GuitarMikeB wrote:House PA systems can be ok, if there's someone one them who knows how to run them AND what your band is supposed to sound like. When you're doing a 45 minute set with quick set up and breakdown, there's usually little time for more than telling the soundman that mic 1 is lead, etc. And if you're micing the amps, good luck getting it right.
House PA works a lot better if you get a sound check, or if you're solo or a duo act.
. Jerry's Bait Shop is one of the best rock venues in the KC metro. They have a great PA and very experienced people manning it. Bands get set up in under a half hour, quick mic check and GO. Really a piece of cake when you know what you're doing. All four acts were very different, each set up in under an hour, no problems. In a situation like that being anal about the sound ISN'T ALLOWED. No time to get it "exactly right." You get it set up and when it's your time to play you PLAY.