Concert preparation, on site.

 

What to bring.
Computer.

- mouse

- power supply and cables.

 

Audio interface.

- power supply.
- cable between computer and audio interface.

 

Headphone.

(must have).

 

Cables.

- Cables from your audio interface to XLR and 1/4” jack.
You need spares!
 

Controllers (if you use one).
- midi controller

- power supply and cable (if you use one)

- cable for midi controller

 

Microphone (if you use one).

- batteries?

 

Anything else you need.
- instrument
- water

-

 

Extension power cable with as many connections as you need.

 

Before the concert day you have restored the system and all programs
using a restore program like Time machine (Mac) or Acronis (PC).

 

At the concert venue.

-Connect all equipment together and then switch on power starting with audio interface > controllers and last, the computer.

 

- Start all the programs you need and do a solid check that everything works as expected.
Use headphones for this work!

 

- Check that the output level from the Program is as it suppose to be.That is, the loudest signal should be close to maximum output level from the programs output (look at the master output display in the program).
 

- Check that the output level from your Audio interface is as it should be. That is, the loudest signal should be close to maximum output level from the audio interface.
Make a note of the volume setting and then:

TURN THE AUDIO INTERFACE OUTPUT LEVEL ALL THE WAY DOWN!

 

If you use a mixer.

- Connect the output to the mixer.

 

- Turn the mixer (master) level down and raise the output level from your audio interface to where it was when you tested it.
 

- Check that the mixer has the correct input level, gain. Use the solo button on the mixer to see if level is correct. If not, adjust the input level, gain, on the mixer

 

- Set the mixer input fader at 0, and slowly raise the Master faders to the desired sound levee.
 

- Make a note (yes that is write down) of all settings, Gain and Master fader.

 

If you connect directly from the audio interface to the (active) loudspeakers.

- Turn the output volume from the audio interface all the way down.
 

- The active loudspeaker has a volume control, turn it  down (hard to say how much, but not to little.......). Turn both loudspeakers down the same amount.
 

- Turn the output volume from the audio interface up to a suitable volume, if the volume is to soft turn the volume on the speakers up. If you cant turn the output of the audio interface up or down, adjust the volume from the program (Ableton, Reaktor.......)

 

- Make a note (yes that is write down) of all settings, speaker volume, audio interface volume, program volume and Master fader.

 

Go out in the hall and listen to the sound from the audience position!
If there is something to be done DO IT now, before the concert.