Sound Operator's Handbook - Tricks of the Trade.

The Sound Operator's Handbook covers the four major problem areas of sound. These are Miking, Mixing, Monitoring and Feedback. Many tips are revealed which will help you achieve the level of excellence you desire. A chapter also explains the function of all the controls on your mixer.

Chapter 1 explains the different types of microphones and which ones are best for various applications. It gives miking techniques for speech, vocal and instruments. This includes pick-up patterns, working with proximity effect, obtaining consistent natural sound, and other topics. Examples are shown for effective miking of people and many common musical instruments. Techniques are explained for miking virtually all instruments. Direct connection of electronic instruments is also explained.

Chapter 2 is dedicated to Feedback. This is often a significant problem, especially in churches. Learn exactly what feedback is, the factors which contribute to it, and how to eliminate it. Using the right microphones properly goes a long way to reducing feedback, but room equalization, speaker characteristics and placement and number of open microphones are some of the other factors which need to be considered.

Chapter 3 explains the function of all the controls on your mixer. Three different mixer examples are used which cover just about all the mixers available. One of them will be very similar to yours.

Chapter 4 talks about mixing. This section teaches you how to achieve that delicate blend of sound in which all instruments and vocals can be heard in their proper balance. You will learn how to mix the sound properly, using channel EQ’s and Pan to get the proper “Studio” sound. Other topics such as Effects Processors and Compressors are also discussed.

Chapter 5 covers what is sometimes the most frustrating aspect, Monitoring. Getting the right level and mix which will make all the singers and musicians happy while keeping the levels low enough so they don’t interfere with the “House” or main sound can be a daunting task.

The information in this book will make this seemingly impossible job achievable. Not only do we discuss techniques, but we also talk about various technologies including multiple mixes, personal mixes and in-ear monitor.

The Sound Operator's Handbook comes in Acrobat Reader (pdf) format on CD, or as a download. It is packed with advice and tips including several diagrams, plus an Appendix with relevant data sheets and programming instructions for the Driverack 260. This is not available anywhere else.

The book includes a complete set of bookmarks to make it easy to find what you want.

Sound Operator's Training Pack

The Sound Operator's Training Pack consists of the Sound Operator's Handbook plus the Sound Operator's Power Point Training Course. It is a good choice for class training. This is available as a Download as well as on CD.