Don't be so easily offended, everyone.  This isn't such a big deal. 

well, the list is somewhat helpful, but i always thought the soundperson was there to help the musicians. there's a give-and-take, and a good soundman is receptive to what you need to sound and play your best. likewise, a musician will be open to making some concessions for the greater good of the sound [tuning, tape, whatever].

personally, i need to keep my cymbals low to the kit because i'm short. i would hope the soundperson would be able to work within that. it's my show, not theirs.

i've had really good and really bad experiences with soundpeople. the good ones were flexible, accomodating and able to provide constructive suggestions. the bad ones were lazy, impatient or very unconcerned with what any band sounded like.

hopefully stickers is not one of the latter. but i agree, the post came across as defensive. i have a trucker mouth myself, but i keep it under wraps here.

on drumset.com... whole 'nother story.

I'm one of those guys with a big kit (5 toms) set up on a rack, and all my cymbals are really close to the drums.  I also play 5 piece setups, also on racks, and also with cymbals close.

I've had two different sound guys complain about how my drums are set up lately, and I don't really care.  As the sound man, it's your job to amplify my drums, regardless of their configuration.  If you can't mic a set unless it's set up a certain way then maybe you need more training.  I bet you don't like intact resonant bass drum heads, either.

You complain about drummers whose setups are not ergonomic, but then you expect them to configure their drums for your convenience, ignoring ergonomics completely.  Make up your mind.

I don't go to a rock gig with the same drums or approach as I would to a jazz gig.  Neither should you expect the drummer to accommodate you, especially on short notice.

I work with sound men who do a brilliant job of micing my drums just as they are, without complaint or comment.  If you like, I'd be glad to refer you to them for suggestions.

I gather you're a soundman at a club on a freqent basis? A club which has revolving bands? I would suggest you do the soundman job as that's your duty for the night. You are NOT the hired drummer for the night....Whatever the guy plays for drums is his problem not yours. If you can't do wonders on YOUR end, then let the guy live with what he has to work with. Your a soundman, not there to cure the Ills' of the world.... Playing drums is HIS job for the night, not yours. I would never let you tell me which size of set I want to use with that band. I would never let you tell me how to tune or set up MY drums.... But I will tell you when you're out of line..... I'm just an old drummer who at this point questions your ability as both a professional drummer or soundman.   

Mr A has said everything quite well....   

Ok, that's the end of my rant!   

You mean like these?
1. Don't own a big drum set
2. Don't use a rack
3. Move your cymbals back, you idiot

I don't see those as helpful. nope.

As I mentioned in another post, I just got back from playing a large venue in Boston. (The Boston Convention Center) The sound man is one of the best in the business. He has worked with Lyle Lovitt, The Pixies, the Boston Pops, David Sanborn and many others. I am an amature and was fortunate enough to have this opportunity. Rick took me under his wing and exhibited patience and willingly assisted (a very receptive) me in making my drums sound awsome. He went the extra mile, in a very tactful way, but that is what he gets paid for; he knows that and I learned that. It would be my privilege to work with him again. BUT, he did not tell me where to place my cymbals, my toms etc. As a matter of fact, he said you do what is comfortable for you and I will work around you. I do agree that some of the things you mentioned are no doubt the drummer's problems which could in turn reflect upon you, but maturity will teach you that there are things you can control, and things you can't.
mp

I'd adjust to accomodate the situation in any way I can.  Less gear, higher cymbals whatever.  No biggie. 

i've always thought drummers should take proficiency test before they can add another drum to their kit.  Start with a snare, take a test, pass and get the ride, take a test, pass and get the kick, take a test.  this tactic will definely prevent mediocre drummers from having big kits.

Drums are unique in the fact that there is vast array of "preferences" such as configuration, cymbal height, snare depth, tuning, you name it.  It is the job of the "so-called" sound person to adapt to the drummer's preferred set up and equipment, not the other way around.  I think most drummers would work with a sound person to a degree however to request that someone completely alter his/her configuration in order to overcome anothers incompetence at mixing is utterly ludicrous. 

Then to top it off you suggest that drummers take a test before adding drums?  I would suggest you taking a test for both mixing sound and the other for lunacy.  Ive never seen a more ridiculous post in my life.  Whats next, are you going to suggest guitarists use only certain types of guitars, amps, stomp boxes, etc?  Better yet, Ive got the perfect answer to all of your drummer issues and it will save you countless hours from actually having to learn your job.  Simply demand that all drummers use electronic kits and patch them directly into the board!  That will leave you plenty of time to sit back at the board and claim to be a "master sound engineer".  You can even get a special t-shirt to make you look important. It will impress the girls, and it should free up both hands to stuff a crack pipe or whatever it is youre on. 

Instead of coming on here blasting seasoned veterans, you would have fared much better humbling yourself to ask their advice.  Im sure the responses would have been much more positive and informative for you in the long run.

PS – Just a word of advice.  I would call in sick if Motorhead ever played your club.   

 

I really gotta talk to Bart about adding an "Ignore this member" feature to the forum...