Lesson 1Signal chain fundamentals: microphones, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, multicore, and FOH inputsTrace audio from stage to desk, covering mics, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, multicore, and FOH ins. Get analog vs digital paths, impedance, and how each bit shapes sound 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: handheld wired, headsets, lavs, instrument mics. See how patterns, distance, angles hit tone, feedback 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 checksBuild hands-on skills for wireless mics: freq plans, channel names, antenna spots, gain setup, battery checks. Manage batteries, dodge interference, sync with venue RF users.
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 proceduresFast-troubleshoot hum, buzz, loops, RF drops, bad cables. Learn signal chase, isolation, safe quick mic swaps to cut show hit 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 inputsSet repeatable patching with clear labels, channel names, colour codes. Map stage sources to desk ins, keep docs, 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 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 clear 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 gain, dodge clipping, build steady headphone/monitor levels. Practical desk flows guard headroom, boost clarity, keep stage folks 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 strategiesGrasp basic EQ and feedback fixes. Use high-pass, para/graphic EQ, notches to tidy mixes, guard speech clarity, steady monitors 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 structured soundcheck from line check to full cast/band. Check order, talkback rules, doc notes 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 must-have gear for small live shows: digital desks, snakes, wedges, in-ears, DIs, power distro. Adapt 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
