Advanced Live Sound Reinforcement

What You Will Learn:

  • Understand sound and its interaction with the environment
  • Thorough understanding of sound system components
  • Best miking practices for many applications
  • System design concepts applicable to any LSR event
  • Practical approaches to planning and executing LST events

Course Outline


Fundamentals
What is Sound Reinforcement?
Sound System Requirements
Sound System Model
Sound Waves and Models
Inverse Square Law
Decibel and SPL
Phase Relationshps

Environment
Why is the Environment Important?
Environmental Effects
Reflection, Diffusion
Diffraction, Absorption
Reverberation

Input Devices
Microphone Types
Pickup Patterns
Proximity Effect
Balances vs. Unbalanced Lines
Wireless Microphones
DI

Output Devices
Driver Types
Filters and Crossovers
Passive vs. Active Systems
Speaker System Protection
Amplifiers
Preamps vs. Power Amps
Amplifier Classification
Bridging
Bi/Tri-Amplification
Output Protection

Digital Audio
Analog vs. Digital Signals
ADC and DAC
Sample Rate and Word Size
Advantages of Digital Audio

Effects
Equalizers
Compressors and Limiters
Expanders and Gates
Delays, Chorus, Reverb

Mixers
System Overview
Channels and Subgroups
Monitoring
Connecting Effects
Gain Structure
Auditioning Signals
Vocal and Instrument Miking
Close, Mid, and Distane Miking and Examples
Critical Distance
Plosives and Sibilance
Common User Problems and Solutions

Sound System Design
Design Considerations and Models
Ground Loops
Mixing Location
Speaker Placement and Feedback
Power Amp Requirements
Safety Considerations

Pre-Performance Tasks
Briefings
System Setup
Ringing Out
Sound Check

Performance Tasks
Alertness and Damage Control
Mixing

Post Performance Tasks
System Tear Down
Debriefings
Course Material
Next Session: Ottawa, Date TBA Location: Will be announced on schedule