The Sound of Staples

Last weekend, I attended my first Staples Center concert; Eric Clapton was the headliner. When Bruce Springsteen inaugurated the Staples grand opening, I remember letters pouring in complaining about the horrendous, “cavernous” and muddled sound quality, and the many fans swearing off ever attending another musical event in that facility.

This caused me some trepidation in plunking down $400 (for four seats). And the distant location of our seats from the stage only added to my concerns over the possible sound problems.

To anyone still reluctant to attend Staples Center concerts, I must report that the sound for the Clapton show was superb. Personally, I would have liked it a little louder, but I’ll take clarity over volume anytime. And clear it was. Both the acoustic and electric sets were clean, balanced, and expertly mixed. Vocals were intelligible and distortion was rarely a factor.

I just wanted to say, if Staples Center management did anything to improve the musical environment, they did a great job. And if the quality was a product of Clapton’s sound crew, then Staples Center management should pay whatever it takes to make them the permanent “house” sound crew.

W. STRATTON

Costa Mesa