Lesson 1Signal chain fundamentals: microphones, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, multicore, and FOH inputsSee how sound moves from stage to mixer, with mics, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, multicore, and front inputs. Know analog vs digital, resistance matching, and how each bit affects sound strength.
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 kinds and spots for voices and instruments, like handhelds, headsets, lavs, and instrument ones. See how pickup shapes, distance, angles change tone, feedback room, and separation.
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 real skills with wireless mics, planning frequencies, naming channels, antenna spots, gain setup. Handle batteries, dodge jams, and work with other radio users in the place.
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 proceduresGet quick fix habits for buzz, ground hums, radio hits, bad cables. Trace signals, cut problems, and do safe fast mic changes that keep the show rolling smooth.
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 inputsMake steady patching steps with good labels, channel names, colors. Map stage to mixer inputs, keep records, and shift fast if band or 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 proceduresSet and run one to three monitor mixes for actors and band with aux sends. Cover pre/post, wedges vs in-ears, and clear 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, stop clipping, build steady headphone and monitor volumes. Practical mixer steps to save headroom, clear sound, keep performers comfy.
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 strategiesKnow basic EQ and squeal fixes. Use high-pass, para/graphic EQ, notches to clean mixes, keep speech clear, hold 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 clear soundcheck from line test to full run. Learn order, talkback rules, note docs for quick, steady 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 gigs, like digital mixers, snakes, wedges, in-ears, DIs, power distro. Tweak list for room 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
