Live Sound and Equalisation Workshop
A series of ear training and live sound sessions in which trainees learned frequency bands by ear, then equalised live and recorded voices through the main PA using a range of microphones.
Training dates: 22 June to 1 July 2021 (sessions on 22, 23, 24 and 30 June and 1 July)
Training overview
Over five sessions trainees trained their ears and then used that skill to EQ real voices through the main PA. Each session began by listening to 1/3 octave bands and sine wave tones and finding them on a graphic EQ. Trainees then equalised their own voice and a colleague’s on a Shure SM58, first on headphones and then through the Meyer Sound UPJunior PA, and corrected EQ that had been deliberately altered, by ear alone. Later sessions added headset and lapel microphones (DPA 4088, DPA 4060 and Sennheiser ME36), balancing four microphones to the same level and tone, working with recorded speech and singing, and setting microphone stands safely.
- Listening to 1/3 octave frequency bands and sine waves, and identifying them on the graphic EQ
- EQ on the Midas Venice with a Shure SM58, first on headphones and then through the Meyer Sound UPJunior main PA
- Equalising their own voice and someone else’s to achieve a natural sound, and correcting deliberately altered EQ by ear
- Fitting headset and lapel microphones on a person: DPA 4088 cardioid headset, DPA 4060 omni lapel and Sennheiser ME36
- Balancing four microphones (SM58, DPA 4060, DPA 4088 and ME36) to equal level and tone, then testing with recorded speech and singing
- Setting microphone stands safely and efficiently for positioning and transport
Training milestones
- Frequency bands identified by ear
- Natural sound achieved on several microphone types through the main PA
- Headset and lapel microphones fitted correctly on a performer
Next steps
Staff will apply these skills to radio microphone fitting and mixing for a small production, and continue regular ear training sessions.
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