A live sound situation can be stressful. With an audience present, you want to make sure that they get the most out of the live experience. Achieving the optimal sound clarity and balance is essential for them to enjoy any performance on stage.
Techniques for getting optimal sound clarity and balance at a live event
So what should you as a sound operator be paying attention to in order to achieve the best sound quality in a live event situation? Here’s a top down look at what is required.
Proper microphone placement
As the saying goes: garbage in, garbage out. And how sound first enters the sound system is through the microphone. That’s why correctly placed or handled microphones is a good starting point for a good and clear live sound. Proper microphone placement is essential to capture the sound of the performers. This also means understanding the different types of microphone polar patterns and characteristics, and selecting the correct ones to match different types of instruments and voices.
Soundchecking
Testing 1, 2, 3. Sound checks are an essential part of the entire process to getting sound up and running. During a sound check, it is and opportunity to adjust the levels of all the microphones and inputs, and to set any equalization that is needed on the different instruments and vocals in the mix. It also helps to uncover any problems and issues that may arise during the actual performance itself. By catching it early, you as the sound operator can then troubleshoot and address the issues before the crowds pile in. You can then ensure that all the elements in the mix are balanced and that the overall sound is clear and pleasing.
Equalization
Equalization or EQ is the process of adjusting the balance of the different frequencies in the sound. This can be done on individual level for each vocal or instrument, as well as on the overall level of the entire mix. Properly setting the EQ can help to enhance the character of a particular channel, for example elevating the vocals or the bass. It can also help to reduce unwanted noise or feedback by suppressing certain “problem” frequencies.
Compression
Compression is the process of controlling the dynamic range, i.e. the difference between the loudest and softest parts, of a sound. Using compression helps a sound operator to keep the sound from becoming overly loud or too quiet. This has the effect of making the overall sound more consistent. This makes it easier for the sound operator to make sure that the elements of a mix “stay” where they have set in terms of loudness, but also makes it easier for the audience to listen to the mix.
Correct gain staging
Gain staging involves setting the levels of the sound as it passes through different stages and component in a sound system. Proper gain staging helps to ensure that a clean sound is passed from one part of the sound system, for example from the microphone preamps in the mixer to the channel, and that the sound is not distorted. The overall effect is that the sound is sent through the sound system in a clear and balanced manner.
Room acoustic treatment
Room acoustics can play a huge role in live sound. Each room has its own special characteristics. Some rooms may naturally accentuate bass frequencies. Others may be too reflective and have a lot of reverb. Using treatments like using bass traps, diffusers and sound absorbers can help to minimize any room anomalies. Proper positioning of speakers for the audience can also help to make sure that the sound is delivered in the best manner to the listeners’ ears.
These examples provide a big picture overview of the different techniques and knowledge that a live sound engineer or operator can use in order to achieve optimal sound clarity and balance in a live event setting.