A live sound engineer adjusts sound levels and adds effects for a good live mix using an audio mixing board. Technical knowledge, acoustics, and creativity are required. Custom mixes are sent to band members’ monitors. Effects like compression and reverb can be added. The engineer may also record the live performance. Adjustments may be made during the show due to changes in acoustics.
A live sound engineer controls the sound levels of all instruments and vocals during a show. He or she adjusts gain and volume levels as needed, and adds effects to ensure all the instruments and vocals sound good together. He or she uses an audio mixing board to combine input from all the microphones on stage. This is called a front of house (FOH) mixer.
To get a good live mix, the engineer must have the technical knowledge to use sound equipment. Basic knowledge of acoustics is also required. Most importantly, the live sound engineer must be a creative person with a good ear for music.
The sound engineer’s work begins before the audience arrives for the show. Once all instruments, microphones and other equipment are set up, the engineer will complete a sound check. The band plays during a sound check and the engineer mixes the sound. Different mixes are created during sound check.
The FOH mixer creates the sound that is sent to the speakers for the audience to hear. Band members also need to hear themselves playing. Also, each band member may want to hear a different mix. The drummer may want to hear more drums and bass in the mix, while the vocalist may want the vocals and guitar to be boosted.
These custom mixes are sent to the band members’ monitors. Monitors can be small speakers placed on the stage in front of each player or headphones placed in a band member’s ear. Audiences don’t hear these monitor mixes. Monitor mixes can be sent from the FOH mixer or an auxiliary mixer.
The audio engineer can also add different effects during the mixing process. Effects like compression, reverb, chorus and other digital effects can be used to change the sound. If effects were used during the original recording process, the live sound engineer may want to duplicate those effects. This will help the engineer to get a live sound as close as possible to the recording.
An additional mixer can also be used if the live performance is being recorded. The live sound engineer can take on the role of the recording engineer. He or she may also delegate this job to another recording engineer.
When the show starts, it may be necessary to adjust the audience mix. When the sound check was completed, the concert hall was empty. When the concert hall is full of people, the acoustics of the hall change. The live sound engineer will adjust the sound mix as needed during the show.
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