That is interesting, but I'm with Billy when it comes to Behringer. I'd rather save up for great DI's than pay 2/3 as much for something that will poop on me in 6 months, or will be worth nothing if I ever want to trade. It seems to have semi-favorable reviews, but mostly from churches who don't really move their gear. If any other company made something like this, I'd be interested. Well, besides Peavey.

Though... for $100, it's a relatively cheap mistake to make. Thanks for the suggestion!

Most bars have at least one d.i. box. When I played acoustic a lot I had my own pre-amp eventually but I never played anywhere that didn't have one where I expected they would have one. Little Brothers, for example; of course they would have one. I wouldn't expect Bernie's to have one. I wouldn't expect a d.i.y. or house party gig to have a d.i. 3 d.i.s, though. Nah. Usually you'll see 2 at the most. Not many bands have an acoustic, keyboard and bass that all need a d.i. and if they do, they should certainly consider purchasing one.

Jesus Christ...

I agree about Peavey. That shit rarely ever breaks down. I wouldn't hesitate to ever buy something Peavey. It might not ever sound great, but it won't break down.

I've got a Behringer Ultra Di that I've had nigh forever sans problem and it sounds fine.

What a trip it's been..Im guessing sound people should always get paid and that if you have an instrument then bring the proper shit with you to a show to amplify.

The End

Bronson Bunny Deathwish 12:45 Friday OffRamp
Silo The Huskie @ Carabar Saturday Post Comfest w/Speed Governor, Ghost Shirt, Bookmobile

To answer the original question: Yes. So should the band in a perfect world. Of course, that is not the world we live in.

I would never let a good sound person walk out the door without at least a little money for some pizza and beer. If money was not around, I'd get his/her number and hook them up later.

A bad sound person, I'd still hook them up with cash. I just wouldn't throw in anything extra. The same way I treat food service. I leave bad tips for bad service, never no tip. Great service and good people skills might inspire me to throw my share of the take at the sound crew. It also inspires me to hire them for other events where money will be more plentiful.

I think the bar should pay the people THEY hire, but I wouldn't feel right shafting someone just because the bar doesn't do things the way I like. I just pay the dude/dudette and not play the venue again.

If a bar isnt going to pay a band, they should at least give them free beer.

That's fair.

Hey Lackluster,

Cheap DIs...

http://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1807726745.html

Thanks Billy Cool. Hopefully they're still available in a couple days.

Back on topic, if the argument is that a shitty soundman shouldn't get paid, then I assume the same argument could be used for the bands, right? In other words, what if some club owner/booker told you "you sucked, so I'm not going to pay you" (assuming you normally do get paid, of course)?

well the bands rarely get paid anyway, and if they do it's because they brought people out who wanted to see them. The club owner isn't paying you, or the soundguy. The bands are getting themselves paid AND paying for the sound. The bar just has a roof, what should be a half-way decent soundsystem, and beer.

Sorry, thousands of bands all over the country don't get paid very much. There aren't many bands locally where each member is pulling in the same amount as the sound guy. In most cases, if he's making $150 for the night, it's more than what you made individually. Even if your band made $300, and you're a three piece, he made more than you.
It's not the point anyway, the point is that the bar doesn't pay you. Unless you're a cover band.