When it comes to live sound/ audio engineering, the difference between a stellar performance and a disastrous one often lies in the hands of the audio technician. Whether you’re running audio for a wedding, a corporate event, or a live concert, following best practices can make all the difference. Here are the essential do’s and don’ts of live sound engineering to ensure a seamless and high-quality audio experience. This is also good to know when hiring one!
The Do’s of Live Sound Engineering
1. ALWAYS Conduct a Sound Check
Never skip the sound check! This is your opportunity to ensure that every microphone, speaker, and piece of equipment is working properly. It’s also the best time to balance gains/levels, eliminate feedback, and fine-tune the mix.
2. Understand the Venue Acoustics
Every venue has its own acoustic properties. Large open spaces can cause echo and reverberation, while smaller venues might create sound buildup. Take the time to walk around the space and make necessary EQ adjustments to suit the environment. Pay attention to details like the shape of the room and the equipment you use. SPL metering can significantly increase the quality of sound produced in the venue
3. Use High-Quality Cables and Connections
Your sound system is only as good as its weakest link(or in this case, cable). Invest in high-quality XLR, TRS, and speaker cables to minimize interference and ensure reliable audio transmission. This will also help with the “fuzz” and feedback.
4. Monitor Levels Constantly
Live sound is dynamic, and levels will change throughout a performance. Keep a close eye on your mixing board, ensuring that vocals are clear, instruments are balanced, and nothing is peaking into distortion. Simple changes like a performers mic being inches farther away from their mouth or the depth they’re using to sing from can greatly effect your mic levels and need to be adjusted in real time.
5. Have a Backup Plan
Always bring extra cables, batteries, microphones, and even a backup mixer if possible. Murphy’s Law applies to live events, just like any other circumstances—if something can go wrong, it might. Be prepared for equipment failure.
6. Communicate with the Performers
Musicians and speakers rely on sound engineers to provide them with the best possible monitoring and front-of-house mix. Stay in sync with them, make adjustments as needed, and be responsive to their requests. It’s always good to plan basic signs for things like “bring me up in the monitor” or “my sound cut out.” You should always have a mic you can talk to your performers to through the monitors (preferably in ears if available).
7. Utilize Proper Gain Staging
Gain staging is crucial to avoid distortion and noise, as well as feedback from unwanted bouncing sounds. Set your input gain correctly before adjusting faders, ensuring a clean and strong signal without clipping.
8. Use Compression and EQ Wisely
Compression helps control volume dynamics, while EQ helps shape the sound to avoid muddiness or harsh frequencies. Use these tools sparingly and strategically for a professional sound.
The Don’ts of Live Sound Engineering
1. Don’t Ignore Feedback Issues
Feedback is the enemy of good live sound. Always set up microphones and speakers in a way that minimizes the chance of feedback loops. Use EQ to notch out problem frequencies if necessary. It’s always a solid rule of thumb to leave gain stage everything around -18 to 15 decibels for optimal headroom and flexibility.
2. Don’t Overuse Effects
Reverb, delay, and other effects can enhance a mix, but overdoing them can muddy the sound and create other feedback issues. Keep effects subtle and purposeful to maintain clarity.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Mix
Every instrument and vocal needs its own space in the frequency spectrum. Avoid excessive overlapping in frequencies, and use panning and EQ to create a balanced, spacious mix. “Sweeping” through the “mids” is a great way to eliminate overlapping, unnecessary frequencies from each instrument/ mic.
4. Don’t Forget About Stage Monitoring
Musicians need to hear themselves clearly to perform their best. Make sure monitor mixes are dialed in properly and free from excessive volume or feedback issues.
5. Don’t Ignore Power and Grounding Issues
Electrical hum and buzz are often caused by poor grounding. Ensure all power sources are properly grounded and avoid daisy-chaining too many devices onto a single circuit. You can also cut back on the “fuzz” with proper cables and cable management, ensuring multiple cables aren’t overlapping each other physically.
6. Don’t Mix at High Volumes
While it might be tempting to crank up the volume, excessive loudness can fatigue listeners and create distortion. Aim for a balanced, clear mix rather than just making everything loud.
7. Don’t Panic When Something Goes Wrong
Technical issues happen in live sound. Instead of panicking, stay calm and troubleshoot the issue methodically. Having a checklist and knowing your equipment inside-out will help you quickly resolve problems. WATCH THE GAINS!
8. Don’t Neglect Your Ears
Hearing protection is essential for sound engineers. Prolonged exposure to loud environments can cause hearing damage. Use in-ear monitors or high-fidelity earplugs when working long events. You’ll thank yourself later.
Take the time to do your research when looking for a live sound/ audio engineer for hire. The right tech will give you an unforgettable experience! If you’re looking for a sound tech for your event, reach out to us and we can help!