Sound And Light Training SALT Manual by Ken Ellis

13. Operating a Sound System

• Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
  to choose understanding rather than silver.



• You should have completed sound check before the audience arrives



• If appropriate, play some background music as the audience enters



• Once the room is full of people, the sound is going to be different!



• If a laveler mike is being used, make sure the performer is wearing it as high as possible, centered, and facing straight up



• If battery operated mikes are being used, make sure they are turned on



• Keep all mike channels off until the program begins



• When the program begins, listen first for correct overall volume and make any necessary adjustment quickly



• Check to see that the proper lights are turned on. Are the main lights supposed to be dimmed?



• Listen to see that all performers in the program can be heard and that none are significantly too loud or too soft



• Look at the performers to see if they look at ease. Are they straining to hear the monitors? Are they backing away from monitors that are too loud?



• Listen for serious tonal quality problems - too bassy, too sharp, or hollow sounding



• Follow your program/agenda/Q-sheet to make sure you don't miss any queues



• As time permits, use a headset to listen to the PFL for each channel and make any necessary adjustments to volume or equalization



• If it is a musical program, listen constantly for a proper blend



• Stay alert!