Three Killer Sound System Tuning Reference Tracks Michael Curtis 2026-09-20 | Three Killer Sound System Tuning Reference Tracks
Simple, Accurate SPL Measurement On Your iPhone | Step by Step Calibration Michael Curtis 2025-05-29 | ►► Get the updated Audio Toolkit 2025: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitI've been messing around with Smaart RTA, Rational Acoustics new iPhone app, on a few shows recently and wanted to make sure I got reliable SPL data. I don't think anyone makes a calibrator that fits an iPhone, so the next best thing is matching the microphone's readout to a know reference - like YOUR reference mic.Today I walk you through that exact procedure, step by step. And if you haven't calibrated your own measurement microphone before ever, you get that covered as a bonus!---🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX---00:00 Intro00:59 Calibration Procedure Overview02:23 Mic Calibration Setup In Smaart05:51 Calibrating iPhone Mic SPL In Smaart RTA
IM BACK With A New Audio Toolkit For 2025 (Get It While Its Hot) Michael Curtis 2025-05-22 | ►► Get the updated Audio Toolkit 2025: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitWhat's in the toolkit?- Audio Math Survival Spreadsheet (30+ Sound System Design Calculations)- System Tuning Target Curves (Get The Perfect Tonal Starting Point For Any Rig)- Reference Tracks Spotify Playlist (My Trusty Tunes For Evaluating Systems)- Sound System Tuning Gear Buyer's Guide (The Right Gear at the Right Price)- The 9 EQ Pivot Points eBook (Unlock Your Equalizer)Chapters00:00 Intro00:38 What Training Do You Want?01:32 Toolkit Overview & System Tuning Course02:08 Audio Math Survival Spreadsheet03:57 System Tuning Target Curves06:11 Spotify Reference Track Playlist09:24 Sound System Tuning Gear Buyer's Guide10:23 The 9 EQ Pivot Points
LAMA Connect | The Ultimate Software Patchbay For Audio Pros Michael Curtis 2025-02-11 | 👉 Try LAMA Connect for free: lamamix.com/free-trialThis audio Swiss army knife from Lean and Mean Audio continues to blow me away!- Intuitive and flexible patching- Build-in format conversion- Embed 256ch of NDI on a single stream- Easy inter-application routing- Grab audio from any ASIO device, including Dante Virtual Soundcard- Remux audio on a new video NDI stream with NDI Merger- Host any VST plugin for processing- Control any MIDI plugin with MIDI (OSC on the way)- Now available on Linux!In today's video I show you how LAMA Connect serves as the heart and hub of a vMix streaming setup, with LAMA Mix serving as the software mixer alongside LAMA NDI Virtual Soundcard for audio playback.We setup through real-world use cases from NASCAR and SK Gaming, see how Llama Connect powers sophisticated audio workflows.00:00 Intro01:55 LAMA Connect UI + Workflow Overview02:25 Audio IO Nodes, Patching03:15 LAMA ASIO | Application Audio Routing04:18 LAMA NDI Virtual Soundcard + NDI Audio Recievers/Transmitters05:04 NDI Merger05:50 Hosting VST Plugins & Controlling Them via MIDI06:40 Routing Audio In and Out of vMix | PGM Mix, Zoom Mix Minus, Audio for Video Playback09:47 Recap10:59 Download Free Trial!
Following Up On Your Feedback and Fears | Live Audio Mixing In Software?!? Michael Curtis 2024-12-23 | 👉 Try LAMA Mix for free: lamamix.com/free-trial🎄 EXTENDED Christmas Giveaway: Send a picture of you demoing LAMA Mix or LAMA Connect to contact@lamamix.com with a brief description of your use case and why you're using it!THREE winners will be selected by January 31st to win the following:1 x LAMA Mix 64 and 1 x LAMA Connect Pro yearly license1 x LAMA Mix 32 and 1 x LAMA Connect Pro yearly license1 x LAMA Mix 16 and 1 x LAMA Connect Pro yearly license---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In today's video we cover three HUGE updates for LAMA Mix:- Enhanced Control Features via Mackie- Speech Mixer Update- Monthly Subscription Pricing!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------00:00 Intro01:22 Mackie Control Overview04:52 Speech Mixer Overview07:49 Monthly Subscription Option Update08:29 Christmas Giveaway!!!
