Tips for Mixing a Great Sounding Live Show.

The role of a live sound engineer is vital in creating an exceptional experience for both performers and audiences. Whether you're touring with a band, mixing at a local venue, or working with a production company, there's a lot more to mixing a great sounding show than just turning knobs and pushing faders.

If you're an aspiring engineer aiming to make your mark in live sound, below are 12 simple yet essential steps to help you prepare for and mix a successful show.

1. Do Your Homework: Know What You're Mixing

Start by understanding the music you’ll be mixing. Learn the artist’s songs, paying attention to their arrangements, instrumentation, and dynamics. If you're going on tour, do a deep dive into their catalog. When possible, get the setlist in advance and deconstruct the songs. Take notes on cues, solos, effects, etc.

2. Communicate With the Artist or Client 

Effective communication is key. Discuss the band's technical requirements and creative expectations.  Ask questions like:

• What is their vision for the live mix, what kind of sound are they going for?
• How many, and what inputs will they need?
• How many monitor mixes are required?  

Go through the setlist with them before the show to clarify if there are any solos, instrument changes, vocal handoffs, effects cues, etc.  This helps to ensure you're prepared for what’s coming on stage.

3. Show Up Prepared 

Bring a current input list, stage plot, and audio spec. Advance the show to confirm what equipment will be provided and identify any unfamiliar gear you may be using.  If you find that you’ll be working on a console you have not used before, review the manual in advance.  Build a basic file with the offline editor so you've got something to start with when you show up at the gig.   If there is a specific piece of gear that you must have to do your show, it's always best to bring it with you. 

4. Start With the Source 

Great mixes begin with great sounds. Work with the musicians to ensure their instruments are sounding their best; drums should be tuned, guitar and bass tones dialed in, and instruments should be free from noise.  Choose appropriate microphones and mic placement to capture a clean, strong signal from the source.

5. Listen to and EQ the PA 

Before you begin adjusting input channels, take some time to listen to the PA.  Walk around the venue to acclimate to the sound of the room and the system’s frequency response.  Once the system is time-aligned properly, apply EQ to tune the system for the space and your show’s needs. The goal is to provide a clear and balanced mix throughout the listening space.

6. Understand Signal Flow and Gain Structure 

A solid grasp of signal flow and proper gain structure is essential. Both are critical for achieving clarity, headroom, and avoiding distortion or feedback. Mastering these basics ensures you get the best performance from your gear. Without them, even the best microphones and processing can’t save your mix.

7. Ring Out the Vocal Mic 

Feedback is the enemy of any live show. Take time to ring out the vocal microphone(s) in both the monitors and the PA. Identify and reduce probelmatic frequencies, but be careful not to over-EQ. Your goal is to prevent feedback while preserving vocal clarity.

8. Conduct a Line Check 

Whenever possible, perform a line-check with the backline or audio techs.  Your goal is to ensure that every input is correctly patched, free from noise, and functioning as expected.  This is also a great time to:

• Set initial gain levels

• Apply basic EQ and dynamics

• Test effects routing

Doing a thorough line-check will allow you to resolve any technical issues before the band hits the stage for soundcheck, thus alleviating the need to fix problems while they are waiting on stage.

9. Run a Proper Soundcheck 

If you’ve done everything right up to this point and have a stage full of good musicians, soundcheck should be smooth and productive. Focus on getting the band comfortable on stage with their sound and monitors. Use this time to refine your mix and adjust based on what you hear in the room.

10. Build the Mix Strategically 

Once the show starts, focus on the key elements first.  It’s often the lead vocal. Make sure the vocal is clear and present.  If it’s something instrumental like a guitar hero, start with the guitar. Then build the rest of the mix around these key elements adding in the rhythm section, other supporting instruments, background vocals, and effects. Use VCAs or groups for easier mixing, control, and efficiency.

11. Be at FOH no later than 15 minutes before showtime  

Or as soon as set change begins. Run through another quick line-check of your inputs through headphones to confirm everything is still working and problem-free.   Cables can easily get knocked loose when switching the stage between bands. You don't want to begin your set missing a few key inputs.

12. Mix the Show: Be Present and Creative

Look up from the soundboard and pay attention to what's happening on stage.  You should be actively engaged with the performance, not mixing with your head buried in a screen.  Bring up solos, make sure you can hear all of the elements in the mix, and that it's well-balanced. Trust your ears, have fun, get in the zone, and let your creativity fly!

Bonus Step: Load Out Like a Pro

Once the show is over, it's time to wrap up. Save your file! Thank the local crew and audio company.  Be respectful, efficient, and professional during load out—it leaves a lasting impression and often leads to future gigs.  

Thank you and Goodnight!

Each show is a new opportunity to sharpen your skills and make a meaningful contribution to the performance.  Preparation, communication, and critical listening are the keys to success.  By following these tips and staying committed to continuous improvement, you'll be well on your way to having a successful and fulfilling career in live mixing. Good luck, and may your shows be nothing short of spectacular! 

_{By: Michelle Sabolchick}