Are You Exhausted With Screeching Feedback, Bad Cables and Figuring Out Why Your Live Sound Sucks?
What if you could finally understand all the technical stuff so you can sit back and enjoy making bands sound so good they'll tell everyone about your live sound skills?
Chances are your passion for music brought you to live sound...
It's likely you started doing live sound because you were the most technically savvy of your musician friends. You didn't become a sound tech out of passion. Somebody had to run the sound system and you seemed like the best person for the job.
However, the sound system can feel like a terrifying technical challenge when you’re trying to figure out how everything works.
The amount of channels on the mixing board looks overwhelming, you’re not sure which cables to use where or how microphone selection and placement differs from studio recording.
And those are just the problems you face before you even turn the system on!
As soon as you power up the speakers you recoil in pain from the feedback screeching through the venue.
Feedback is the nemesis of the live sound engineer, but it’s simply what happens when you don’t set the gain of your system properly. Unbeknownst to you, somewhere you have a microphone feeding back through a monitor, making the band wince from pain at the back of the stage.
Talk About Embarrassing!
That's why live sound is so terrifying. There's no room for error. Everything is live and there's no "fixing it in the mix."
At the same time, there’s something exciting about the liveness of it all. It keeps you on your toes and gets your blood pumping. You think to yourself, “what’s gonna go wrong this time? Blown speaker? Drunk lead guitar player? Awful feedback?”
There’s no room to relax like you would in the studio. You only have seconds to dial things in, but it’s the rush of getting things right quickly that makes it so exciting. This is the rush that got to you in the first place and now you might like live sound more than playing music yourself.
However, this quick-thinking mindset is also why it’s so important to make the right mix decisions immediately.
Although you may know about EQ and understand what mixing means, you don’t feel confident you’re applying them correctly to live sound. You might know whether things sound good or bad, but you have no idea how to start fixing the bad or making the good sound better.
Troubleshooting buzzing cables that ruin a guitar solo, loud ground hums that overpower an intimate ballad, or just figuring out whether a piece of gear actually works is stressful in a live situation.
You need to fix things now! You can't wait for a replacement or reschedule the session - The show must go on.
I understand this situation all too well because it’s literally how I got started in audio.
Here’s the story:
Way back in my teens, I randomly found myself hired as the live sound engineer at this small venue called The Old Library. It was a cool place, but it had a reputation for having bad sound. It was the venue bands were forced to play if there was absolutely nowhere else to go.
Little did they know that they weren't exactly hiring someone who knew what he was doing.
I was extremely intimidated by everything surrounding live sound. All these cables everywhere. All these speakers everywhere, both the monitors and the P.A. The blinking lights of 24 channels on a mixing board?
In a word, overwhelming.
I couldn't show my fear because you don't want the band to think that you don't know what you're doing. Oh no, you just had to panic on the inside and slowly figure out how everything worked.
- I had no idea how to position the speakers. I didn't even know if they sounded good to begin with!
- I had no idea how sound flowed from the microphone through my mixer. Or how to get that microphone signal to come out the speakers so the audience could actually hear something!
- I didn't even know how to get a good stage sound. I'd been onstage as a musician before, but I didn't know how to make the band comfortable. I'd always bitch about the sound engineer when we couldn't hear ourselves, but now I truly understood how much of an asshole I had been.
What a cruel twist of fate...
And don't even get me started on monitor mixing...
Two mixers now? Double the signal flow. Double the headache.
My heart cracked just a little every time the band got annoyed at me or yelled at me when they couldn't hear themselves on stage. I wasn't cut out for this. I obviously wasn't good enough to help these bands out.
Who was I fooling?
And every show had multiple bands with different requirements. It was so stressful to keep track of all the instruments everyone was playing. They changed from band to band.
And the bands were always late. Sometimes so late that we didn't even get to sound-check properly. That usually meant that the first band pretty much sucked while I was scrambling to get a good sound going. I can still remember the faces of disgust in the audience, all looking at me and whispering about how I obviously had no clue what I was doing.
I remember how nauseatingly stressful those early shows were.
But guess what?
It got better.
I actually learned how to run sound. And I did it really, really well.
In under a year, the Old Library became a hot place to play. I learned the best ways to make the band happy. I bought extra monitors and made sure the stage sound was as good as possible. And with a happy band came a kick-ass sound. The mixer didn't scare me anymore. I had mastered every single rule of signal flow and wielded my audio with ease.
I learned how to position the stage and the P.A. to make the band sound better. The audience wasn't looking at me in disgust anymore. They looked with admiration, and countless people came up to me just to compliment the quality of the sound.
