Lesson 1Signal chain fundamentals: microphones, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, multicore, and FOH inputsSee how sound travels from stage to desk, covering mics, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, and FOH ins. Grasp analogue vs digital, impedance, and how each bit affects signal quality.
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 mic types and spots for vocals and instruments, like handheld wired, headsets, lavs, and instrument mics. See how patterns, distance, angles shape tone, feedback resistance, 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 checksBuild hands-on skills with wireless mics, covering freq planning, channel names, antenna spots, gain setup. Manage batteries, dodge interference, sync with other RF in the space.
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 proceduresSharpen quick-fix thinking for hum, buzz, earth loops, RF drops, dodgy cables. Learn tracing, isolating, safe fast mic swaps that cut show hitches and keep performers steady.
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 inputsBuild a solid patching routine with clear labels, channel names, colour codes. Map stage sources to desk ins, keep docs, adapt fast to lineup or plot shifts.
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 proceduresDesign and run 1-3 monitor mixes for cast and band via aux sends. Covers pre/post, wedge vs in-ear, step-by-step checks with good talk.
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 sendsSet input gains right, dodge clipping, build steady headphone/monitor levels. Practical desk flows that save headroom, boost clarity, keep performers comfy onstage.
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 strategiesGrasp basic EQ and feedback fixes. Use high-pass, para/graphic EQ, notches to tidy mixes, guard clarity, steady monitor levels 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 checklistRun a proper soundcheck from line check to full cast/band run. Check order, talkback rules, note docs for efficient, repeatable show tweaks.
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 boxesCheck key gear for small live gigs: digital desks, snakes, wedges, in-ears, DIs, power distro. Adapt list to venue size, band wants, stock on hand.
Digital mixer features for small showsStage snakes and multicore optionsWedges, in-ears, and amplifier choicesDI boxes, power, and backup items
