Sound Wisdom with Bryan "Froggy" Cross: IEMs, Mics, and More

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

In this episode, you dive deep into the world of sound with Bryan “Froggy” Cross, where being a bass player was just the start. Froggy shares how his journey starting with Maynard Ferguson and later, Tower of Power, led him from backline work to becoming a tour manager by 21. The key takeaway? Diversify your skills, learn from others, and keep faking it until you make it! With a foundation in audio production, Froggy emphasizes that you’re not producing records when you’re mixing a band live—you’re making them louder. Remember, Always Be Performing, because when you grow, the gigs will find you.

From microphone mastery to In Ear Monitors (IEMs), Froggy breaks down how to craft the best sound on stage. Whether it’s using the Earthworks ETHOS on drum overheads or creating the perfect IEM mix with UE Live, it’s all about finding what works for you. Guitar players, you’re not left out—get the right mic on your cab, start with the guitar, and build your IEM sound from there. Be aware of the physics of sound, dig into frequencies, and never forget the power of a good phase check.

https://youtu.be/bIzPu5N4kXw

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 450 – Monday, October 7th, 2024
  • October 7th: National LED Light Day
• 00:01:04 Guest Co-host: Bryan “froggy” Cross
  • Being a bass player leads to getting into sound and production in college
• 00:02:11 Started with Maynard Ferguson
• 00:03:36 From mixing an artist to everything that it evolves into.
  • Diversify Yourself
  • Learn from other people
• 00:05:08 Fake it until you make it!
  • Time to learn about compression!
• 00:07:27 Then to Tower of Power
  • Back line to audio to production to…tour manager at 21 years old!
• 00:10:33 Toad’s Place PM1800 Console
  • “You’re not producing a record out there, you’re making them louder.”
  • Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani
  • Grow yourself and the gigs will come to you
• 00:12:40 The Earthworks ETHOS
  • Overhead Drum Mic
  • Doobie Brother’s Guitar Cabinets
  • Michael McDonald’s Leslie
• 00:15:50 The SR117 being used for vocals, snare, and more!
• 00:17:39 Learn how to use microphones in LOTS of ways
• 00:18:16 Use IEMs at the beginning
• 00:20:50 Finding the best In Ear Monitors for yourself
  • UE Live – Froggy’s Favorite Current IEM
  • Think about the size of your ear, what sounds good.
  • Future Sonics with the one Dynamic Driver
• 00:26:39 Creating the best IEM mix
• 00:31:08 Monitor advice for guitar players
  • Put the right mic on the cabinet… Earthworks ETHOS makes another appearance!
  • Earthworks SR20gen2 – Drum overheads
• 00:35:57 More monitor advice for guitar players
  • Start with the guitar
  • Adds drums, bass, vocal to taste
  • “Have it your way”
• 00:38:43 Be aware of physics
  • Learn what frequencies come back with bone conduction
  • Dig out 200-600Hz to compensate
  • Think about 1ms per foot delay
  • Check the phase button
  • Little Labs variable phase
  • Waves InPhase plugin
  • Pooch’s Online School for Audio Engineers
• 00:45:03 Gig Gab 450 Outtro
  • Follow Bryan “Froggy” Cross on Instagram
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • [e-mail]
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

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