#Mixing live sound books how to
#Mixing live sound books manual

The monitor engineer's role is important where the instruments and voices on the stage area is amplified. The foldback or monitor engineer focuses on mixing the sound that the performers hear on stage via a stage monitor system (also known as the foldback system). Other non-audio crew members, such as the lighting console operator, might also work from the FOH position, since they need to be able to see the show from the audience's perspective. The output signals from the FOH console connects to a Sound reinforcement system. The front of house (FOH) engineer focuses on mixing audio for the audience, and most often operates from the middle of the audience or at the last few rows of the audience. An example of adding effects to the entire output mix would be to use a graphic equalizer to adjust the frequency response of the entire mix. An example of using an inserted effect on a group of inputs would be to add reverb to all of the vocalists' channels (lead vocalist and backing vocalists). An example of an inserted effect on an individual input is patching in an Autotune rackmount unit onto the lead vocalist's track to correct pitch errors. A live audio sound mixer basically mixes a bunch of different signals together and then sends that blended signal to outputs (speakers).Īudio signal processing may be applied to ( inserted on) individual inputs, groups of inputs, or the entire output mix, using processors that are internal to the mixer or external (outboard effects, which are often mounted in 19' racks). The audio console also typically allows the engineer to add effects units to each channel (addition of reverb, etc.) before they are electrically summed (blended together). Each channel on a mixing console typically has a vertical 'channel strip', which is a column of knobs and buttons which are used to adjust the level and the bass, middle register and treble of the signal. These devices are connected, often via multicore cable, to individual channels of a mixing console. In live sound situations, this consists of input transducers like microphones, pickups, and DI boxes. 3 Sound checks and technical rehearsalsĪudio equipment is usually connected together in a sequence known as the signal chain.

The book is written in a very concise way and allows the reader to find easily what he is looking for. The author, who has worked with the likes of David Bowie and U2, also shares his experience regarding mixing and mastering, including his approach to EQing and compression.

#Mixing live sound books manual

This manual addresses all the questions that a beginner might have when recording a band, but it doesn't limit its scope to that. It is addressed mainly to experienced readers who have some foundations on electronics, considering that it can be very scientific. This book aims to be all-encompassing (1550 pages!) and covers all classic topics regarding sound, whether in a studio, live, or for cinema and theater productions. Glen Ballou - Handbook for Sound Engineers You will find no other like it ─ it could have been written by Lao Tzu if he had been interested in audio. If you want to do some soul searching or approach issues arising in a sound studio from a different angle, take up this book. In fact, his book 'Mixing with your mind,' which is only available for purchase on his website, is a perfect counterpoint to more academic works.

#Mixing live sound books how to

He is also one who likes to think outside the box when talking about studio monitors, how to set a compressor or how to capture sound. Mike Stavrou is not only an engineer with lots of experience (Siouxie, McCartney, T-Rex, Pretenders, etc.), he is also an educator without parallel. Bobby Owsinski - Mixing engineer's Handbooks Along its different chapters we can find information on topics such as mixing, filters, spatialization, MIDI, and sampling, as well as different synthesis techniques (granular, additive, etc.). The book takes on synthesis and signal processing, both in theory and practice.

Curtis Roads - The Computer Music TutorialĮven if a bit more expensive than the rest (around $38), this book is an inescapable reference when it comes to digital audio. A very good complement if you already have some books on mixing! Around $26. Everything is spiced with practical advice and anecdotes. The author covers the basics, as well as different techniques, dithering, jitter, clocks, calibration, acoustics, and even multichannel mastering.

The book is not only addressed at professionals, it is accessible to students and amateurs who want to learn a bit more about this essential stage called mastering. If you are interested in mastering, you must take a look at the book of the master himself: Bob Katz.