Sure, the bands kept coming late but I knew how to handle them. I knew my mixer inside and out. I knew the best way to place every amplifier, microphone and monitor.
The sound of the Old Library became an extension of myself. Even if we didn't have time to sound-check it didn't matter. I could get a good drum sound in my sleep.
I want you to experience this same feeling of transformation.
I want you to become a kick-ass, in-demand live sound engineer that all the bands want to know, even if you've NEVER run live sound before in your life. That's why I’ve teamed up with James Wasem from the Great Sound Institute and GreatLiveSound.com to bring you something I'm very excited about.
Announcing - “Live Sound Basics”
Transform Yourself From an Amateur Sound-Tech to The Professional Live Sound Expert Bands Love To Work With.
Get a solid foundation of the most important live sound fundamentals from instructors with over 20 years of experience in the live sound industry. In Live Sound Basics you'll learn how to build a mix, EQ your live instruments and quickly fix common sound system problems before they ruin your show.
- Confident and Great Live Sound: Learn to eliminate feedback, get better sounding vocals, guitars and drums to awe the audience.
- Find the Live Sound "Sweet Spot": Get faster at creating great sounding mixes at your live venue that the audience will love and the bands will come back for.
- Practical Applications Instead of Dry Theory: Instead of boring theory that doesn't show you what to do and how to do it, Live Sound Basics gives you plenty of practical tips that you can use right away to improve your live sound.
I've been considering getting into live sound for a long time now but it always seems so technical and experience-based! You break it down into easy-to-read, bite-size pieces that are simple enough for me to grasp, but detailed enough for me to understand. I plan to read it again a few times, there's a lot of great information in there and the intimidating field of live sound now seems suddenly accessible. Thank you!
A Message from James Wasem, creator of Great Live Sound Basics.
"Hey there, I’m James Wasem from the Great Sound Institute and GreatLiveSound.com
Live sound and audio engineering is something that requires artistic skill and technical knowledge.
Some sound techs have a music background and are pretty good at mixing a band, but they might not really understand the technical components that make a sound system work properly.
Other sound geeks have a great mind for the technology, but they may lack some of the artistic skills that can help make a mix sound great.
When it comes to running live sound, it’s important to have a solid grasp on the fundamentals of what makes a mix and a system sound good.
I’ve spent the past 20 years running sound, designing and installing sound systems, and helping others learn how to use them properly.
What started out as just a fun hobby running sound for my alternative rock band in the 90’s turned into a professional career where I’ve been able to work with sound and video systems in schools, churches, theaters, performing arts centers, and stadiums.
And I even got to design a live video system for the band Radiohead!
But here’s the thing…
It doesn’t matter how big or small your system is, you still need to know a lot of the same basic principals – whether it’s setting up for a garage band gig at a small venue or a big stadium show.
That’s why I’m thrilled to team up with Björgvin and Audio Issues to deliver this new new training course.
This course contains some of the most important concepts and information that will help you get better sound, regardless of the size of your sound system or how fancy your gear is.
There are a lot of things you’ll learn in this course, like how to set your gain properly, the real difference between XLR and ¼” cables, how to stop feedback fast, EQ tips to sweeten up your sound, and how you can know where to put your speakers so they sound great.
I’m excited to share some of the professional tricks and tips I’ve learned over the years, and I think you’ll really enjoy the training videos and other resources.
If you’ve been struggling to understand how all this live sound gear works or just need some pointers on how to improve the sound of your mix, it’s time to get started.
I’ll see you soon!
Learn to Create Great Live Sound Right Now
Here's What You'll Get From Live Sound Basics:
Video #1 - Live Sound Basics
How To Understand the Components of What Makes a Sound System Work
Why Your Cables are So Important For Success (and Why Using the Right Cable is Critical)
How To Use Microphones in a Live Sound Situation
How To Know When and Why to Use "Phantom Power"
How to Use the Most Important Knob on Your Mixing Console
Easy EQ Tricks and What NOT to Do When EQ'ing a Live Band
How To Make a Good Monitor Mix So End Up With a Happy Band and a Fun Show
How To Soundcheck and Set Up Your Mix for Maximum Clarity
Really appreciated the tips regarding both equipment and set-ups. Also liked the tips on using EQ’s and what to take into consideration when doing both FOH and monitor mix. This book is perfect to let you get a grip of what you really needs to get your job done.
