Podcast Summary: The History of Concert Sound

Podcast Information:

• Title: Ongoing History of New Music
• Host: Alan Cross
• Episode Title: The History of Concert Sound
• Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The History of Concert Sound," host Alan Cross delves deep into the evolution of live music sound systems. Starting from the rudimentary acoustics of ancient amphitheaters to the sophisticated in-ear monitors of today, Cross explores the technological advancements, challenges, and pivotal moments that have shaped concert sound into what it is now.

Early Concert Sound Systems

Ancient Acoustics: Alan begins by tracing the origins of concert sound to ancient civilizations. He mentions how structures like Stonehenge and Gothic cathedrals were designed with natural amplification in mind.

"Some archaeologists think that part of the design of Stonehenge involved creating something that would naturally amplify music and chanting." [00:59]

Amphitheaters and Opera Houses: The Greeks and Romans perfected public performance spaces with large amphitheaters, while Gothic cathedrals utilized echo-heavy environments, influencing how music and performances were delivered.

"The long notes took advantage of the natural amplification and reverberation of these structures." [02:15]

Challenges in Live Sound

The Worst Concert Experience: Cross shares a personal anecdote about attending an Aerosmith concert in 1978 where poor sound quality marred the experience.

"For more than two and a half hours, 11,000 people were exposed to that blare of distortion." [04:30]

This experience ignited his passion for improving concert sound, leading him to study various aspects of audio engineering.

Innovations in the 1960s and 1970s

Early Sound Reinforcement: The introduction of amplifiers in the 1920s was limited, primarily aiding vocalists. However, as big band music soared, the need for louder and clearer sound systems became evident.

Bill Hanley and Festival Sound: A significant breakthrough came with Bill Hanley, dubbed the "father of festival sound." His work at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 showcased the potential for large-scale sound reinforcement, albeit with limitations.

"He ensured that all the hippies could hear what was happening on stage." [09:45]

The Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound: In 1973, the Grateful Dead introduced the Wall of Sound, an unprecedented 75-ton sound system that delivered clarity at significant distances.

"It was so loud and so clear that it sounded great at a quarter of a mile." [12:30]

Development of Line Arrays and Modern Systems

1970s and 1980s Advances: As concert tours grew in size, so did the complexity of sound systems. The era saw the rise of quadrophonic sound and delay towers to address sound distribution challenges.

"Delay towers fixed the old problem of those who were far back seeing something on stage happen before they heard it." [17:06]

Line Arrays: By the 1990s, line array systems became prevalent. These single rows of speakers, efficiently designed and hung from ceilings, provided clear and focused sound across vast venues.

"Because of their highly directional nature, little amplifier power is wasted." [23:15]

In-Ear Monitors and Performer Needs

The Advent of In-Ear Monitors: To address the issue of stage noise and provide performers with a clear audio mix, Jerry Harvey pioneered in-ear monitors. Initially met with resistance due to aesthetic concerns, these devices revolutionized how artists hear themselves during performances.

"They shut out all the extraneous noise, tone down the volume, and allow them to hear exactly what they need to hear without blowing out their eardrums." [26:45]

Adoption and Impact: Artists like Matt Bellamy of Muse embraced in-ear monitors, enhancing their performance capabilities without compromising sound quality.

"Matt Bellamy couldn't possibly run around as much as he does without in-ear monitors." [28:10]

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Alan Cross on Early Amps:

  "They were reserved mostly for vocalists. And as more people got into big band music, the bands obviously got bigger, partly to pump up the volume for all the people that came to see them." [05:20]

• On the Grateful Dead's Innovation:

  "The Wall made its debut at the Cow Palace in San Francisco on March 23, 1974. Within a year, though, it proved to be too expensive and the band had it dismantled." [14:50]

• Reflections on Sound System Evolution:

  "What we're seeing now is the culmination of decades of trial, error, and innovation. Concert sound is not just about loudness; it's about clarity, distribution, and the overall experience." [25:30]

Conclusion

Alan Cross wraps up the episode by highlighting the continuous evolution of concert sound systems. From the rudimentary setups of the past to today's advanced in-ear technologies and line arrays, the journey reflects a relentless pursuit of audio excellence in live performances.

"It's been a long, long trip. By the time we got to the 1970s, the size and number of concert tours had multiplied exponentially." [19:05]

Cross hints at future discussions on related topics like backing tracks and band-specific sound systems, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more insights into the world of live music sound engineering.

Final Thoughts: This episode serves as an enlightening exploration of how concert sound has transformed over the decades. For music enthusiasts and audio professionals alike, Alan Cross offers a comprehensive overview that underscores the intricate balance between technology and artistry in live performances.