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Articles Tagged As Tools of the Trade

Live Sound Troubleshooting Tips, Part 2

How to find and solve problems in your PA system.

Live Sound Troubleshooting Tips, Part 1

How to find and solve problems in your PA system.

How to Use Inserts

How this special patch point can help improve your sound.

Seven Ways to Ensure a Smooth Sound Check

Great shows start with an efficient sound check.

Step Up To A Better Mixer

How to know when it’s time to move up to a pro-level mixer.

Live Recording, Part 2

How to make multitrack recordings of your band’s rehearsals and shows.

Live Recording, Part 1

How to capture your band’s rehearsals and shows in stereo.

What Does the Phase Button Do?

An explanation of the mysterious symbol Ø.

To Woof or Not to Woof?

How a subwoofer can improve the sound of your PA system.

Using Solo During Live Mixing

This important tool seems straightforward but actually has multiple uses.

Top 10 Things to Know About Audio Networking

Tips for sharing your digital signals efficiently.

Using Pads In Live Sound

What is a pad and how can it help keep your audio free from distortion?

Using Scene Memory

How to make a scene and get away with it.

The Direct Path

What’s a DI and why do you need one?

Cleanliness Is King

What can you do when audio gremlins sneak into your PA system?

The Role of Remote Control

Using mobile devices for wireless control in live sound.

Using DSP, Part 2: Mixers

How digital signal processing is incorporated into mixing consoles.

Using DSP, Part 1: Powered Loudspeakers

How is digital processing used in live sound?

Top Five Tips for Better Live Sound

How to ensure a good show … for the performers as well as the audience.

Deciphering Power Ratings, Part 2: Powered Speakers

Take the mystery out of matching amps and speakers.

Grouping In Live Sound

What it is, how it works and when to use it.

Live Sound Interconnections 101

Using the right cables and connectors will keep your audio clean and quiet.
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How to Fight Feedback, Part 2

Using EQ to eliminate feedback and “ring out” your PA system.
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How to Fight Feedback, Part 1

What is audio feedback, and what causes it?

Aux Sends and Returns

Audio pathways that allow you to route multiple signals to the destination(s) of your choice.

Using Reverb and Delay In Live Sound, Part 2

Tips for adding spaciousness to instruments.

Using Reverb and Delay In Live Sound, Part 1

Add spaciousness to your mix with these creative tools.

Equalization

Tonal control for shaping your sound.

Gain Staging

Get this right, and you’ll enjoy minimum noise and maximum clarity.
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How to Use a Noise Gate

Get your PA system sounding better and reduce feedback at the same time.
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How to Use a Compressor

Think it’s complicated? Think again.

Phantom Power

Tips for the live sound engineer.