Live sound mixing

Individual sources are typically equalised to adjust the bass and treble response and routed to effect processors to ultimately be amplified and reproduced via a loudspeaker system.

In live sound situations, this consists of input transducers like microphones, pickups, and DI boxes.

The audio console also typically allows the engineer to add effects units to each channel (addition of reverb, etc.)

An example of an inserted effect on an individual input is patching in an Autotune rackmount unit onto the lead vocalist's track to correct pitch errors.

Other non-audio crew members, such as the lighting console operator, might also work from the FOH position, since they need to be able to see the show from the audience's perspective.

The monitor engineer's role is important where the instruments and voices on the stage area is amplified.

With only one "aux send", an engineer would only be able to make a single monitor mix, which would normally be focused on meeting the needs of the lead singer.

The settings of previous shows can be saved and recalled in the console and a band can start playing with a limited soundcheck.

Automated mixing consoles are a great time saver for concerts where the main band is preceded by several support acts.

Then, during the concert, the engineer can call up the settings from memory, and the faders will automatically move to the position that they were placed in during the soundcheck.

This knowledge of musical styles is typically learned from years of experience listening to and mixing sound in live contexts.

They should also be able to troubleshoot technical issues quickly and effectively, and be comfortable working with a variety of different systems and setups.

Technical skills involve understanding the principles of sound and acoustics, as well as being familiar with different types of audio equipment.