Sem B: Live Sound Mixing Techniques
Part 1: The Basics (Morning)
The objective will be to gain a better understanding of live mixing consoles. We will assume nothing and start from scratch. Beginners can come to learn and the more experienced can come with questions. We will also learn how to develop team work with musicians.
- Mixing Console review: What do all the knobs do?
- Essential mics and mic techniques
- Understanding gain structure
- Using EQ, What sounds good on what?
- Using subgroups
- Using matrix feeds
- Sound checks and how to run them
- An approach to mixing (using your "head sound")
- Mixing for energy and controlling SPL. Using meters.
- Running monitors from FOH, the do's and don'ts
- Tricks to keep your musicians happy
- Tricks to get more from your mixer
- Mixing full bands
Part 2: Going Deeper (Afternoon)
In "The Mix Part I" we learnt how to achieve a solid, intelligible sound using the basic facilities available to us on a standard mixing desk. In Part II we will hook in some serious outboard gear and look at mixing with effects. In this session Mark Payne will demonstrate the following:
- What are VCA's? Is a VCA desk better?
- System EQ, who needs it?
- Dynamic control using compressors
- Using Reverb
- Using Delay effects
- Using Gates