Is the sound at the O2 bad, or is it me?

KoThreads · 22-03-2009, 10:11 AM

I've seen several bands at the main O2 area and a couple at the Indigo2 and everytime i've thought the sound wasn't that great.

Last night i saw Paul Weller, not a fan but a friend went and the bloke he was going with pulled out so he asked rather than waste it, and yet again i found the sound very harsh verging on distortion. i thought it was me but quite a few were complaining so i wasn't alone.

Are the PA's too powerfull and the bands push it too far, or underpowered.

I went to the Albert Hall last year to see Aussie Floyd and that was much better. I saw Elbow at Wembley last weekend and that was ok but still not great, but Wembley has a bad reputation sound wise anyway, allthough i know a few people that saw Rush who said the sound was perfect there.

I thought the O2 halls were meant to have some of the best in the world.

**unique** · 22-03-2009, 11:01 AM

it depends on the setup and where you sit. when shows are in the round you can get bad sound close to the stage if the speakers are above you, as you hear the sound bounce from the other side, at the sides if the speakers aren't aimed at you it can sound weird too. it's a bit hit or miss really

Azzin · 23-03-2009, 7:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerOfThreads

I've seen several bands at the main O2 area and a couple at the Indigo2 and everytime i've thought the sound wasn't that great.

Last night i saw Paul Weller, not a fan but a friend went and the bloke he was going with pulled out so he asked rather than waste it, and yet again i found the sound very harsh verging on distortion. i thought it was me but quite a few were complaining so i wasn't alone.

Are the PA's too powerfull and the bands push it too far, or underpowered.

I went to the Albert Hall last year to see Aussie Floyd and that was much better. I saw Elbow at Wembley last weekend and that was ok but still not great, but Wembley has a bad reputation sound wise anyway, allthough i know a few people that saw Rush who said the sound was perfect there.

I thought the O2 halls were meant to have some of the best in the world.

We were there too on Sat night (like you I'm not a mega fan but SWMBO is!) and we thought the same.

It was my first gig at the 02 and to say I was disappointed is an understatement.

We're hoping it was a one off and it won't be the same in May when we go to see Depeche Mode there.

soundstory · 23-03-2009, 8:55 AM

I went to see Prince last year & thought the sound was pretty good, however I have mtes who have said that they have found the sound t be awful.

I have to agree that it depends on the set-up & who is running the mixing desk

motr · 23-03-2009, 10:25 AM

only been to two gigs there, Keane and Prince in 2007.

For Keane, I was standing and thought the sound was very good and much better than I expected it to be looking at the height if the place.

For Prince, I was in the lower tier at one end and although the sound was ok, it lacked the punchiness of the traditional end stage set up.

Going to see Depeche Mode there in May, so will be interesting to see how they sound as the sound at Wembley Arena is normally quite muddied imo.

KoThreads · 23-03-2009, 1:08 PM

Well i'm going back to see the War of the Worlds show in June, taking my brother and his girlfriend, who has never seen any show before. i've already told him that it's almost sure to sound awfull hoping that for once they might get a sound enginner/mixer who isn't stone deaf.

karkus30 · 23-03-2009, 9:08 PM

I often wonder what would happen if they did things differently and supplied an optional feed by radio. It would mean you could buy the unit of your choice and get perfect sound everywhere. Back it up with some big sub bass units to give that kicking feel and a far smaller on stage pa for those who were without the radio receiver or when you just wanted to stand in the bar talking to mates.

**unique** · 23-03-2009, 9:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karkus30

I often wonder what would happen if they did things differently and supplied an optional feed by radio. It would mean you could buy the unit of your choice and get perfect sound everywhere. Back it up with some big sub bass units to give that kicking feel and a far smaller on stage pa for those who were without the radio receiver or when you just wanted to stand in the bar talking to mates.

what would happen? loads of perfect quality bootlegs. which is why it would never happen