The Ultimate Live Sound Operator's Handbook

Book excerpt: The third edition of The Ultimate Live Sound Operator’s Handbook offers new sections on digital concepts, wireless considerations, digital mixers, modern digital snakes, routing schemes, block diagrams, signal paths, plug-ins for live sound, and more. Any live act must sound great to be well received by today’s increasingly demanding audiences. If you’re a sound operator, teacher, musician, or even a music fan who is interested in becoming a sound operator, you know that regardless of the musical genre or venue, high-quality audio is mandatory for an artist or band’s success. This book shows you how to improve your audio skills, including how to build great sounds that form a professional-sounding mix. Revised and updated, The Ultimate Live Sound Operator’s Handbook, 3rd Edition focuses on each modern and classic aspects of live sound operation in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand—from system, component, and acoustic considerations to miking, mixing, and recording the live show. Tightly produced online videos clearly demonstrate key concepts presented in the text. These instructional videos, along with hundreds of detailed illustrations and photographs, provide an incredibly powerful and useful learning experience. An access code to the companion website is provided in the book. The Ultimate Live Sound Operator’s Handbook, 3rd Edition, features: Shaping Instrument and Vocal Sounds Creating an Excellent Mix Mixer Basics Digital Mixers and Snakes Volume Issues and Sound Theory Digital Theory Managing the Signal Path Signal Processors and Effects Modern Plug-ins Microphone Principles, Techniques, and Design Wireless Systems In-Ear versus Floor Monitors Loudspeakers and Amplifiers Acoustic Considerations Miking the Group and Sound Check