go to parties at other venues, my ears are fine. For example Derrick @ New Guernica.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Random_Kiwi

going down the gurgler otherwise.

It already is.

just have to say agree with everyone about sound get a Funktion 1 SOUND SYSTEM from Ishtar Sound....

By the way did Derrick May play Joey Beltram - Energy Flash mad track....

will the interview be availavle for listening online?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nocturnal_groova

Apparently big changes are happening at BA in the second half of the year....no idea what but lets hope it includes a decent sound system.

petrol and a match?

Really shouldn't laugh, but

^^^

well it's the only thing that will work...

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybernaut

By the way did Derrick May play Joey Beltram - Energy Flash mad track....

Sure did.

The sound on Friday night was unacceptable and the most frustrating part, is the PA system for downstairs and upstairs (blights) is top quality. The venue have spent thousands improving the system. It may not be the best in melbourne or australia but given the circumstances of some very strict sound restrictions and some very annoying neighbours, the management do their best to provide customers & artists the best possible sound quality and not come under further scrutiny by the authorities.

The issues with Friday night strictly came down bad PA management including too stringent controls of the PA. Both issues have now been resolved.

so is it the strict sound restrictions and annoying neighbours, or bad pa management? i'm guessing if there is strict sound restrictions then the sound can't really ever be cranked in that room? or are you saying the sound was say 50% under what they could have cranked it to, while still adhering to the restrictions?

http://www.residentadvisor.net/feature.aspx?1588

Brilliant article on how sound should be done. A joy to read.

I am waiting just for once, some promoters to use Funktion one at parties for my favorite international djs like Derrick san.

It doesnt have to be so loud, i just wish i can hear great djs djing with clear sound. All we need is one promoter do just one party and use good sound system like Funktion one for good artists and djs. AND i am freakin sure that if the sound is GOOD, people will DEF talk about how good the sound was after the parties and they will tell their friends, and their friends and it will surly attract more people.

IF Delano Smith san plays at Brown Alley and same things happens, i wont be angry, i will be freaking MAD. Its just simply disrespectful to artists who comes all the way down to Australia and having bad sound system. It will be nightmare if same thing happens at Derrick san's night when finest Detroit Deep House artist Delano san spins in the future.

^^ Did you read that article?? It did say that even a funktion 1 has to be done properly and at one stage he said that even a 20 year old sound system can sound ok when it's done right. It amazes me that Djs don't have strict sound requirements in their rider, maybe not funktion 1, but at least proper sound checks . I can't remember the last time I said WOW to sound .

Funktion Ones are almost standard at doofs.

After reading that article how on earth do they manage acoustics Pun intended

anyone in a band knows that a good sound engineer is worth their weight in gold & when you find one you look after them and use them at every gig possible - they're almost another member of the band

if only the electronic music industry thought the same way, maybe pockets of it does, but most of the gigs i go to seem to have substandard sound, so who knows

or is it just a money thing and promoters skimp by not paying someone to look after the sound for the night

I'm still dumb founded by the $17 Redbull and Vodka!
How do they justify that? How is that price broken down? No matter what way you look at it, it's a joke...is it a $7 redbull + a $10 shot of Vodka...or vice versa...either way, fuck right off.

Would love to know what they charge for each seperately, I bet it's not $17! Just ask for a vodka on the rocks, tall glass, and a can of Redbull

But yeah, shit sound sucks, too!

How much for a normal vodka mix at BA? Or a beer?

anyone that drinks the putrid swill that is vodka and redbull, deserves to be stung 17 bucks imo

We used to hire a full f1 sound rig for parties of 700 people with load in and out and a sound engineer for about 1000 bucks. Hardly breaking the bank.

Basic spirits were $10 so it would have been $7 for the red bull.

I used to have one vodka tonic when I got to a club. I think their vodka may have been one of the reasons I no longer drink in clubs at all

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesterfield

Basic spirits were $10 so it would have been $7 for the red bull.