Live Audio Mixing in Software?!? How Risky Is It? Michael Curtis 2024-11-13 | 👉 Try LAMA Mix for free: lamamix.com/free-trialWould you trust your high profile, gotta have it right, real time live event to be mixed completely in software - on a computer? You're probably saying:"Won't a computer crash on me? Hardware desks are much more stable""Latency will definitely be too high on a computer vs dedicated hardware, especially for in-ear monitoring.""I won't be able to access what I need quickly. Won't I need more than a keyboard and mouse?"These same three elephants came to my mind as well. Instead of running from them, how about we address them head on?#LiveAudioMixing #LAMAMix #AudioProduction #MixingTips #mixing 00:00 - Intro01:02 - Core Strength 1 - Flexibility02:41 - Core Strength 2 - Scalability04:06 - Core Strength 3 - Efficiency04:43 - Download Free Trial!05:09 - The Elephants In The Room06:41 - Elephant 1 - Stability (Will software mixing crash and ruin my show?)10:45 - Elephant 2 - Latency (Will software mixing create timing & sync issues?)13:34 - Elephant 3 - Control (Can I get to what I want when I want it?)15:45 - Recap
EP 10 | What Are Buses, Auxes, and Groups? Michael Curtis 2024-07-25 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitOnce we wrangle all our sources (audio coming IN to our console) we need to figure out where to SEND them. Auxes and groups and indispensable tools in learning how to route audio.We'll cover:- Pre vs Post Fader sends- Common use cases for mixes- a group vs a mix/aux🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
EP 09 | What Does A Direct (DI) Box Do And When Do You Need One? Michael Curtis 2024-07-23 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitYou see DI boxes everywhere, but do you really know how and when they're supposed to be used?Today we unpack the two main jobs of a DI box which unlocks the key uses behind where we need to use them. We'll cover:- Why are some DI boxes more expensive than others?- What's a good "middle of the road" product?- What exactly does happens to my audio when it goes through a DI box?🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX
EP 08 | What Is The Gain Knob For On A Live Audio Console? Michael Curtis 2024-07-18 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitGet gain right and everything else falls into place. Really!Even though managing levels is one of the core concepts in live audio its still widely misunderstood. Today I hope to unpack exactly what the gain knob does (and how it affects the device its attached to) and how to use it properly.We'll cover:- Is it "bad" if your gain is super high?- What levels should you be shooting for?- Should you use a pad?- And much more!🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX
EP 07 | What Does A Live Audio Tech Do? Michael Curtis 2024-07-16 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitYou might know "in general" that they're responsible for the sound at a gig and probably behind a mixer of some sort, but what are they actually doing?Today I break down:- key expectations and responsibilities in live audio- 10 different common jobs on a show- what skillsets you should be developing if you want to grow in live sound🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX
How To Get Mixes That Slap On A Mono PA // With A Stereo Livestream Michael Curtis 2024-07-09 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitMost of the time in audio world we are mixing for stereo destinations. Livestreams? Stereo. In-ears? Stereo. Records? Stereo.PA systems? They’re a bit different. Live sound systems, yes, it's typically fair to give it a left and right mix, but our audience could be anywhere within the audience plane.What if your beautiful stereo spatialized mixed is just going to a single speaker that's maybe hung in the center covering the full audience, or it's going to a series of mono speakers that have specific zones that they are covering with zero overlap?How do you make sure your mix is going to translate? We'll first get on the same page on the true differences between mono and stereo, then we'll jump into six tips for making sure your mix can stand up in a mono environment.🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:12 - Stereo vs Mono, Pan Laws05:16 - Mid vs Side09:02 - 6 Tips For Better Mixes On Stereo PA Systems#livesound #mixing #livemixing #stereo
