Lesson 1Signal chain fundamentals: microphones, DI boxes, snakes, stage boxes, multicore, and FOH inputsTrace audio from stage to desk: mics, DIs, snakes, stage boxes, FOH ins. Analogue vs digital paths, impedance, device effects on 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 instrumentsMic types and spots for vocals, instruments: handheld wired, headsets, lavs, instrument mics. Polar patterns, distance, angles on tone, feedback, 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 names, antenna spots, gain setup. 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 proceduresQuick fix mindset for hum, buzz, earth loops, RF drops, dodgy cables. Signal trace, isolate, safe fast mic swaps minimising show hit.
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 inputsRepeatable patching: clear labels, channel names, colour codes. Map stage to desk ins, doc, 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 proceduresSet 1-3 monitor mixes for cast, band via aux sends. 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, steady headphone/monitor levels. Desk workflows guard headroom, boost clarity, 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 strategiesEQ tools, feedback fixes: high-pass, para/graphic EQ, notches. Clean mixes, guard 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 checklistStructured soundcheck: line check to full run. 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 boxesEssentials for small gigs: digital desks, snakes, wedges, in-ears, DIs, power distro. Adapt to venue, band, stock.
Digital mixer features for small showsStage snakes and multicore optionsWedges, in-ears, and amplifier choicesDI boxes, power, and backup items
