Class Outline Benefits of IEMs vs Floor Monitors Personal control Reduced vocal strain Elimination of feedback Freedom of movement Option to play with a click, cue and trax Optimal volume levels Clean audience mix Challenges Performers Face with IEMs “I feel cut off from audience.” “I can’t get the mix right.” “Everything is muddy and … Read More
Lavalier (Lapel) vs Headset Microphones
Which is Best and Why? Ok, hopefully that question got your attention. However, when deciding between a lavalier (lav) (lapel) or headset (headworn) microphone the better question to ask is, “Which mic is best for the application?” If you were to ask me or most pro audio sales engineers on whether to choose a lavalier … Read More
Best Practices When Using In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)
When it comes to using in-ear monitors, there are two camps of thought; Those who like them and those who don’t. Either way, many musicians will be confronted with the prospect of having to use in-ear monitors (IEMs) at some point. For example, a venue that requires the volume threshold to be kept under a … Read More
How to Hear Yourself and Improve Your Performance
Proper Use of Audio Mixers and Floor Monitors The main objective when dialing in stage monitors is to provide the best possible reference for each musician to help them to achieve their best performance. Adjusting them correctly for each artist is critical to the performance of the band as a whole. Whether you’re using floor … Read More
How to Optimize Your Worship Service Mix for Broadcast and Live Streaming
In this pandemic-induced era, numerous venues and churches have been compelled to embrace the realm of livestreaming. Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of livestreaming or seeking ways to enhance the audio quality of your broadcasts, this article will prove invaluable. The main production goal of a streaming broadcast mix is to recreate the … Read More
Why is Dynamic Range so important?
Every genre of music is associated with a certain dynamic range, meaning the difference between the loudest and softest passages. The word “dynamic” is defined as “a force that stimulates change or progress within a system of process”. It defines how versatile a piece of music or a piece of gear behaves (musical instrument, amplifier, … Read More
Differences between Flown and Floor-Mounted Subwoofer Deployments
When line-array loudspeaker systems are deployed in large venues, one issue that is most often debated is how to install subwoofers to adequately cover the entire audience. Should you keep the energy on the floor and deliver that tactile sense of bass to the crowd with a ground-stacked solution? Should you aim for more volume … Read More
How To Create A Clear and Present Mix Using Your EQ Tools (Part 3)
When mixing live audio, one of the biggest mistakes a sound operator can make is aimlessly applying EQ without intentionality due to of lack of understanding. In this article, I will walk you through a process to follow when using your EQ to manipulate these frequencies, so that you can create a musical, well-defined, clear … Read More
How To Create a Clear and Present Mix Using Your EQ Tools (Part 2)
When mixing live audio, one of the biggest mistakes a sound operator can make is aimlessly applying EQ without intentionality due to of lack of understanding. In this article, I hope to equip you with knowledge and understanding about frequencies so that you know exactly what it is that you are manipulating as you sculpt … Read More
How to Create A Clear and Present Mix Using Your EQ Tools (Part 1)
What is the difference between a mix that sounds muddy and undefined and another that sounds crystal clear with definition and intelligibility? The difference is in the EQ. While often misunderstood, equalizers are the bread and butter of good sound reinforcement. Knowing the basics of EQing is one of the most critical aspects of running … Read More