Live Sound Mixing Fundamentals In Under 45 Minutes | Hands On Demo With Audio Examples Michael Curtis 2024-06-25 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitLearn what all the knobs do an audio console in less time than it takes your drummer to set up his hi-hat (assuming he got there on time).You probably learned live audio on the job with little formal training. I applaud you for diving in and simply "figuring things out", but sometimes this approach can leave cracks in your audio foundation. You've read, googled, or asked a colleague for the information you need to know in the moment to get things done. Nothing wrong with that!However, sometimes it's good to start back at square one, and if you're there now, you're in great company. Much of the training out there assumes you have some audio experience and leaves you in the dust with advanced vocabulary and inside baseball. None of that today - I'll introduce concepts slowly and one at a time, giving them context as I go.Today we'll cover the analog mixing console, the core piece of equipment in any audio gig. Knowing how to operate this with confidence gives you the key concepts understand the rest of the audio system (mics, speakers, etc.)Let's jump in.🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro & Video Roadmap01:41 - What is an audio console/mixer?05:53 - Starting To Build A Mix06:31 - Gain Structure, The Decibel Scale, & Blowing Up A Preamp!13:11 - Setting Drum Levels16:43 - Panning Out Drums, Stereo Field Explained, PFL Explained21:05 - Building The Full Mix21:39 - Guitar Panning Decisions, Live vs Broadcast25:21 - Understanding EQ - Your Most Powerful Audio Tool38:03 - Aux Sends Explained, Pre Fader, Post Fader#audioconsole #mixer #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
EP 06 | 7 MUST HAVE Skillsets Of A World Class Live Audio Engineer Michael Curtis 2024-06-18 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitMaster these seven skillsets you will become bulletproof.This is true even if you aren’t a pro (weekend warrior, church audio volunteer). And here’s the fun spoiler alert - Mixing is just one of them!**Unfortunately, the barrier to entry is only getting steeper.** The number of expected skillsets is great and their complexity is growing exponentially.Audio technology is moving from concrete to abstraction (less analog, more digital), which is harder for humans in general to grasp, especially when learning something new. Having something tactile helps a ton (which I always like brand new audio engineers to learn on an analog rig).If you’re watching this video, you’re probably wanting to do something about that! You’re hungry to learn and passionate about getting better at your craft.I’ve built a career from the ground up over a decade and come to these seven core skillsets as the bulletproof foundation for a modern audio technician, and I’m happy to unpack these with you today.🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:16 - Rock Solid Fundamentals04:03 - Musical Mixing Abilities06:39 - Sound System Sense08:47 - Ninja RF, Comm, and Stage Tech11:42 - Stellar Soft Skills12:41 - Sharp Production Intuition16:09 - Disciplined, Patient Business Mind19:10 - What is your weakest trait you'd like to develop?#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
How Smaart R U? | Reading Measurement Data Pop Quiz Michael Curtis 2024-06-11 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitHow about a measurement data pop quiz?Some of you are cheering, others are sweating. All of those squiggly lines can be intimidating, for sure.My hope is that you get 10% less confused by those squiggly lines after today’s video.Why is that important? So can move confidently, efficiently, and effectively when tuning your systems!Knowing how to capture good data, read it correctly, and make informed decisions with it is a huge part of our job!Pencils ready? Let’s go.🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:25 - Question #102:28 - Question #205:17 - Question #307:48 - Question #410:19 - Question #5#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
