This topic is yet another very important facet of audio production that could use some clarification, particularly in the world of church audio production (where many of the hard-working soldiers in the trenches are volunteers). To illustrate this, and hopefully clear up some of the misunderstanding, I’ll use and an email inquiry I received concerning the topic of gain structure:
“Hi, Mike. I have a quick question regarding soundboard operations, especially relating to gain and the level of faders. I was under the impression that, generally, to get the proper level for a channel, you set the fader at zero and increase the gain to get a good signal level. Are there general rules of thumb to follow? Say, for example, you are doing a sound check for the bass, what are the best practices for getting the proper level?”
My response:
“Yes, basically, your are correct. It’s best to place the faders at 0 (unity gain) and then bring the mic. preamp gains to a comfortable level. This way, the console will operate at the best signal to noise ratio. In addition, when you’re finished getting all your preamp gain adjustments and musical balances together, you’re left with a simple visual representation of your default mix (and the faders are all at their optimum sweet-spot for gain-riding). Once you’ve built your basic mix using the preamp gains, you can then proceed with adjusting your aux sends to monitors, etc. based on a properly adjusted gain structure (Note: adjust the monitor sends after all of the preamp gains have been set).”
So, typically, as you build your mix, add one input at-a-time with the fader at 0 (unity gain).Then, using the preamp gains, blend the individual elements of the mix to your desired levels (be careful not to overload the input gains, and leave yourself some headroom for safety). Once you’ve got all the preamp levels properly set, the overall balance achieved, and monitor levels balanced, you’re now ready to ride-the-faders to bring up(or down) any featured vocal parts, instrumental solos, etc… Personally, if the console is equipped. I prefer to ride VCA’s and Group faders, leaving the input faders at unity (but that’s just my preference).
Happy mixing!
- Michael Grosso, senior audio tech – CCFL
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