Audiomatters also do live events from time to time. In fact 2 of our sound engineers have extensive live mixing experience.
On this occasion, we were asked into school to look after the live mixing of a performance showcasing the talents of the pupils and music department.
Now, music teachers in general are very knowledgeable across the broad field of music, however, audio mixing is an extremely technical field combining knowledge of acoustics/physics/electronics and more, so much of it often falls outside the Art of Music. Mixing live music is particularly difficult because it is often done in an unfamiliar, non-ideal acoustic environment, and being live, you only get one chance to get it right. This event featured 10 different lead singers, a full orchestral compliment, and the choir right under the school’s PA speakers – a recipe for feedback and unbalanced sound if ever there was one.
And this is where experience pays dividends…
Using advanced techniques and some of the latest industry hardware, the sound was well controlled, the singers and choir could be heard, and everyone enjoyed themselves, which is what it’s all about at the end of the day. This is why Colin Myers, AGSB’s Head of Music asked us in, so it was particularly gratifying that several of the parents felt the need to express their thanks afterwards, as many people have experienced gigs where the music/enjoyment was ruined by a poor mix.