Fuck in hell, $10 for a basic spirit?!?!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DANCINGDI

^^ Did you read that article?? It did say that even a funktion 1 has to be done properly and at one stage he said that even a 20 year old sound system can sound ok when it's done right. It amazes me that Djs don't have strict sound requirements in their rider, maybe not funktion 1, but at least proper sound checks . I can't remember the last time I said WOW to sound .

last time was for me was George Fitzgerald @ Billboards the other week.

was perfect imo

Quote:

Originally Posted by DANCINGDI

^^ Did you read that article?? It did say that even a funktion 1 has to be done properly and at one stage he said that even a 20 year old sound system can sound ok when it's done right. It amazes me that Djs don't have strict sound requirements in their rider, maybe not funktion 1, but at least proper sound checks . I can't remember the last time I said WOW to sound .

What would the DJ do? Cancel the show and/or sue the promoter for breach of contract?

It seems like the only ones penalised in that situation would be the fans.

The last time I head amazing sound was Strawberry Fields. It was incredible.

^^ Well, probably not But logically the idea would be to do something about it before the gig But seeking compensation is certainly a plan. And possibly not as difficult as you may think.

BTW I wouldn't actually hold it against a DJ for cancelling either. I don't think we fans benefit when our favourite djs play with crap sound. In fact is is heartbreaking. We are suffering either way

imho, I think most of the time is sort of ok, but great ?? Very rarely.

Sunny always got the sound right at ba. Go figure.

^^^ Steve was absolutely anal about sound! ! I was just thinking about the Sunny Birthday with Infusion the night Sasha was playing at Billboard. The sound was just amazing that night !! Need him back

Quote:

Originally Posted by nocturnal_groova

Sunny always got the sound right at ba. Go figure.

There is nothing surprising here...Steve monitored the sound the entire event or most of it..and knows the system back to front. Unfortunately finding a sound tech as passionate and experienced with that system & room is impossible so its an on going quest. A quest which boundaries are not financial.

As mentioned the sound system at BA (in both main rooms) is top quality. One of the main issues is venue is under tight scrutiny from the authorities. Venue owner puts on very tight controls on the PA to avoid further persecution, when in fact all that is needed is a very good in house sound technician. Even the world's best sound tech will have issues on a PA system which has been limited or locked by venue management.

anyone know if the derrick may interview is available to listen online....

Quote:

Originally Posted by danjuan

The sound on Friday night was unacceptable and the most frustrating part, is the PA system for downstairs and upstairs (blights) is top quality. The venue have spent thousands improving the system. It may not be the best in melbourne or australia but given the circumstances of some very strict sound restrictions and some very annoying neighbours, the management do their best to provide customers & artists the best possible sound quality and not come under further scrutiny by the authorities.

The issues with Friday night strictly came down bad PA management including too stringent controls of the PA. Both issues have now been resolved.

if you have strict sound restrictions & pesky neighbours why the fuck would you attempt to put on quality parties?
and your PA issues have now been resolved? the horse has bolted my friend! these PA issues are ongoing & i doubt resolved!
Melbourne was once known for its wicked parties & unique venues, it was a second home to many OS DJs, we had cred!
not any more, you have Derrick apologising to his audience, then theres Klock & Detttman, 2 of the finest techno cats on the scene, whose weapon of choice is vinyl & the ol wheels of steel, couldnt even get that right,
and what makes it worse is these promoters cant comprehend that these things matter in the big picture!
it looks like its the old school heads who are going to lead Melb into the future with cutting edge knowledge
of dancefloor dynamics & parties that leave you wanting more.
promoters if you cant deliver the goods FUCK OFF & leave it to the adults

The only the reason why Brown Alley still get booking is the capacity. Nothing-else.

^^^ Well actually , BA can still put on a quality party. Electric Owl last night. I walked in last night after a long absence expecting to find a mouldering heap. Looked really good , sound was ok every where. Shame I really am not a techno fan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by danjuan

There is nothing surprising here...Steve monitored the sound the entire event or most of it..and knows the system back to front. Unfortunately finding a sound tech as passionate and experienced with that system & room is impossible so its an on going quest. A quest which boundaries are not financial.

As mentioned the sound system at BA (in both main rooms) is top quality. One of the main issues is venue is under tight scrutiny from the authorities. Venue owner puts on very tight controls on the PA to avoid further persecution, when in fact all that is needed is a very good in house sound technician. Even the world's best sound tech will have issues on a PA system which has been limited or locked by venue management.

What utter fucking bollocks - you make it seem like volume is all; quality and clarity a secondary issue.

