Lesson 1Signal chain fundamentals: microphones, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, multicore, and FOH inputsTrace audio from stage to desk: mics, DIs, snakes, boxes, multicore, FOH ins. Compare analogue/digital, impedance, how each bit affects 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 instrumentsMic types and spots for voices, instruments: handhelds, headsets, lavs, instrument mics. See how patterns, distance, angles shape tone, gain, 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 checksHands-on wireless mics: freq plans, channel labels, antenna spots, gain setup, battery checks. Dodge interference, sync with venue RF.
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 proceduresQuick fixes for hum, buzz, loops, RF drops, dodgy cables. Trace signals, isolate, swap mics fast keeping show smooth and performers calm.
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 inputsSolid patching routine: labels, names, colours. Map stage to desk ins, doc it, adapt quick 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 proceduresSet 1-3 monitor mixes for cast/band via auxes. Pre/post, wedge/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 gains right, dodge clipping, steady headphone/mon levels. Desk flows for headroom, clarity, performer comfort.
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 strategiesEQ basics, feedback fixes: high-pass, para/graphic, notches. Clean mixes, keep speech clear, monitors steady 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 checklistFull soundcheck: line to cast/band run. Order, talkback rules, notes for quick 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 boxesGear for small gigs: digital desks, snakes, wedges/in-ears, DIs, power. Tweak list for venue, band, stock.
Digital mixer features for small showsStage snakes and multicore optionsWedges, in-ears, and amplifier choicesDI boxes, power, and backup items