Video #2 - Live Sound Amped Up
Introduction to Live Sound Acoustics and How to Make Your Room Work With You, Not Against You
How to Place Your Speakers So You Get the Best Sound Possible in Your Venue
How Audio Frequencies Interacts With Your Room and How to Get a Great Frequency Balance
Common Issues With Live Sound Installations That Can Negatively Affects Your Mix
How To Find the Optimal Crossover Band For Your Loudspeakers
How to Use Audio Delay Effectively for Your Show
How to Mix for Mono, Stereo and Left-Center-Right Sound Systems
Unique Sound Design Ideas and Tips For Greater Live Sound
This is an excellent training video with great information for anyone who wants to learn about sound.
Thanks for the videos, I'll be recommending them all to those I meet!
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What will I learn in this course?
Is this a "technical" course? Do I have to learn equations and do math?
I'm a beginner. Is this course for me?
I'm super busy. This isn't going to waste my time is it?
Can you show me how to use my new mixing console?
How is this different from some of the other sound training videos out there?
How can I know if this will help me get better sound?
What type of live sound venue is this best for?
I've got some experience and feel like I know a lot about live sound already. Is there anything I'll learn from this course?
I have a home studio and already know how to get good recordings. Why will this help me get better at live sound?
Who is this NOT for?
How will this training material affect the quality of my next mix?
Plus: Free Bonuses Included With Your Training
Free Bonus #1 - Sound Check Checklist
How to Make Your Gig a Success Before it Even Starts
Step By Step Instructions to Run a Great Soundcheck, Even if You're Doing it for the First Time
How to Soundcheck Specific Instruments and the All-Important Vocal
How to Build Your Mix During Soundcheck So You Can Sit Back and Enjoy the Show
The Easy Way to Look Like a Pro During Soundcheck, Even If You Have No Idea What You're Doing
Free Bonus #2 - Feedback Killer Battle Plan
Feedback is the biggest enemy of the live sound engineer.
With the Feedback-Killer Battle Plan you'll get clean and clear FOH and monitor mixes without loud and painful feedback killing your ears and the band's mood.
Free Bonus #3 - The Sound Tech's Guide to Soldering
Learn to fix cables fast with the Sound-Tech's Guide to Soldering.
Whether you want to save money by creating your own cables or save the show by fixing a crucial cable to make the show go on, this guide will teach you how to solder cables like a pro.
Exclusive Free Bonus #5 - Live Sound Survival - Big Sounds Out of Small Systems by Björgvin Benediktsson ($27 Value)
If you learn these basic live sound principles you can do any gig, from the smallest bar to the largest arenas.
The invaluable checklist for your gig. Don’t leave home without these things.
5 quick-start steps for setting up a successful live show.
How to make a business out of your live sound skills.
You’ll never need to buy all the equipment you need for a live show. Use this little technique to save money while still sounding good.
The unusual way you can work your way into the live sound industry.
The awesome benefits of having a small sound system.
Exactly what to pack when a rock band rolls into town.
The one thing you’ll always need, but never remember to bring enough of.
How to set up for the 3 most common live sound scenarios.
The vintage way of running an open mic performance.
The only time you should ever use just one mic on stage.
Sneaky psychological tactics to making the band sound good.
Why you live and die by your cables.
A special way to mic up your bluegrass band.
The biggest – and maybe most common – sound-tech mistake you
The big difference between mixing a techno group and a rock band.
How to create a no-stress show, even when there are 5 different bands and 5,000 things to remember.
The honest truth about the tough life of a sound engineer.
Never get intimidated by a mixing board again. Learn one channel and you’ll learn them all.
How the lack of a simple mic stand can turn a wedding into a complete disaster
"Benediktsson's Live Sound Survival eBook is hundreds of dollars (and many hours) of classroom instruction packed into 59 easy to understand pages. Read this, go out and do it, read it again, rinse, repeat, and you'll be proficient in live sound mixing in no time. Thanks for a wonderfully written guidebook!"
I think your book is excellent, and a real help for someone like me who is just starting to be involved with sound reinforcement (previously I have looked at it from the other side i.e. the stage as a bass player). I have found it an excellent introduction to the craft.
The Big Sounds Out of Small Systems most applies to me (I have a Mackie ProFX16, powered FOH, powered monitors, dbx 31 graphics, dbx compressor/limiters).
The EQ section has helped me the most though the positioning of mikes was helpful too. And I found the interview with Chris Huff most interesting.
The 3 instantly-effective live sound mics for any gig.
Why I swear by this swiss-army knife of a microphone. The one that works for anything from drum overheads to presidential speeches.
A “real-life” insight into turning any bar into a concert venue.
The single most important solution for avoiding feedback.
The #1 rule of signal flow
The simple 10 step solution for bringing your show to life
How to mix both monitors and front ofhouse at the same time.