OK i thought i would give you guys some information based on fact.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DANCINGDI

^^^ Well actually , BA can still put on a quality party. Electric Owl last night. I walked in last night after a long absence expecting to find a mouldering heap. Looked really good , sound was ok every where. Shame I really am not a techno fan.

Doesn't this tell you something ??

The quality of every sound system in every night club in Australia not only comes down to the system itself. The sound system at Brown Alley as stated before may not be the best in Melbourne , but it is very good. When you have guys like Fred P stating it was one of the best tuned systems he has heard in a long time tells you something... It all comes down to having a sound technician who has the knowledge of how to tune the system and get the most out of it... Who's responsibility is it to ensure this happens ?

THE PROMOTER OF THE EVENT

Whilst many of you may complain about the system at BA, or the fact that they don't care. This couldn't be further from the truth. i can assure you it has sounded exceptional just as many times as it hasn't, The thing is, those of you who complain about BA sound are more likely to frequent the same events run by the same promoters. And not deviate to parties who actually do have excellent sound at their events at BA.

When you continually hear the sound at Sunny or Electric Owl is always excellent is not a coincidence, its due to the fact that the promoters do everything they can to ensure the sound technicians get the most out of the system, and the promoters stay at the venue sometimes for 20 hours straight making sure every detail is covered as well as possible, hence why these events usually sound great. Same goes for places like Billboard, Roxanne, etc i have heard it sound great there , i have also heard it sound terrible at those places too .. it usually sounds terrible when you are at an event where the promoter does not place importance on getting the most out of the available system.

Quote:

quality and clarity a secondary issue.

Spot on. Regarding the (temporary) sound restrictions in Blights Bar i can assure you Brown Alley have employed the best industry professional sound technicians available in this industry, as well as qualified sound engineers, and certified sound testers to tune that room as best as possible that aligns with the [temporary] restrictions placed on that room.

The over all db level of the room that is allowed to be played is loud enough. A eight stack nexo surround sound system is more then adequate (sure its no Funktion 1) for the room. Brown Alley has spent 10's of thousands of dollars on that sound system.

What is needed is for promoters of all different parties/genres who do events there to 1) Actually know what they are doing 2) work with BA management to ensure 3) take the time to source qualified sound tech and communicate with him. 4) Ensure serviced equipment and deliver the tech rider that these DJ's deserve. This is just fundamental.

^^^^

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingWicked

What utter fucking bollocks - you make it seem like volume is all; quality and clarity a secondary issue.

Not at all. We have a clear understanding of quality and clarity vs volume but unfortunately this was compromised due to the sound limitor placed on the system for Derrick May. Only after much discussions did venue management unlock the system to allow room for improvement, unfortunately this was far to late.

We have hosted events in venues throughout Australia and the only venue we experience sound issues on a regular basis is Brown Alley. Have also experienced other promoters & events having issues with sound at BA, with the exception of Sunny..The more shows at a venue, the law of probability will be the more issues will arise..

The fundamentals at BA have now improved and as far as i know, the only real improvement required, is what all reputable venues throughout Australia have, a professional and experienced in house sound tech.

To state a sound check would have avoided any issues at Derrick May is completely false.

Quote:

Originally Posted by danjuan

Not at all. We have a clear understanding of quality and clarity vs volume but unfortunately this was compromised due to the sound limitor placed on the system for Derrick May. Only after much discussions did venue management unlock the system to allow room for improvement, unfortunately this was far to late.

We have hosted events in venues throughout Australia and the only venue we experience sound issues on a regular basis is Brown Alley. Have also experienced other promoters & events having issues with sound at BA, with the exception of Sunny..The more shows at a venue, the law of probability will be the more issues will arise..

The fundamentals at BA have now improved and as far as i know, the only real improvement required, is what all reputable venues throughout Australia have, a professional and experienced in house sound tech.

To state a sound check would have avoided any issues at Derrick May is completely false.

so you are saying that you could not be bothered do a soundcheck prior to an event which had a legend play at?
"Only after much discussions did venue management unlock the system to allow room for improvement, unfortunately this was far to late"
of course it was fucking to late, the party had already started!
unfortunately Dan you dont seem to be able to comprehend the criticism thats rightfully directed towards you & your stale parties that all have the same flavour & smell!
wheres the passion & innovation?