Topic: What exactly is Stage Lip?

[Dede2002]

Hi,

Yes, I know what "stage" means. I also know what "lip" means. But when you guys say "stage lip" where exactly are the mics? Actually on the stage? Pretty close to the stage? How close?
Thanks in advance 

[easy jim]

The "stage lip" generally refers to the area of the stage next to the main floor, usually - but not always - in between the edge of the stage facing the crowd and the line of monitors/mic stands on stage for the musicians.

[Dede2002]

The "stage lip" generally refers to the area of the stage next to the main floor, usually - but not always - in between the edge of the stage facing the crowd and the line of monitors/mic stands on stage for the musicians.

Great. +T for the fast response.
Thanks 

[SmokinJoe]

Sometimes a stage floor overhangs the base of the stage creating a lip.  In the classic sense, it's clamping to this lip. Other times it means your stand is right up against the edge of the stage as close as possible, or even on the stage a little bit.  It all depends on what the stage is like... but the intent is this... you are micing the band directly, as opposed to micing the PA.

Pros:
- You probably have better mics than the band.  Get the sound directly.
- The FOH guy probably makes a pretty mono mix.  You have the opportunity to capture it with real stereo width
- Less crowd chatter.

Cons:
- People like to dance over my mics with sloshing glasses of beer.  This makes me a nervous wreck.
- If there are vocals, they will likely be low in the mix.  In general, stage lip for instrumentals only.

[Dede2002]

Sometimes a stage floor overhangs the base of the stage creating a lip.  In the classic sense, it's clamping to this lip. Other times it means your stand is right up against the edge of the stage as close as possible, or even on the stage a little bit.  It all depends on what the stage is like... but the intent is this... you are micing the band directly, as opposed to micing the PA.

Pros:
- You probably have better mics than the band.  Get the sound directly.
- The FOH guy probably makes a pretty mono mix.  You have the opportunity to capture it with real stereo width
- Less crowd chatter.

Cons:
- People like to dance over my mics with sloshing glasses of beer.  This makes me a nervous wreck.
- If there are vocals, they will likely be low in the mix.  In general, stage lip for instrumentals only.

`Thanks Smokin Joe. My guess was - almost - right.

[hummat]

- If there are vocals, they will likely be low in the mix.  In general, stage lip for instrumentals only.

Or matrix with that pretty mono mix 

-jay

[heyitsmejess]

ive had great luck running omnis "healey method" at the stage lip.

recently started experamenting with running a single point stereo mic between the omnis and mixing them together.

will have a sample shortly if any interest.

[stantheman1976]

ive had great luck running omnis "healey method" at the stage lip.

recently started experamenting with running a single point stereo mic between the omnis and mixing them together.

will have a sample shortly if any interest.

Always interested in experiments.  Please do post what you like.

[heyitsmejess]

will do!

uploading to the archive now....

[heyitsmejess]

http://www.archive.org/details/rumpkemb2008-06-20

its still in the process of deriving, but its up!

[Brian Skalinder]

I've always thought of stage lip as on the floor, but right at the edge of the stage - at the lip of the stage.  If I'm on the stage, between the monitors and the edge of the stage or anywhere else, I consider it, well..."on stage".

[run_run_run]

Cool thanks for sharing. Couple quick questions what is a jbr20 and have you ever tried a nak attack on the stage lip?

[heyitsmejess]

jbr20 is an archos jukebox recorder 20...with rockbox you can record lossless.  its kinda crappy, but does the job.

edit:  ok...crappy is kinda harsh, but its not a user friendly as some of the other mp3 player-style recorders (jb3, h120, etc)

never ran the naks stage lip/on stage because the clamp i use onstage wouldnt support it.  i usually have my stand further back in the room.  shouldnt/wouldnt be hard, tho (i dont think...a short stand like a camera stand or something would prob work)

[rastasean]

It all depends on what the stage is like... but the intent is this... you are micing the band directly, as opposed to micing the PA.

Pros:
- You probably have better mics than the band.  Get the sound directly.

These two statements make me ask this question.

If you and I spend a couple grand on mics and cables buying the best set of mics and the best set of cables for $2500 for example and take this to a show, your choice, the guitar player, bass player, drummer are using their equipment almost all the time but is the singer always using something very good or is it just an okay mic like the standard Shure 57?

Why during tours/shows do bands rely on crappy mics but in the studio use better ones? Is it just a cost factor? Why do we spend so much on mics and cables when the bands/artists mics and cables are probably guitar center quality?

Not knocking anyone at all. I hear the difference I just want to know why the artists/bands use not-so-good mics.

[John R]

a vocalist will most likely be using a 58.  57 is more directional for instruments.

we buy better than them because we are junkies.  most bands will put their money into instruments and FX over mics, and there goes the budget.  a 58 is really quite adequate and extremely bombproof.  our mics are a bit more expensive, and more delicate, than a gear provider wants to invest in, when they have cases that hold 18 or more.  Some bands do travel with nice mics because they know how well they'll perform, but it is rare, and food and fuel must be purchased.

my .02