Terry Lee Hale Solo technical and support rider:
- I vocal microphone with boom stand (although lately I have been traveling with my own microphone). Please use a Shure 58 or better.
- 1 XLR line and 2 channels for 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars. I have my own DI box (passive) for these guitars. I will explain below.
- I XLR Line with DI Box (passive) for Dobro.
- One electricity wire with minimum 4-inputs near the microphone.
I need one XLR microphone cable, which will you, take from my system (I have my own DI box) to your mixer. That signal is then “split” into 2 separate channels. I will provide the “splitter” hardware. (Basically what happens is that I use a preamp with only one ‘out’ that I send both 6 and 12 string guitar signals through. The equalization (EQ) is different for each guitar and thus the required 2 channels. I just need the soundperson to mute the unused channel when I’m not playing that guitar. If there is no soundperson in the smaller rooms then the mixing board must be located near the stage so I can do the switching myself).
6 String: My main guitar and what will be first at sound check and for the show. Please set EQ’s levels to flat. This will be close to what I like but of course every room and system is different.
12-String: Again, for sound check, please set the EQ for flat to begin with.
Dobro: More difficult at sound check as the guitar tends to feedback. Once again start the levels and EQ flat and work from there. This guitar does not need much reverb as it has it’s own natural sound.
Effects: For the 6 (and 12 if I have it) string guitar I like a long, medium hall reverb but turned back in the mix. For the Dobro the same reverb but not so much. The Dobro has it's own natural reverb. No other effects please (no delay, no phasing, compression etc.)
Vocals: A little natural reverb for support.
NO compression allowed or needed. I am not a screamer and I will not hurt your system. Once we establish the correct volumes and effects during sound-check, please DO NOT CHANGE THEM except if I ask from the stage.
Sound checks: PA system compatible for room/hall size and a qualified sound engineer. Please be able to speak at least technical English. If not, then please provide a translator. We need to be able to speak together to do a good check.
Please - I prefer to arrive at the venue for sound check when you are ready for me. For example, if you say 17H00 for me to be there, that is when I want to do the check. I don’t like to wait while you get set up. Generally I need 30 minutes for set-up and less than 1 hour for sound check even with all 3 guitars.
FRONT Of House: I want the guitars to sound loud and full. As I am playing solo, the guitar sound must take the place of drummer AND bass. I need volume for this. Please turn volume up.
Vocals should sit over the top of this LARGE guitar sound.
MONITORS: 2 floor monitors if possible. I prefer to hear mostly the room sound. Monitors volumes should be added to support that room sound. Indoor concerts of course would start with room volumes and THEN monitors.
Lights: Something subtle and warm is appreciated. Please, NO flashing, smoke, rhythmic taping or whatnot. I do like to include the lights during sound check if at all possible. Especially important to see if there are any line buzzes when the lights come on.
Stage - 1 chair, 1 small table or stool (for me to put things on), 1 clean towel, 1 bottle non-carbonated water.
Food and Drink - A little food for the sound check is nice. (i.e. chocolate, fresh fruit, nuts, juice, water and hot coffee). One hot meal to be served no later than 90 minutes before show time or not before 90 minutes after the show. I generally like to eat after the show but I understand that it’s not always possible. I just can’t eat right before going on stage. I enjoy most all foods and local specialties are best. I enjoy drinking good red wine. Spanish, French or Italian please!
Hotel- One room with toilet and shower. Please, ask for a room in the quiet part of the hotel! For breakfast I generally just like juice, coffee and some kind of bread.