Subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Google Play or Stitcher. Support Sound Design Live on Patreon. In this episode of Sound Design Live I talk with touring FOH mixer and system tech Chase Benedict about the challenges of touring, the benefits of starting out at a sound company, the dangers of relying on a single target EQ curve, and that time a lighting fixture fell on his head from 10ft in the air and he had to mix the show with electrical tape holding his face together. … [Read more...]
Analysis: How to Tune a PA System for Live Sound
One of the most popular articles on sound system EQ is How to Tune a PA System for Live Sound by Brad Pack. In this article I will compare and contrast it against my own methods. Things I do the same Start by testing the system with a few high-quality tracks that you know really well. Yes! Listen first. The first step on my sound system tuning checklist is always Console Check (aka output verification). Walk around and see what it sounds like up front, way in the back and over at the … [Read more...]
FOH Mixing: EQ it till it sounds good
Subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Google Play or Stitcher. Support Sound Design Live on Patreon. In this episode of Sound Design Live, I speak with FOH mixer Scott Adamson who has toured with some of my favorite bands including Passion Pit, Haim, Matt Kim, St. Vincent, and Sleater-Kinney. I ask: How do I become the next Scott Adamson and pursue a career touring as a FOH concert sound mixer? What would be your first steps if you had to start all over again? What are some of the biggest … [Read more...]
My Results from 30 Days of Ear Training
Hypothesis: Through 10 minute sessions of daily ear training I will increase the speed and accuracy of my pitch detection and EQ application. Why: I'm sick of guessing and sweeping with the parametric EQ. I want to nail it every time. I don't want to fear microphone feedback anymore. Ringing out stage monitors is a waste of time. I want to quickly remove any feedback as it occurs. Results: After 30 days I made a 13% increase in my EQ ability and tripled the speed and accuracy of my pitch … [Read more...]
This Is Why You Are Over EQing
Subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, Google Play or Stitcher. Support Sound Design Live on Patreon. In this episode of Sound Design Live, I speak with sound consultant and educator Merlijn van Veen while attending his Calibration and Design Techniques for Modern Sound Systems workshop at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada. We talk about the way that audio analyzers used in sound system tuning can easily be abused for micromanagement and over EQing, my learnings from the workshop, and your … [Read more...]