Speaker placement is vital to good sound. As a general rule, you’ll want to place the low frequency speakers on the floor, mid frequency speakers at ear or chest level, and high frequency horns at the head or above. Mid frequencies are similar to what we hear everyday, and is why they are placed in a dominant hearing zone. Speaker angle in concert venues is also important. Point speakers toward audience members, but try to avoid obstacles that will cause sound to bounce or dampen.
Drums, vocals and acoustic instruments will require the most attention, and your ears will be the best guide. Listening up-close to each instrument and determining the best tone will allow you to place microphones in far less time than trial-and-error methods. After you’ve done this a few times, you will become used to what sounds good and what doesn’t. Experimenting with different microphones is also a useful trick to optimize the sound you’re looking for.
Always start with the equalizer settings at a “flat” response (at the twelve o’clock position) so no equalization is present. Cutting unwanted frequencies, rather than boosting those you do want, will help prevent distortion. Always remember that very little equalization is needed if mics are properly placed. To determine and set individual volume levels, bring volume faders up slowly until all instruments can be heard clearly and evenly, without overshadowing others. This sound check procedure is best done below concert volume, as your ears can quickly fatigue. You can always turn the overall volume up after individual levels are set.
Effects are great fun to use and play with, but there is such a thing as overuse. In live recording, too much or too many effects can hamper sound quality and compromise your mix. As with equalization, use effects to embellish the sound, rather than mask or force it. Add effects conservatively after equalization and volume levels are set, and resist using an effect just because it’s there. Experimenting with effects during the sound check will help you determine if it is needed or not, especially with reverb. If the room has natural reverb, adding more can severely compromise your overall sound.
Your primary goal as a sound engineer is to provide good sound for the paying audience. You will be probably be criticized every so often by an audience member claiming the music is too loud or the bass guitar can’t be heard. At these times, it’s important to swallow your pride, admit that they night be right, and take care of the problem. Take criticism graciously and treat all claims with seriousness and professionalism.