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A Practical Beginners Guide To The Basics Of Live Sound

4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 58 ratings
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Rob Pember

This course provides practical lessons in the basics of live sound engineering. Whether you are a solo musician, in a band, or need to do sound for live events (such as seminars, meetings or in church), this course is intended to give you a starting point for doing live sound, at a basic level, should the need arise.

I'm teaching this course on an analogue mixing desk, but the underlying principles could also be applied in operating a digital mixing desk.

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What's inside

Learning objective

How to do live sound at a basic level, intended for small gigs, events and churches

Syllabus

Understand the principles needed to do live sound at basic level, for small gigs/events/churches
Introduction
Cables and Mixer Overview
Connecting Microphones
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundational understanding of live sound engineering, which is essential for musicians managing their own sound at smaller venues
Focuses on analogue mixing desks, which offers a strong foundation for understanding signal flow and basic audio principles applicable to digital consoles
Covers essential topics such as cable management, microphone connections, instrument connections, and monitoring, which are crucial for setting up a live sound system
Includes practical lessons applicable to various live events, such as seminars, meetings, and church services, broadening its appeal beyond musical performances
Teaches recording in a live setting, which is a valuable skill for capturing performances and creating demos or promotional material
Requires learners to have access to audio equipment, such as microphones, instruments, and mixing consoles, which may pose a barrier to some students

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Reviews summary

Practical live sound basics for beginners

According to hypothetical learners, this course is a practical beginner's guide covering the basics of live sound. It's seen as ideal for total beginners and those needing sound skills for small gigs, events, or churches. Students appreciate the clear explanations and practical demos on topics like cables, EQ, and monitoring. While providing a solid starting point focused on analog mixers, some feedback suggests it stays very basic and may lack depth for learners with prior experience or those seeking advanced techniques. Early lessons occasionally had inconsistent audio quality.
Uses an analog mixer for demos.
"The focus is definitely on beginners and analog desks, which is fine for understanding principles."
"The analog desk focus is a good way to learn the signal flow."
"Good foundation using analog equipment... principles apply elsewhere."
Explains key fundamental concepts.
"It covers essential topics like EQ and monitoring well."
"Liked the sections on cables and EQ."
"Walked through connecting different sources step-by-step."
Focuses on practical, basic setup.
"This course was exactly what I needed! As a total beginner helping with sound at my church, the explanations were crystal clear. Loved the practical demos..."
"Fantastic course for practical live sound. I'm a musician and wanted to handle our band's small gigs myself. This gave me the confidence..."
"Highly recommend for anyone needing to understand basic sound setup for small venues or services. The instructor explains things clearly and the focus is truly practical."
Some early lessons had poor audio.
"It covered the basics, but the audio quality in some early lessons wasn't great... The later lessons seemed better though."
"The audio quality was inconsistent, impacting clarity sometimes."
"Wish the sound was better, especially in the first few videos."
Stays strictly at the beginner level.
"The information presented is okay for absolute zero knowledge. However, it stays very basic."
"Anyone with a little bit of prior exposure might find it moves too slowly or lacks depth..."
"Excellent for beginners, but no advanced tips."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A Practical Beginners Guide To The Basics Of Live Sound with these activities:
Review Basic Audio Principles
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental audio concepts like frequency, amplitude, and signal flow to better grasp the course material.
Show steps
  • Review online resources explaining audio principles.
  • Take a short quiz to test your knowledge.
  • Watch videos demonstrating basic audio concepts.
Read 'Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook'
Supplement the course with a comprehensive guide to sound reinforcement principles and practices.
View The Sound Reinforcement Handbook on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and terminology.
Practice EQing Different Instruments
Develop your EQ skills by practicing on various instrument tracks to improve your ability to shape sound.
Show steps
  • Download or create multitrack recordings of different instruments.
  • Experiment with EQ settings to enhance each instrument's sound.
  • Compare your results with reference tracks.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Live Sound Checklist
Solidify your understanding of the live sound process by creating a checklist to ensure you don't miss any crucial steps.
Show steps
  • List all the steps involved in setting up and running live sound.
  • Organize the steps into a logical order.
  • Add notes and reminders for each step.
Set Up and Mix a Mock Live Performance
Apply your knowledge by setting up a basic live sound system and mixing a simulated performance to gain practical experience.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary equipment (mixer, microphones, instruments, etc.).
  • Set up the equipment according to the course principles.
  • Record and mix a short performance.
  • Evaluate your mix and identify areas for improvement.
Read 'Live Sound Engineering: A Handbook for Concert Sound'
Expand your understanding of live sound engineering with a handbook focused on concert sound techniques.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Live Sound Engineering: A Handbook for Concert Sound'.
  • Read chapters on topics of interest, such as system design or microphone techniques.
  • Compare the techniques described in the book with those taught in the course.
Follow Advanced EQ Tutorials
Refine your EQ skills by following advanced tutorials that cover more complex techniques and applications.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on advanced EQ techniques.
  • Follow the tutorials and practice the techniques on your own recordings.
  • Compare your results with the tutorial examples.

