Lesson 1Signal chain fundamentals: microphones, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, multicore, and FOH inputsExplore how audio travel from stage to console, covering microphones, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, an FOH inputs. Understand analog versus digital paths, impedance, an how each device shape signal quality an reliability.
Dynamic, condenser, and active DI rolesSnakes, stage boxes, and multicore layoutsBalanced lines, impedance, and noise controlFOH input lists and channel allocationLesson 2Microphone types and placement: handheld wired, headset/wireless lavalier, instrument mics, and on-stage placement for vocals and instrumentsStudy microphone types an placement fi vocals an instruments, including handheld wired, headsets, lavaliers, an instrument mics. Learn how polar patterns, distance, an angles affect tone, gain before feedback, an isolation.
Choosing mics for vocals and instrumentsPolar patterns and rejection on stageHandheld, headset, and lavalier techniquesDrum, guitar, and keyboard mic placementLesson 3Wireless mic systems: frequency planning, channel names, antenna placement, gain structure, and battery checksGain practical skills wid wireless mic systems, including frequency planning, channel naming, antenna placement, an gain structure. Learn fi manage batteries, avoid interference, an coordinate wid other RF users in di venue.
Scanning and planning RF frequenciesCoordinating channels and naming micsAntenna placement and diversity useWireless gain staging and pad settingsBattery types, checks, and change cyclesLesson 4Troubleshooting common issues: hum/ground loops, RF interference, bad cables, and rapid mic swap proceduresBuild a fast troubleshooting mindset fi hum, buzz, ground loops, RF hits, an bad cables. Learn signal tracing, isolation techniques, an safe rapid mic swap procedures dat minimize show disruption an keep performers confident.
Tracing signal path and fault isolationIdentifying hum, buzz, and ground loopsFinding and replacing bad cables quicklyRapid mic swap and backup strategiesLesson 5Patching workflow: stage labeling, channel naming, color coding, and patching to console inputsDevelop a repeatable patching workflow using clear labeling, channel naming, an color coding. Learn fi map stage sources to console inputs, maintain documentation, an adapt quickly when lineups or stage plots change.
Creating stage plots and input listsLabeling stage boxes and cablesConsole channel naming conventionsColor coding for quick identificationLesson 6Monitor mixes: setting up 1–3 monitor mixes for cast and band, aux send uses, and monitor check proceduresLearn fi design an operate one to three monitor mixes fi cast an band using aux sends. Dis section cover pre/post settings, wedge versus in-ear needs, an step-by-step monitor check procedures wid clear communication.
Pre-fader versus post-fader aux sendsBuilding cast and band monitor mixesGain structure from aux to amplifierMonitor check flow and talkback useLesson 7Gain-staging and headphone/monitor checks: setting input trim, preventing clipping, and setting monitor sendsLearn fi set input gain, avoid clipping, an build consistent headphone an monitor levels. Dis section focus on practical console workflows dat protect headroom, improve clarity, an keep performers comfortable on stage.
Setting input trim and digital headroomUsing PFL and meters to verify levelsBalancing FOH and monitor prioritiesChecking headphones and cue bus routingLesson 8Basic EQ and feedback control: high-pass filters, notch EQ, and monitor equalization strategiesUnderstand basic EQ tools an feedback control strategies. Learn fi use high-pass filters, parametric an graphic EQ, an notch filters fi clean up mixes, protect intelligibility, an keep monitor levels stable on loud stages.
High-pass filters on vocals and instrumentsIdentifying problem frequencies by earUsing parametric and graphic EQ cutsMonitor ring-out and notch techniquesLesson 9Soundcheck procedure: step-by-step cast and band check order, talkback protocols, line-check checklistFollow a structured soundcheck procedure from line check to full cast an band run-through. Learn check order, talkback etiquette, an how fi document notes so adjustments are efficient an repeatable during di show.
Planning line check and input orderCast and band soundcheck sequencingTalkback routing and etiquetteDocumenting notes for each channelLesson 10Expected equipment list: small digital mixing console, stage snake or audio multicore, wedges/in-ear options, power amps, active mains, DI boxesReview di essential equipment fi small live shows, including digital consoles, snakes, wedges, in-ears, DI boxes, an power distribution. Learn how fi adapt di list to venue size, band needs, an available inventory.
Digital mixer features for small showsStage snakes and multicore optionsWedges, in-ears, and amplifier choicesDI boxes, power, and backup items