The Ultimate Corporate Breakout X32/M32 Console File Template Michael Curtis 2024-06-04 | ►► Get the corporate breakout console file template and IO sheet here: producedbymkc.com/breakoutMixing Corporate Breakouts is the fastest way to work your way into bigger and better shows.Even though it seems simple on the surface, there’s a ton of nuance and know how when it comes to pulling these gigs off.Your technical execution must be second nature that you can spend the majority of your energy serving the client (and often saving the client from themselves).They’ll give you wrong Spotify playlist, or not have permission to access the most recent PowerPoint, the WiFi will go out, their HDMI dongle will break, the moderator will be stuck in traffic, the list goes on. And you WILL be enlisted to help : )Given that, I want to give you a console file template for the X32/M32 that I’ve honed over mixing hundreds of corporate gigs, big and small. From the President of the United States to the Mayor of Bentonville’s Prayer Breakfast.It’s specifically optimized for working on the M32R/X32 Compact (since you’ll often get a small console to save real estate).Ready to level up? Let's jump in.🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:23 - Typical Breakout Room Layout02:22 - IO Spreadsheet Overview09:33 - Corporate Breakout Console File Overview18:49 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
How I Move Ninja Fast In Smaart When Tuning Sound Systems Michael Curtis 2024-05-28 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit“I have all the time in the world to tune the system.”SAID NO ONE EVER.In live events time is always of the essence. The truck was late, it didn’t have all the gear you needed, soundcheck got moved up, and now your tuning window magically went from one hour to 15 minutes.We of course don’t want to rush and make mistakes, but we do want to move quickly and efficiently. True professionals operate with precision and speed and the number one way to accelerate that in Smaart (other than knowing the fundamentals backwards and forwards) is with this utterly groundbreaking concept.Hotkeys.That just rocked your world, right?There’s nothing new under the sun, but it blows my mind how much they remain underutilized given how much time they save.Today I’ll show you:- Four ONE HANDED key commands you need to know to start and capture a measurement in less than two seconds- Four data manipulation key commands to analyze measurements quicklyReady to move like a ninja? Check the video out.🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:02 - Active Tuning Shortcuts06:23 - Data Analysis Shortcuts10:51 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
This Simple Mistake RUINS Line Array Coverage (And How To Fix It) Michael Curtis 2024-05-21 | Isn’t it funny that line arrays are rarely deployed in a straight line?Spoiler alert: there’s a good reason for that.Many engineers present line arrays as a panacea to all audio problems. It just might be the right tool for the job, but it must be designed and deployed correctly. Nailing the mechanical design first gets you 90% of the way there.Even with all the advancements in prediction software and processing there’s still one critical mistake I see over and over again with line array deployments. It doesn’t sound pretty and you can’t solve it with EQ.Thankfully it’s a simple, zero cost fix.►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX00:00 - What is the same about these line arrays?01:44 - Point Source Basics06:30 - Line Array vs Point Source Coverage08:14 - Why do line arrays focus energy?10:41 - The straight line 4kHz spike of death13:47 - What should you do instead of a straight line?17:00 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Low Ceilings Got You Down? Do THIS With Your Sound System. Michael Curtis 2024-05-14 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitLow ceiling venues makes it incredibly tough to get clear, consistent results from your sound systems. Once you get your speaker placement perfect you’re probably blocking the back row’s sight lines to the screen. Or the front row’s getting blasted while the back row can’t hear a thing!Today I want to give you a strategy for overcoming these challenges so you can add them to your decision making tool belt. After this you’re going to be able to make the “best lemonade possible” when you’re dealt a low ceiling lemon.We’ll cover:- My favorite speaker to use in low ceiling venues- How to know when to add delay speakers- Are really subs necessary?🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
