The Second Step is getting an efficient playback device, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton of money on a high-tech playback device. A good quality tablet or even a phone will do the trick. Small note, make sure you disable any notification sounds as that will most certainly spoil your gig 🙂 You can also use app’s such as the Setlist Helper that allow you attach the audio to the lyrics and arrange your set for the night.
Third Step, get a good cable but don’t over do it. The cable will by no means improve the quality of your sound but it will help you avoid problems during gigs. Also get a backup cable in case one of them fails ( I have seen this way too often). Personally I use a mini stereo Jack to two Mono Jacks in to a stereo channel on my mixer.
Fourth Step, get your gain stage levelled correctly. Most if not every Mixer has a gain knob and a signal level or clip led. To get a good mix and avoid compression or distortion you have to ensure your volume enters the mixer correctly and is then balanced with the gain control. Now as your backing tracks might vary in dynamic range and volume it is best to leave adequate headroom between the red clip light and the green signal level. Here are some tips
- Turn your playback device on max volume. If you are using a tablet or computer ensure the volume is turned to max. Be careful with playback software such as VLC as it allows you to drive the volume above 100% introducing distortion.
- Set your Gain all the way to the lowest and play back your loudest and most dynamic song. If your mixer has a PFL button, make sure it is pressed. This will show you the volume before the fader level. PFL: Pre Fader Level
- Now observe your level led strip, Usually the split in to green and red. Your level should be in the green but as close as possible to the red without touching red at all.
- Your gain is now at a level where you shouldn’t have any distortion or clipping but enough volume to play with on the faders.