Career center

Learners who complete A Practical Beginners Guide To The Basics Of Live Sound will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Church Sound Operator
A church sound operator manages the audio during church services and events, ensuring clear and balanced sound for the congregation. This course will help you become a church sound operator by teaching practical skills in live sound setup and mixing, specifically designed for environments like churches, using the principles covered in this course; operators can confidently manage audio for services and events, including connecting microphones and instruments and using a mixing desk.
See salaries and explore the career path for Church Sound Operator
Sound Technician
A sound technician is responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of audio equipment for live events. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the basics of live sound, such as connecting microphones and instruments, using a mixing desk, and implementing equalization essential skills for setting up and managing a live audio system. This course provides the hands on knowledge to excel as a sound technician and will help provide experience with sound monitoring and recording in a live setting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Technician
Live Sound Engineer
A live sound engineer manages the audio during live performances to ensure the sound is balanced and clear for both the audience and performers. Gaining an understanding of how to do live sound from this course helps aspiring live sound engineers understand the fundamentals of operating a mixing desk, connecting audio devices, and managing foldback or monitoring. Learning the principles of live sound and practical techniques using an analog mixing desk will be invaluable experience for a live sound engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Live Sound Engineer
Musician
A musician performs music, either solo or as part of a group. This course is useful for a musician because it teaches how to manage their own sound during live performances. This course gives practical guidance in connecting instruments, setting up a basic live sound system, and using a mixer, which allows a musician have more control during gigs, events, or even church settings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Musician
Performer
A performer engages in live performances, such as acting on stage or public speaking. This course is useful for a performer as they may need to handle live sound aspects of their performance. Learning basic principles of live sound, such as connecting microphones and setting up foldback or monitoring, allows a performer to better control their audio presentation. A performer can feel confident that the audience hears their best.
See salaries and explore the career path for Performer
Conference Technician
A conference technician manages on site technical equipment at conferences and large meetings. This course may be useful for a conference technician by building a foundation in live sound basics. Learning how to operate mixing desks, connecting audio devices and managing monitoring for speakers is essential for running successful events. This course provides hands-on knowledge to handle sound setups effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Conference Technician
Recording Engineer
A recording engineer is responsible for capturing and mixing audio in a recording studio environment. While a recording engineer typically works in a studio, they can learn to handle live recordings by taking this course. The ability to record in a live setting as taught in this course may give the recording engineer the skills needed to operate recording setup outside of a studio environment. The principles of sound engineering and use of audio equipment are also applicable in studio settings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Recording Engineer
Audio Visual Technician
An audio visual technician sets up and operates audio and visual equipment for events. This course may be useful for an audio visual technician by teaching the core principles of live sound engineering, covering connecting various audio equipment, and using a mixer. Understanding cables, microphones, and signal flow, as taught in this course, enables a technician to efficiently set up and troubleshoot audio systems, an important part of an audio visual technician's job.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Visual Technician
Broadcast Technician
A broadcast technician sets up and operates equipment for radio or television broadcasts. Understanding the principles of live sound, as taught in this course, may be useful for a broadcast technician when setting up audio for live broadcasts or managing on-site sound mixing. Learning how to connect microphones, instruments, and other devices to a mixing desk may help a broadcast technician to manage live audio feeds effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Broadcast Technician
Stagehand
A stagehand is involved in the setup and takedown of equipment for live events, including audio setups. This course may help a stagehand by teaching the basics of connecting microphones, instruments, and other devices to a mixing desk. Understanding the practical considerations of live sound will allow them to be a more effective member of the event team. This course will help them build a working knowledge of cables and audio equipment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Stagehand
Podcaster
A podcaster creates and distributes audio content online. This course may help a podcaster understand how to do live sound at events they host. This understanding will allow a podcaster to confidently manage the audio if they are involved in a live recording. The course content will help a podcaster create a higher quality live audio experience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Podcaster
Event Coordinator
An event coordinator plans and oversees events, including managing the technical aspects of sound and audio. This course helps an event coordinator understand the basic principles of live sound, including setting up sound systems for small gatherings, meetings, or churches. This understanding can help them communicate effectively with sound technicians and ensure events run smoothly.
See salaries and explore the career path for Event Coordinator
Music Instructor
A music instructor teaches individuals or groups how to play an instrument or sing. This course may help a music instructor learn how to handle their own sound for performance or a class setting. With an understanding of live sound principles, music instructors can manage their own sound setups, ensuring that their students or performances sound their best. The course will build practical knowledge of setting up a basic sound system.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Instructor
Audio Editor
An audio editor works with recorded audio to improve its quality and clarity, often in post-production. While this role is not live, it can be helpful to acquire skills when working with live recordings. The practical techniques taught in this course may be useful for recording live events. Understanding how to capture clean audio while live may help an audio editor's workflow.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Editor
Acoustic Consultant
An acoustic consultant analyzes sound and vibration in environments to advise on how to control or modify sound quality. This course may improve an acoustic consultant's understanding by teaching the fundamental principles of live sound and mixing. They may learn how to better diagnose issues with sound at live events. The practical knowledge gained from this course could offer a fresh perspective for their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustic Consultant