EP 05 | How Much EQ Is Too Much For Lavs & Lecterns? Michael Curtis 2024-05-07 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitGetting crystal clear dialog in a live environment is notoriously hard (not to mention getting it right on broadcast and records as well). With one person speaking at a time there’s no mix to hide a problem source.We search for the perfect balance between intelligibility, stability, and naturalness. Sometimes with minimal work we have headroom for days, while others we paint ourselves into a corner with filter after filter and hang on the edge of feedback the entire show.Should we err on the side of “less is more” or hack away clinging to the mantra “if it sounds good it is good”? Will the phase gremlins cause my console to spontaneously combust if I use too much EQ?Today we can find some middle ground in a three part method I’ve been using for almost a decade in high pressure corporate environments like Fortune 500 earnings broadcasts, presidential campaign announcements, and the Capitol Building proceedings.We’ll learn:- Why phase isn’t nearly as scary as you think- Where you should use EQ first (and it’s not on your channel strip)- What starting point EQ settings I use on every dialog channel🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:01 - An EQ Primer05:12 - Tonal Ranges of the Human Voice09:35 - Types of EQ11:37 - How Much EQ Is Too Much?15:57 - The EQ Order of Operations - Tonal Balance Buckets27:40 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
EP 04 | This Separates The BEST From The Rest Of Live Audio Engineers Michael Curtis 2024-04-30 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit“How can I find a spouse?” - BAD QUESTION“How can I make myself the most dateable person ever?” - Better Question : )We can draw the same analogy in the question, “How can I get better gigs?” How about a better question - “How can I make myself the best engineer for the gig?”I’ve distilled the top characteristics of the very best in the field down to three core characteristics.Do you have them?🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:12 - Confidence, Underpinned by Openness05:31 - Speed, Underpinned by Attention to Detail09:18 - Professionalism, Underpinned by Being A Good Hang12:18 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
How to Read Heat Maps In Sound System Prediction Software (Don’t Be Fooled) Michael Curtis 2024-04-23 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitHeat Maps give us invaluable data in our system designs - if you know how to read them.Red means loud, blue means soft. Easy right? Not so fast!It’s easier than you think to either fool yourself, or be fooled by an integrator, on what the data is actually showing you. I’m assuming Hanlon’s Razor here (Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by ignorance), so want to help inform both designers and clients how to both generate and interpret useful data when it comes to heat maps.We’ll cover:- Why making everything “the same color” isn’t the end all be all- What key parameters help you make decisions the fastest- How to use JBL’s Venue Synthesis to quickly gather this data🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:11 - What Data Does Heat Maps Covey To Us?06:01 - Clarifying Details?07:42 - Audience Area09:56 - Sources11:17 - Signal Type, Frequency Range, & Weighting20:08 - Scale22:58 - Processing24:14 - Acoustics & Summation Calcs29:40 - What Is Not Shown?30:20 - Helpful Questions33:51 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
EP 03 | Jumpstart Your Live Audio Freelance Career | A 90 Day Experiment Michael Curtis 2024-04-16 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitThis is the exact 90 game plan I would hand to any new live audio engineer starting in the industry. It’s not near as scary as you think.I posted this poll last week and the results disheartened me:Out of almost 500 votes 60% of you wonderful people doubt you could make a reasonable living in the live event industry!You might be telling yourself:1. There’s not enough gigs to go around where I live2. I’m simply not talented or skilled enough to get enough gigs3. The market is oversaturated4. I’ll probably screw up and lose all my opportunities5. How could I possibly “jump” from this nice, stable job to such a volatile industry?Nothing could be further from the truth.No matter if you’re fresh out of high school or nearing retirement I want to tell that *there’s room for you. The industry desperately needs more talented, generous, and dependable engineers.To be clear, I’m not asking you to do anything drastic. In fact, I want you to do the opposite.Don’t jump, take one small step. Then another. Then another.Today I want to share with step-by-step a 90 day experiment you can run to move towards the freedom and opportunity you’re craving with a live audio freelance career. To be fair, there’s plenty of upsides working for an employer, but if you’ve been wanting to test the