Listening Details
An album’s hidden pregap can change where playback seems to begin
Understand hidden audio before track one on some CDs, and why a streaming track list or ordinary playback start may not reveal the same material.
LIVE MUSIC · FESTIVALS · CULTURE
There is more to a good night than the headline act.
Independent notes on festival planning, live music and getting more out of the shows you choose.
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Before the next set
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Live Event Preparation
A Set Break Needs a Plan for the Music Between Performances
Plan playback between live sets with the venue, including volume, handover cues and a fallback if the playback device fails.
Live Sound Basics
An XLR Connector Does Not Tell You Whether the Signal Is Mic or Line
Identify mic and line levels from equipment specifications rather than the XLR connector, then plan a sound-check that avoids preventable input mismatches.
Live Sound Basics
Input Gain and the Channel Fader Change Different Parts of a Live Mix
Set input gain with the signal path in mind, then use the channel fader to balance the live mix without trying to repair upstream clipping downstream.
Live Sound
A Feedback Ring Is a Signal-Path Problem, Not a Request for More Volume
Recognise microphone feedback as a repeating sound loop and work with the sound engineer on placement and gain before the audience arrives.
Recording Basics
Phantom Power Is a Microphone Requirement, Not a Volume Boost
Phantom power supplies compatible microphone electronics; it is not an extra loudness setting. Check the microphone, cable and interface before switching it on.