Learn the essentials. Sound like a pro. Even if it’s your first show.
If you’ve ever been behind the console at a live event — or even just thinking about it — you’ve probably asked:
“Where do I even start?”
At Eagle AV, we work with event planners, techs, and operators of all levels. Whether you're mixing your first breakout room or managing audio for a 500-person fundraiser, this intro is your crash course in making it sound clean, clear, and pro.
The Mixing Console: Your Audio Nerve Center
Think of the mixing board as mission control — every sound (mics, laptops, instruments, etc.) flows through here.
Basic Anatomy:
Channels – One for each input (e.g., mic, laptop, keyboard).
Gain – Controls how much signal you’re feeding into the board. Set too low = silence. Too high = feedback.
EQ – Lets you shape the tone. Too much bass? Cut it. Voice sounds dull? Boost the highs.
Faders – Think of these as your volume sliders for each input.
Aux Sends – For sending sound to monitors or recording devices, separate from the main mix.
➔ Tip: Keep your gain staging clean. If you set gain correctly, you won’t need to push your faders into the red.
Signal Flow: Understanding the Journey of Sound
Sound doesn’t just “happen.” It travels. And understanding this path will save you hours of troubleshooting.
Common Flow:
Mic → Cable → Console → Processor → Amp → Speakers
Simple rule? If the sound stops working, follow the path.
Work backward until you find the break.
Mixing 101: The Building Blocks of a Good Mix
A great mix doesn’t mean everything is loud. It means everything is heard.
The Key Principles:
Prioritize vocals. If it’s a speaker or panel, they need to be crisp and clear above all.
Balance frequencies. Use EQ to remove mud (low-mid clutter) or harshness (high-mid bite).
Start with a flat mix. Bring all faders up evenly, then adjust one at a time.
Check both sides. Left and right channels should be matched — avoid a lopsided mix.
➔ Pro move: Cut before you boost. It’s cleaner to reduce a problem than to mask it with more volume.
Monitoring: Don’t Mix Blind
If you can’t hear the problem, you can’t fix it.
Use headphones to solo channels and isolate issues.
Listen from the audience POV — step into the room and walk around.
Check stage monitors — what the performer hears affects how they perform.
➔ Audience too quiet? You might be mixing for yourself at FOH. Mix for the room, not the booth.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them Fast)
Feedback Squeal? Lower the gain or reposition the mic. Use EQ to notch out the problem frequency.
No sound from a mic? Check mute, phantom power, and cable connections.
Distorted audio? Input level is probably too hot. Dial it back at the gain stage.
Muffled vocals? Roll off the lows and boost a touch around 3–5kHz.
Gear Eagle Clients Often Mix With:
Here’s what you might see at an Eagle-supported event:
Yamaha QL or TF Series (consoles for small to mid-sized shows)
Shure ULX-D or QLX-D Wireless Systems
L-Acoustics X12 / A10 Speakers
DBX / BSS signal processors
Whirlwind audio snakes and custom I/O racks
➔ We configure many of our racks and packages to be show-ready, so clients can plug in, power up, and go. But understanding how to mix? That’s where you shine.
Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Be a Sound Engineer to Run a Clean Mix
You just need to:
Know your gear
Start simple
Trust your ears
Stay calm under pressure
And hey — you’ve got Eagle in your corner.
Need help figuring out which console or speakers to rent for your show?
Visit our Support & FAQ Center or reach out to talk to a real tech.
