Dave Rat - Gain Structure Basics for an Analog Console

Dave Rat - A fairly simple explanation on setting up proper gain structure on an analog mixing board for live audio.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Dave
• Rat
• gain
• structure
• analog
• audio
• mix
• mixer
• mixing
• console
• board
• sound
• systems
• live
• PA

[xorezx1]

Thank you for sharing this informative video. Just one thing. In the middle of the video you said you set the peaks, I believe, but then pull back about a "quarter." But then later you said you like to have the kicks and snare hit the peak?

[www73171]

@xorezx1 I set the gains so there is room and the channel does not peak to start. As the band plays I will fine tune. Typically the drummer will hit harder during the show and start to peak a channel that was not peaking earlier.

[zxtuner84]

**pls do more videos**

[www73171]

@zxtuner84 Thank you, will do more as soon as I have the time and space. It is tough while touring but will try.

[aznyaz]

What a great,simple explanation of the basics. Something that seems to perplex many. Thanks for posting your videos.

[bscsoundtehc]

@www73171 I know this is a pretty broad question but for live bands especially rock bands do you prefer analog or digital desks? I need to get a bigger desk for rock festivals and everyone I've spoken to said go digital to eliminate the need for massive racks of comps and fx. Do you find it easier on analog desks or digital mixing rock bands?

[boddumblues]

Bands must love you :-)

[MrAnomilus]

I've always found it interesting when I've worked with band engineers who would set their faders to zero, and then mix the entire show only using the input knobs. While I couldn't really argue with the sound of the mix they achieved, I couldn't help but think that its a lot farther to reach on large consoles when you could achieve the same thing using the faders and save some unnecessary exertion. Maybe they needed the exercise.

Additionally, mixing with knobs you can only control one at a time

[wolfcrysoundsystem]

This really explained what I've been trying to get my head round ...............

THANKS

[bluetech7753]

I try not clip anything. I also try to stay at or around unity on my mains and channel faders when possible .