Live Sound Mixing Course

Lesson 1 • Transducers and Input Devices

Explains how microphones and DI boxes convert acoustic energy to electrical signals. Prepares students to select and connect sources to the console correctly.

Lesson 2 • Physics of Sound Waves

Covers frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and phase relationships. Establishes the acoustic vocabulary used throughout all subsequent console operation topics.

Lesson 3 • Basic Signal Flow Concepts

Traces audio from source through input, processing, and output stages. Provides the mental model needed to troubleshoot and operate any console.

Lesson 1 • Master Section and Output Controls

Covers master faders, monitor controls, and talkback systems. Connects master section operation to overall level management and communication.

Lesson 2 • Patchbay and I/O Management

Introduces patchbay normaling, half-normaling, and custom routing. Enables students to reconfigure signal paths quickly without rewiring hardware.

Lesson 3 • Digital Console Differences

Highlights how digital consoles differ from analogue in layout, metering, and workflow. Prepares students to adapt core skills to digital environments.

Lesson 4 • Bus and Routing Architecture

Explains group buses, mix buses, and matrix outputs. Students learn how routing decisions shape the overall mix structure.

Lesson 1 • Understanding Console Metering

Explains VU, PPM, and digital peak meters and their operational differences. Accurate meter reading prevents distortion and ensures consistent output levels.

Lesson 2 • Preamp Gain and Trim Setting

Teaches proper preamp gain adjustment for various source types. Correct preamp setting is the first critical step in clean gain structure.

Lesson 3 • Gain Staging Across the Mix

Applies gain structure principles from channel to bus to master output. Students learn to maintain headroom and noise floor margins throughout the mix.

Lesson 1 • Creative and Tonal EQ Shaping

Uses additive EQ and broad strokes to enhance character and presence. Students learn to shape tone to serve the mix rather than the isolated channel.

Lesson 2 • EQ in Context of the Full Mix

Evaluates EQ decisions within the complete mix rather than in solo. Develops the critical listening discipline needed for professional mix results.

Lesson 3 • EQ Types and Filter Shapes

Compares parametric, graphic, shelving, and high-pass filter designs. Understanding filter behaviour is prerequisite to making accurate EQ decisions.

Lesson 4 • Corrective EQ Application

Addresses resonances, muddiness, and harshness using subtractive EQ. Corrective EQ restores natural source tone before creative shaping begins.

Lesson 1 • Sidechain and Frequency-Dependent Dynamics

Introduces sidechain filtering, ducking, and multiband compression. These advanced dynamics tools solve complex mix problems efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Compression Principles and Controls

Explains threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain parameters. Mastery of these controls is the foundation of all compression work.

Lesson 3 • Limiting and Peak Control

Distinguishes limiting from compression and explains brick-wall limiting. Students learn to protect outputs and broadcast chains from overload.

Lesson 4 • Gates and Expanders

Covers noise gate threshold, range, attack, hold, and release controls. Gates and expanders reduce bleed and noise in live and studio settings.

Lesson 1 • Auxiliary Send Configuration

Explains pre-fader and post-fader send modes and their applications. Correct send configuration is essential for independent monitor and effects routing.

Lesson 2 • Control Room and Headphone Monitoring

Covers monitor source selection, speaker switching, and headphone cue systems. Accurate monitoring environment is critical for reliable mix decisions.

Lesson 3 • Building Monitor Mixes

Teaches constructing independent monitor mixes for performers using pre-fader sends. Accurate monitor mixes improve performer confidence and performance quality.

Lesson 4 • Effects Integration and Returns

Covers connecting reverb, delay, and modulation units via send-return loops. Students learn to blend wet and dry signals for professional effects depth.

Lesson 1 • Stage and System Setup

Covers stage box connection, cable runs, and system verification before soundcheck. Proper setup prevents signal problems during the performance.

Lesson 2 • Soundcheck Workflow

Establishes a systematic soundcheck sequence from drums through full band. A structured soundcheck ensures every source is optimised before the audience arrives.

Lesson 3 • Feedback Prevention and Control

Identifies feedback causes and applies EQ and gain techniques to eliminate it. Feedback control is a critical live sound competency that protects the audience and system.

Lesson 4 • Live Show Troubleshooting

Addresses common live faults including lost channels, hum, and distortion under pressure. Fast fault resolution minimises disruption to the performance.

Lesson 1 • Mixdown Session Operation

Covers recalling a mix, building a static balance, and automating fader moves. Mixdown is the culminating console task that delivers the final stereo product.

Lesson 2 • Console Automation Systems

Explains VCA, moving-fader, and DAW-based automation modes and workflows. Automation enables repeatable, precise mix moves across multiple playback passes.

Lesson 3 • Tracking and Overdub Sessions

Manages console operation during live tracking and individual overdub passes. Students learn to maintain consistent levels and communicate with the recording artist.

Lesson 4 • Session Setup and Routing

Configures console routing for multitrack recording to a DAW or tape machine. Correct routing setup prevents track assignment errors and signal loss.