freelance waters, here’s your chance.We’ll cover:- How to creatively assess your local and national gig opportunities and start generating income fast (there’s more out there than you think)- Why you should start small and build up momentum vs taking a giant leap of faith (but- How to keep your business lean so you’re not sweating about making ends meet- What new business bank accounts you should open and exactly how to manage the money you bring🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - The Poll01:40 - Reading Between The Lines03:39 - Facing The Scary Parts10:35 - Quick Caveats12:17 - Plan Overview12:51 - Personal Finance Audit16:25 - Market & Opportunity Assessment23:19 - Bootstrapping Your Startup41:09 - Execute Your 90 Day Experiment48:18 - Recommended Reading & Listening#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
EP 02 | Choosing The Perfect Speaker Brand And Model For Your Gig (On Any Budget) Michael Curtis 2024-04-09 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitIt’s hard to think of a worse feeling than knowing the value of what you’ve purchased doesn’t live up to the dollars you traded for it.Most of us simply want a quality, reliable, and pleasing sounding set of speakers that get the job we’re asking them to do done well. That job may be your Kindergartner’s school play, your weekend warrior country band, or a packed out arena.We’re bombarded in all directions with sly marketing promises and pseudoscience - how can we sift through the noise and make decisions using pertinent, foundational metrics?Today I unpack 10 key categories that help you make informed, conscientoius decisions when selecting the right speaker for *your* gig (regardless of budget).🔗 Links:►► Ask A Question To Be Featured On The Podcast: producedbymkc.com/question🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:42 - Systems Thinking Primer02:19 - Define the Gig04:02 - Design & Processing Ecosystem10:28 - Product Flexibility17:24 - Linearity At All Volumes18:28 - Smooth HF Transition Across Nominal Coverage21:33 - Honest SPL Capabilities22:37 - Longevity26:27 - Aesthetic & EASE of Use/Installation27:14 - Active vs Passive28:32 - Do you like the way it sounds?30:24 - Key Takeaways32:23 - Wrapup#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
EP 01 | Will My System Sound The Same Everywhere After Alignment? Michael Curtis 2024-04-02 | It’s our job as FOH and system engineers to minimize variance, but we’ve got to work within certain acceptable amounts of variance. We want every seat to sound like the front row.Today we walk through seven key things that change as you move throughout your audience and how to listen and evaluate them.►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit►► Ask a question for future videos/podcasts: producedbymkc.com/question🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bXChapters00:08 - Itay's Question02:17 - Level Changes03:42 - Tonality Changes05:23 - Direct to Reverb Ratio07:40 - Floor & Boundary Reflections09:05 - Room Modes10:25 - Seam Alignment12:40 - Imaging
Faders Too Low On Your Live Mix? Turn Down HERE Instead Michael Curtis 2024-02-20 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro03:03 - Gain Structure Fundamentals05:36 - Gain Structure Example In A Larger System09:52 - Expected Speaker Input Levels11:18 - Three Places To Turn Your System Down15:42 - Why Not To Turn Down At The Speaker19:54 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Dugan Automixers Explained: Get Crystal Clear Dialog With This UNREAL Tool Michael Curtis 2024-01-30 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitDan Dugan’s work has saved my bacon more times than I can count.I honestly don’t know how corporate gigs were mixed before the invention of the automixer. If you have to see the light (or don’t have much experience with the tool), I’ve got you covered.Today we’re going to dive deep into:- What is an automixer and why is it such a game changing tool?- How does an automixer work?- What does it sound like before and after processing?- 10 Killer Pro Tips for using automixers (which I’ve used while mixing for The White House and some of the world’s largest companies)- 6 clever alternative automixer use cases to help make your live audio life easier.Ready to jump in?🔗 Links:🎛️ WTAutomixer V2 - wtautomixer.com/?page_id=383💬 Waves Dugan Speech - waves.com/mixers-racks/dugan-speech🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:29 - What Is An Automixer And Why Is It Helpful?04:29 - How Does An Automixer Work?10:16 - Hearing An Automixer In Action11:26 - 10 Automixer Workflow Tips & Tricks18:56 - 6 Clever Automixer Use Cases23:28 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner #dandugan #automixer #corporateaudio