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A Practical Beginners Guide To The Basics Of Live Sound.
Cover image
The Sound Reinforcement Handbook
Save
This handbook comprehensive guide to sound reinforcement, covering everything from basic acoustics to advanced system design. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the principles behind live sound. is commonly used as a textbook in audio engineering courses and valuable reference for both beginners and experienced professionals. It adds depth to the course by providing detailed explanations and practical examples.
The Sound Reinforcement Handbook
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Delves into the specifics of concert sound, offering insights into advanced techniques and equipment. While the course focuses on basic live sound, this book provides a glimpse into the professional world. It is more valuable as additional reading to expand your knowledge beyond the basics. It covers topics such as system design, microphone placement, and mixing techniques for larger venues.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
31 total mins
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Rob Pember
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundational understanding of live sound engineering, which is essential for musicians managing their own sound at smaller venues
Focuses on analogue mixing desks, which offers a strong foundation for understanding signal flow and basic audio principles applicable to digital consoles
Covers essential topics such as cable management, microphone connections, instrument connections, and monitoring, which are crucial for setting up a live sound system
Includes practical lessons applicable to various live events, such as seminars, meetings, and church services, broadening its appeal beyond musical performances
Teaches recording in a live setting, which is a valuable skill for capturing performances and creating demos or promotional material
Requires learners to have access to audio equipment, such as microphones, instruments, and mixing consoles, which may pose a barrier to some students
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