All that you have studied about mixing sound in the classrooms might be of little use when you go out there on site at an event. While meetings and speeches are easy to work with, complex events like music concerts or plays can become a challenge. Here are 10 ways to get better audio when engineering sound for a live event.
1. Locating microphones properly
Making sure that all your microphones are placed correctly can make a lot of difference to the input you have to work with. Ensure that all the overhead hanging microphones are where they are supposed to be. Check with the playlist and the locations of the groups and singers so that they are properly picked up by overhead microphones. Handheld microphones often get misused by being held too low. Let the singers or speaker know how to hold them.
2. Get your gain structure right
A common error is to use the fader as a gain control tool. The fader is meant to address in-event changes in input while gain addresses overall amplification need. Ideally, you should be able to set your gain structure at the start of an event and not have to change it during the show.
3. Always check the stage monitor
Make it a practice to check the monitor sound levels while standing on the stage. It should sound like it is coming from the mains. Keep in mind that the monitor sound that you hear from the sanctuary is not what the stage hears. This discrepancy can affect the house sound.
4. Use the full frequency range
Make sure your mixing settings encompass the whole sonic range of instrument sounds. If you have too much of clustering in the same frequency range, the quality of the sound will not be lifelike. When mixing an instrument, consider cutting some ranges rather than boosting others in order to get a better effect.
5. Use subgroups for easier control
Club the singers and instruments output in subgroups so that you can make overall changes to that output without having to change individual settings.
6. Familiarize yourself with the sound of the style
Different styles of music have different mixing preferences. This may also apply to different performers. make sure you listen to professional recordings of the genre of music you are going to mix so that you know what the sound expectations of listeners will be like. It also makes sense to speak with the band or the program leader so that you deliver what they want you to deliver.
7. Donât scrimp on the tools of the trade
Make sure that all your equipment is in perfect shape. It makes a lot of sense to invest in best-in-class equipment rather than try to make a quick profit using cheaper and tackier jacks and cables. Also keep in mind that technology evolves rapidly, and what was best in class 10 years ago might not be acceptable in todayâs audio world.
8. Show up before anyone else does
This will help you settle in, and make the turf your own. You will also get time to think about the microphone placements and any other factors that may affect the sound that people will hear. Being early will help you get unhurried time with the performers to get a feel for what they would like from you, as well as to factor in any special requirements, such as cutting the sound out entirely during a crowd participation number.
9. Stay back after the show
The best learning for a sound engineer comes from actual audience feedback. Speak with a few people from the audience after the show to get a feel for how the sound sounded to them. Make a note of things that may have gone wrong or things that could have been done better. Talk to the performers and the organizers to get a sense of how they felt about the sound. This is learning that you will not get in any other way.
10. Acknowledge the team
Truly good sound happens when the sound team and the performing artists collaborate together. Maintain a good relationship with the performers. As this relationship develops into one of trust and interdependence, you will find suggestions and inputs coming more freely and fearlessly. This will make it easier for all of you to work towards the common goal of great sound.
