Author Archive
I receive e-mails and phone calls regularly from people looking to get into the live audio industry. Some of them are nearing the end of an education program while some have just decided it’s what they want to do but don’t have the first idea of where to start. There’s certainly no definitive path in […]
Although mixing the show for the house is our primary concern, there are many times when it is necessary to record it as well. This could vary from a copy of the PA output for posterity or post-show evaluation to a full-scale multi-track recording for commercial release. There are many ways to accomplish this depending […]
Back in the olden days, when high-quality audio equipment wasn’t nearly as readily available as it is today, gain structure could make or break the sound quality of a show. Good gain structure was necessary to ensure that the audio signal voltage did not reach the console voltage rails and clip, while at the same […]
This can be a slightly controversial subject with opinion split between those who love it and those who really don’t care for it much at all. Running a system in an aux-fed sub configuration can help to clean up and enhance the clarity of a live mix. There are significant advantages, but a little thought […]
The rise of digital consoles has seen a huge increase in features available at a much lower price point than ever before. It almost doesn’t matter what level of show you’re doing these days, the chance of seeing a digital console complete with all the toys is high, even at the lowest level. While this […]
Mixing monitors can be hugely rewarding, and working with a stage full of monitor wedges is really fun! However, if you are not in complete control at all times, it can very quickly become a nightmare. I put forward my own procedure and techniques for mixing wedges, although as with all types of mixing, it […]
The use of the term ‘flipping the phase’ or ‘inverting the phase’ is a common misnomer that I see time and time again by professional and amateur alike. The problem is that to invert the phase of an electrical signal simply does not make sense, and what is most commonly meant is actually a polarity […]
As a sound technician, I have come across countless channel lists, stage plots and technical riders, some of them excellent and some of them good only for scrap paper. As a band engineer, I’ve also written plenty. I have a good idea of what information is necessary in order to convey a band’s technical requirements […]