The Live Audio VST Revolution: Game Changer or Giant Distraction? Michael Curtis 2024-01-23 | EDIT:: Yamaha desks with the multiband compressor DO have a peak limiter in the "ceiling" setting. Thanks @magoostus for the pro tip here!The X32 Precision Limiter is a regular peak limiter, not true peak. Thanks @schrammeldsp8727 for the fact check►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitThe live audio industry is undergoing a revolution. It is now easier than every to integrate almost any tool you want into your live mixing environment.We’re not stuck with just Waves plugins on a SoundGrid server, but Fourier Audio has introduced the transform.engine enabling any VST you’d like in a stable, low-latency environment.You don’t even have to invest in extra hardware - you can snag something like GigPerformer, Waves SuperRack Performer, or Live Professor and run everything right from your laptop.Moore’s Law multiplied by the BK “Have It Your Way” mentality has democratized these tools for the everyday audio engineer, I wanted to slow down a bit and adopt a mindset from an unlikely place - the Amish. Yes, the slow, rural folks with beards, dresses, and funny hats.It’s easy to pick on them and call them Luddites, but they’re actually not against technology - they’re incredibly *picky* about technology. They rely on the elders of their wisdom to intentionally and systematically bring in new technologies into their community, run it through a robust matrix of values, then decide as a community how they will engage with it.With that in mind I want to:- Start with a brief reality check- Introduce some solid VST use cases (probably not what you think)- Things to Watch Out For- 6 VST Plugins Worth Investing In🔗 Links:LoudMax - kvraudio.com/product/loudmax-by-thomas-mundtGig Performer - gigperformer.comTonal Balance Control 2 - izotope.com/en/products/tonal-balance-control-2.htmlRX Voice De-Noise - izotope.com/en/products/rx/features/voice-de-noise.htmlMetric A/B - plugin-alliance.com/en/products/adptr_metricab.htmlYouLean Loudness Meter 2 - youlean.co/youlean-loudness-meter🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:43 - A Brief Reality Check04:35 - Solid Live Audio VST Use Cases07:47 - Mistakes & Mindsets to Watch Out For18:20 - 6 VST Plugins With Investing In For Live Audio#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Can I be vulnerable with you? Michael Curtis 2024-01-16 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitDon’t worry, I’m not having a mental breakdown : )But I do wanted to open up a much needed conversation within live audio. We’re not the best bunch at graciously sharing our industry’s unique struggles, so I thought I’d go first.🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Can I be vulnerable with you?02:42 - Board Mix 103:13 - Board Mix 2#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Start to Finish Sound System Design Tutorial In EASE Focus 3 Michael Curtis 2024-01-09 | ►► Get this design file & system report: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitUncovering My Real-Time Thought Process While Designing A Sound SystemIn the past I’ve shown you bits and pieces of different aspects of system design - understanding speaker coverage, cardioid sub setups, and how line arrays work. Although this is important, I thought it’d be cool to share you a design from start to finish - with my real-time commentary along the way.I lean on tried and true foundational principles and wade through multiple trade-offs to arrive at a killer system for a real potential client of mine.We’ll cover:🔨Fine-tune your speaker's vertical and horizontal coverage for maximum impact.🌟 Making data-driven adjustments to achieve a balanced and consistent audio experience.💡 Weighing trade-offs when making speaker placement and aiming adjustments🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:20 - EASE Focus 3 Settings, Importing Layout Picture03:11 - Creating Audience Zones05:58 - Assessing Speaker Coverage, Creating Aiming Zones10:02 - Picking Our First Speaker 90 x 45, SPL & Mapping Settings12:29 - Vertical Aiming, Minimum Variance Line Explanation15:03 - Adding Receivers & Assessing Frequency Response17:57 - Fine Tuning Horizontal Coverage20:34 - Switching to a 75 x 75 Mains Speaker, Evaluating Coverage22:09 - Lowering Speaker Trim Height to Improve Vertical Coverage02:45 - Duplicating Main R to L, Assessing Other Coverage Areas25:26 - Adding A Center Fill For Front Row Center28:25 - Adding A Center Flown Subwoofer29:52 - Creating Our System Report#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
