Audio Info & Education

A wireless system for your guitar, mic, or in-ear monitor can really open up your onstage experience. No longer tied to your amp by cables that can tangle and snag, you find yourself free to move anywhere on the stage and you can focus on putting on your very best performance. But as Spinal Tap's infamous Nigel Tufnel discovered, few things are more frustrating than a wireless system that isn't working as intended. When you set up your wireless just the same as the last time and it isn't working, you might start to feel like invisible little gremlins are out there messing with you. Fortunately, there is no such thing as gremlins and just like everything else on Earth, your wireless operates in accordance with the laws of physics. There is a reason the system isn't working, and the better you understand it the better your chances of avoiding performance issues with your wireless systems. In this series we will be learning the basics of setting up a wireless system and discuss ways to stop problems before they happen. 

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the basic concept of side-chaining along with a couple of the most common applications. In this segment we'll learn about more specialized uses of side-chaining and how to set up your system for side-chaining.

The concept of side-chaining is nothing new; studio engineers and mastering specialists discovered long ago how to use one track to control others in the mix with this method. But what is side-chaining and how can it be utilized to get a better mix? Sometimes it is desirable to create a powerful mix without forcing the vocals or more subtle instruments to compete for sonic space. By using the solo tracks to control a compressor on other or the rest of the tracks, the engineer seeks to maintain a relatively uncompressed mix that automatically "steps out of the way of the solos." Subtle side-chain applications are intended to enhance the separation of instruments in the mix without drawing the listener's attention. More dramatic applications can significantly alter the feel of the song and these often become part of the sounds themselves. 

If you read parts 1 and 2 of this series, you should have a better idea of which format your church's PA system needs to be for your present needs. You should also have a plan for investing in equipment today that can grow and meet your needs tomorrow. What other factors do you want to keep in mind when planning a sound system? In this article we'll explore some other systems and accessories you'll want to incorporate into designing your system.

A true staple of rock and roll is a good old fashioned house show. The house show or house party can be enjoyed by high school garage bands and adult bands alike. Compared to more traditional venues, house shows provide a more intimate and inclusive atmosphere for both bands and audience members. While they may not always be as glorious as they are portrayed in movies, a well-run house show is a thing of beauty and actually takes a lot of organization to get right.