This is something I always think I understand then in the middle of a gig, I'll forget everything and start tweaking things, usually in the wrong order and end up fighting against feedback etc.
So could I ask for someone more knowledgeable than I to give a basic rundown on the best method of setting levels?
As an example, I have the following stages where I can make adjustments:
Acoustic guitar preamp
Channel input gain
Channel Fader
Mixer master volume
Graphic EQ input level
Power amp volume
Metering wise, I have level meters on the output of the mixer, the input and output of the graphic EQ, and on the power amp.
Is there a value I should be aiming for like -6db? I vaguely remember reading that somewhere but probably in the wrong context!
Cheers
Ronnie
Comments
bring faders to unity and then bring master volume up to desired level
leave power amp or speakers at unity as well - any decent desk these days sounds the same with the master fader anywhere between -15 to +5 or thereabouts.
gain staging is 75% of feedback elimination, with 25% being finding and eliminating bad frequencies in the room - look up "ringing out a room" on YouTube for tutorials - reference music you know is fine.
LOW CUT EVERYTHING as far as you can without it sounding thin (except for bass and kick drum) this clears up a mix SO MUCH.
Make sure everything is compressed correctly, start with a 4:1 medium attack/release ducking about 3-4db when given healthy signal, use makeup gain sparingly.
if there's still feedback problems try and isolate if its in the monitors or just out front, get surgical if you have to on individual channel EQs
This should get you in the right ball park - good luck!
PA Hire and Event Management
I'm familiar with ringing out the room, I have a Behringer EQ that you can set so individual frequencies light up when peaking which is really handy and I set my HPF to cut everything below 75-100Hz iirc.
I use a compressor in my HXFX for the acoustic but don't have one for the overall mix.
Where I often come unstuck is if I need to bring the whole level up, should I be adjusting the master on the mixer or the power amp?
Edit (to make it clear): 0db amd -18dB are meter levels, not the scale measurements on any of the faders.
Apologies if this is a bit old-school analogue - I've never used a modern digital desk, but I can't think that the basics will be very different.
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