Re: Mixing Resources
Hi Adam,
I know you wanted some advice, but I'll first share some resources with you that I've found very useful.
As a glossary-style reference,
Rane's Pro Audio Reference has a fantastic wealth of knowledge, and their
RaneNotes on various topics of Live Sound are great reads to novice and experts alike.
SoundForums has
great articles about RF coordination and some of the blogs are interesting and fun to read (like
this one from Jake Scudder).
Here are the most common things that I see (unfortunately) everyday from other AV techs who don't know right from wrong in regards to what I consider
essential audio know-how:
1a. Gain Structure - every single piece of gear you will utilize has a usable signal range for its input(s) and output(s); learn/figure out
how to adjust each stage for each piece of gear and
why you should do so. The wireless microphone transmitters I typically use, for example, have both sensitivity and gain controls. The receiver has an adjustable output level as well as a switch on the back for Line- or Mic-level output level, and next in the chain would most likely be the mixer's preamp. Follow this with the gain from the power amplifier, and you can have a distorted, hissy mess if any point in that chain is mis-adjusted.
1b. Signal Chain - this goes somewhat hand-in-hand with gain structure, in that the devices that you connect together all have to interact at some level. Know how each piece of gear is connected and, more importantly,
why you connected it that way.
2. Balanced signals/"cabling" - Okay, it's not the cables that actually balance the signal, but they do help maintain that balancing throughout the entire signal chain. It may seem a little more install-related, but it does pay off to know the different types of balanced circuits and what they mean in regards to connector configuration (do any pins get tied together? if not, why not?).
3. Get the sound "right" at the source - From the get-go, the source's output must be usable to your gear - it is your job as the operator to make this happen. Often, things are lacking (output level, tone, etc.) that you just have to grin and bear while the show happens, but those moments when everything comes together can be truly spine-tingling.
4. Gain Structure - Oops...did I say that one already? It's worth repeating.
5. Loudspeaker Placement - Knowing how directional (or
not) your loudspeakers are at what angles is very helpful in aiming the sound where you want it (audience, musicians) and
not where you don't want it (microphones, for example).
Do what many here have done: make a LOT of mistakes - both in private and in public - but only make them once, and then don't make those mistakes again. That is the path to professionalism and consistency.
Best of luck, come back with as many questions as you can manage.