You know that moment when a gig just clicks — when everyone on stage suddenly realizes it’s more than just a show? That’s where this episode starts. You’ll hear how saying “yes” to new gigs can lead to unexpected magic, how the right players bring out the best in each other, and why being open to unfamiliar styles can change everything.
Then the conversation gets gloriously geeky as Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Daniel East dive into using Waves plugins live, connecting your Mac to a console via Dante, and why automixing is almost—but not quite—ready for primetime. From heart to hardware, it’s all about finding balance between feel and finesse. Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 508 – Monday, November 17th, 2025

November 17th: Odd Socks Day
Guest co-host: Daniel East


00:01:24 Playing with Brit Drozda

Had lunch with a guitar player friend, and the gig came together!
First gig, three songs in, and everyone knew it was more-than-just-a-gig


00:07:08 Lesson: take gigs even if it’s not your style

Don’t say no because you don’t think it’s your style
Don’t say no because you don’t (yet!) know the material
You could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings it to a completely different level


00:11:15 The magic that can just happen when the right people come together
00:14:24 Nerding out about drumsticks. Of course!

Dan is now endorsing Headhunters Sticks
Vic Firth 5B Double Glaze


00:23:02 Pitch Slap Percussion Cajons
00:26:03 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today!

(and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!)


00:28:12 Waves plugins on any size gig…if you NEED it.

Using a console with Dante, you can link via Ethernet to your MacBook Pro and use plugins
Dan’s new favorite console: Yamaha DM3D ($2,000) console
Waves Plugins to use when mixing live audio

Waves SuperRack Performer ($99)
Waves TRACT System Calibration ($399)
Waves Feedback Hunter ($99.99)
Waves Silk LIVE ($29.99)
Waves F6 Dynamic EQ
Waves L4 Maximizer ($49.99)
Waves Primary Source Expander ($39.99)
Waves Tune Real-Time ($49.99)
Waves Clarix LB (what Dave SHOULD have tested in GG 508!)




01:10:06 Automixing is coming, folks!
01:11:16 Years ago, Back to Episodes