Why it’s so important to use a graphic equalizer for your monitor mix, and how to get it as loud as possible.
How to produce an awesome stage sound, one that’ll make any band love and remember you.
A complete description of all the equipment you’ll need for a successful live show.
A quick cure for feedback: Make your frequency response flat for a louder sound.
The surprising way to eliminate feedback is to actually make your speakers scream with feedback. Weird but true.
How to test if your sound system sounds good, by using your own favorite music.
The 4 things to keep in mind when you’re testing your P.A.
The stupid, idiot mistake people do when listening to their speakers.
7 live mixing tips you can use at your next gig.
The #1 instrument to mix right and you’ll win the crowd over.
Exactly where to put the monitorsfor a great stage sound and a happy band.
The best way to deal with loud guitar amplifiers and over-zealous guitarists.
Know when to let the band mix itself.
Why monitor mixing can be just as much fun, if not more, thanfront of house mixing.
Why making the band happy should be your first priority
The difference between delay and reverb, and when you should use which.
The simple 80/20 rule on breaking into the live sound industry.
How to keep calm and carry on, even when nothing’s working.
Why harassment is the best way to get noticed in this industry.
The truth behind your last gig, and why it’s the only thing that matters in your career.
The real reason you will never forget a feedback frequency.
Includes: Quick Solutions for Your Live Sound Problems
Learn how to experience music from a perspective no one else gets.
The difference between EQ'ing instrument on stage and in the studio.
Which frequencies are more prone to feedback.
An in-depth overview of the frequency spectrum and where to EQ to get the most out of your concert.
How to deal with the most annoying killer of good live sound, that awful muddiness.
How to make DI'd acoustic guitars sound natural.
How to bring a dull P.A. back to life.
How to stop the vocal from being drowned out by other instruments.
How to mic the stage (it's simpler than you think)
And what to do with an echo-y venue.
The small rock band tips helped a lot. I feel starting small will only help me and I already mix live for a rock band that provides their own stuff. It's always fun working with multiple genres and I feel a small concert area will do that.
Plus: Interview With Veteran Engineer Chris Huff from BehindTheMixer.com
Chris has been mixing live sound for 20 years and is a pool of knowledge when it comes to live sound, with a particular expertise in church sound.
In the interview we discuss such live sound situations as:
How to break into the live sound industry
How to stroke a band's ego(or NOT!)
How to get a good monitor sound
How to avoid all the most common live sound mistakes
The interview is both in audio and written format so you can listen or read, according to your own preference.
100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
I'm 100% confident that you'll learn everything you need to know to get started with live sound through the materials inside Live Sound Basics. I'm so confident it will teach you everything you need to know on how to set up and run a live show that I stand behind that confidence with a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.
You can even take the course for a spin before you make up your mind. You can try all the tricks and keep the training for a full year before deciding whether you like them or not. If at any point you decide that my training didn't skyrocket the quality of your productions, simply email me for a full refund, no questions asked or strings attached!
As with all of the Audio Issues products, if Live Sound Basics doesn't live up to your standards I will happily refund your money, no questions asked.
"I take my guarantee very seriously. I am not interested in keeping your money if you do not get any value from what I'm creating for you.
So if you’re not happy, I’m not happy."
See what some more of our customers have to say:
Excellent resource for beginners. Easy to understand with simple definitions and explanations.
Lots of info for both the beginner and electronics geeks!
Take Charge of Your Live Sound Career
If you want to get bigger and better paying gigs as a live sound engineer you need to be easy to work with and competent in your abilities. The easiest way to impress other live sound engineers and the sound reinforcement companies that employ them is to know exactly what to do during a live sound situation.
You might have only done small rock clubs or open mics so far, but the training inside Live Sound Basics will prepare you to level up your game and take your live sound career out of the open mics and onto the arenas.
Now Is Your Chance to Become the Engineer the Live Bands Love
When a band walks into your venue, do you want them to feel annoyed at dealing with the amateur sound you are known for?
Or do you want them to feel excited for the opportunity to play at your venue and tell all their friends about how good your sound is?
Become a Professional Live Sound Expert
Here's What's Included With Your Training:
Live Sound Basics - 2 Part Video Training ($200 Value)
Free: Live Sound Survival - Big Sounds Out of Small Systems eBook ($27 Value)
Free: Instant Feedback Killer Battle Plan eBook ($19 Value)
Free: The Sound Tech's Guide to Soldering ($19 Value)
Free: Quick Solutions to Common Live Sound Problems Guide ($17 Value)
Free: Soundcheck Checklist ($9 Value)
If you were to buy all of these items separately, they would add up to over $300 but you can get it for only...