<aside> <img src="/icons/map-pin-alternate_gray.svg" alt="/icons/map-pin-alternate_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Location: The Venue FOH

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<aside> <img src="/icons/clock_gray.svg" alt="/icons/clock_gray.svg" width="40px" /> 3-4 Months

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The first and most important skillset for any audio operator is being able to create a balanced fader mix according to the service order. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Set gain levels at rehearsal and create a “base” mix to save as a cue. Make note of leading instruments and any big transitions on the service order.
2. Practice transitions during Q2Q on Sunday morning.
3. Dynamically mix both services with cues making sure to nail transitions and highlight leaders.

Fader Mix

A “fader mix” is a mix comprised solely by using gain and faders, as well as panning, to make a mix that reflects the goals of the team and follows the cues on the service order.

Mix Priorities

A sound mix is dynamic—it’s always changing—but there are goals to keep in mind for every song or moment of a service. Here’s how to prioritize in your mix:

1. Voices should always be the most clear (note: not “loudest,” but “clearest”).
   1. During songs, the song leader should be clearest so the congregation can follow.
   2. We also prioritize backing vocals because they are the most relevant leaders to those in the congregation also not playing instruments.
   3. Speakers and pastors are the most important part of our service to get right, so make sure that in moments when the band is playing with a speaker that their level is dropped to support the clarity of the speaker.
2. Levels: Your mix should be loud enough that it has energy in the room, but not so loud that you can’t hear the congregation singing—that’s the best metric for whether or not a mix is too loud.
   1. OSHA regulations stipulate that 95dB sustained for thirty minutes is safe, so that is our preferred “loudest” mix.
3. For most songs, there is one clear “leading instrument” in the band. That may change at times during the song—so listen to the music and make note of what leading instruments you hear.
   1. Often, the piano “carries” the weight of the band sound, as they are playing at almost every moment. Make sure the keys can be heard!
   2. Guitars bring a lot of energy, but make sure they don’t overpower the mix.

Skillset #1: Cues & Mixing

What Next?

• Browse the Audio page to start learning and practicing on your own. “Sound Gym” especially will start to train your ears in new ways that will give you practical advantages when it comes to mixing audio moving forward!
• Your next skillset to learn will be “Signal Processing”—how to use EQ, compression, gating, and effects to build a clearer, more compelling mix. Feel free to ask staff or producers about these tools, but know your next one-on-one will focus specifically on how to use these tools!

Gain

Phase