Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your
plans will succeed.
Make a diagram of the stage layout with the location of all
people and all instruments identified and all mixer inputs
numbered
Decide what equipment needs to be transported
Carefully pack equipment for transport
Unload equipment at destination
Place all equipment (mike stands, speakers, amps, mixer) in
its desired location
Resolve equipment and people placement problems
Run "snake" from stage to mixer (if snake is being
used)
Put mikes on stands (with stands set too high so that there
will be enough slack in the cords)
Select correct length cord for every mike, instrument, and
speaker and lay out cords
Label all channels on the mixer board
Run all mike, speaker, power, and instrument cords
NEATLY
Connect mixer to main and monitor amplifiers
Connect auxiliary equipment such as FM microphone receivers,
equalizer, effects unit, taper recorders, and CD
Power up all equipment
Perform a sound check with a tape or a CD, confirming that all
main and monitor speakers work
Check all mixer controls to see that they are in the correct
position. Set channel trim pots to expected operating level (from
previous experience). Set equalization flat (unless there is a
reason not to). Set all monitor send controls to half-way position
(unless there is a reason to set them different). Determine which
channels should be assigned to each sub-group. Set any other
controls unique to the mixer to desired starting point. Start with
all channel faders off!
Perform a sound check on all microphones and instruments (one
at a time) to see that they work and are connected to the correct
channel
Carefully position all microphones and speakers in their final
positions
If time permits, use the graphic equalizer spectrum analyzer,
a pink noise source, and a calibrated microphone to analyze the
room acoustics and set the equalizer to compensate
Play a good CD through the main speakers and adjust
equalization ONLY if needed so that it "sounds good"
With master control and monitor control off, set all mikes at
their expected working level (normally the "0" position on the
channel sliders), then slowly turn up monitor and master
levels
"Ring Out" monitor system using graphic equalizer spectrum
analyzer
"Ring Out" main speaker system ONLY if necessary to get enough
gain before feedback (this will effect the overall tonal quality
of the performance)
Perform a sound check with all people in their final
positions
Watch carefully for any overload lights and adjust channel
trim pots if necessary.
Listen to each input channel (mike or instrument) individually
and adjust its channel trim pot to balance with the rest of the
system
Listen to what the performers hear on stage and adjust monitor
mix to suit the performers
Listen to tonal quality of the sound from the position of the
audience and adjust ONLY if necessary