How I Use ANY Send FX Plugin On ANY Desk With Gig Performer Michael Curtis 2024-01-02 | ►► Get my FOH FX Rack Gig Performer template: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitI love lush verbs and vibey delays, but not every console has ‘em…After you’ve mastered the fundamentals in mixing, tasteful use of FX is really what elevates your game. A subtle slapback on the vocal or just the right plate verb on the snare can really make things sing.However, if you’re constantly mixing in different environments on whatever desk is supplied for that gig then your “tonal palette” of FX changes drastically. You could be stuck with a Pro2C and only have 6 FX slots total, OR have a RIVAGE series desk with wonderful Bricasti verbs.Now that 99% of my gigs are on digital desks with some type of digital IO, I decided to take my FX into my hands…well, my own laptop.Enter Gig Performer - the most flexible, stable, live performance plugin host you could ever ask for.I use it for my own hobby bass and guitar gigs, but have yet to really push it into my FOH mixing duties. Today I’d like to show you v1 of my send FX template and walk you through step by step on how to set it up.We’ll cover:- Why I prefer Gig Performer over a Waves Server or Live Professor- The biggest time saving feature Gig Performer has to offer- How to build your own Rackspaces from scratch🔗 Links:🎸 Download Gig Performer: gigperformer.com🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Why Gig Performer?02:22 - Routing Considerations03:23 - Template Overview, Parameter Mapping, GUI Layout11:19 - Building A Simple Chorus Insert From Scratch#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Tele Tone & Transfer Functions | Dialing In MixWaves Benson Chimera Michael Curtis 2023-12-28 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitI was drowning in options…I love the tweaking and dialing in process just as much as any other guitar gear head, but recently I found myself spinning in circles.Which one of these twelve mics sounds best?On which of the four cabinets?And where the heck should I place the mic?Should I back it up some or move it to the edge? Or BOTH?And not to mention the tone stack on the EQ….AHHHHHH!After much frustration it suddenly hit me…What if I could use measurement tools to help me systematically move towards a tone I liked? To help isolate the variables and tweak in a more organized fashion?Check it out!🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Guitar Intro02:47 - Plugin & Measurement Walkthrough06:01 - Post-Cabinet EQ#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
QLab Basics | Nail VOG & Walk-Up Tracks On Corporate Audio Gigs Michael Curtis 2023-12-20 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi💼 Hire Me To Design & Tune Your System - producedbymkc.com/workwithme🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Rock Your First Corporate A2 Gig With These 25 Pro Tips Michael Curtis 2023-12-13 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitEvery great A1 knows the secret to having a great show is having a sharp A2.An A1 is usually stuck behind the console the whole gig, so what about everything else in the audio department that needs to get done?A killer A2:- Makes presenters feel comfortable on stage- Mics presenters quickly and efficiently- Solves surprise problems with ease- Creates a rock solid RF and Comm setup- Serves as an organized stage manager on smaller shows- Gels the whole crew togetherI know this seems like a lot, but with a few reps (and starting with these 25 pro tips) you can create a path for yourself as the go-to A2.🔗 Links:📻 Coax Attenuation Chart - w4rp.com/ref/coax.html📡 RF Line Loss Calculator - qsl.net/co8tw/Coax_Calculator.htm🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
25 Pro Tips For Your First Corporate A1 Gig (Its Harder Than You Think) Michael Curtis 2023-12-06 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitWanting to make the jump to corporate audio gigs?High level corporate gigs means more than “just some guy yapping at a podium”. I love mixing a great band just as much as you do, but corporate events offer a unique challenge few audio techs are up to.You’ve got to stay calm and collected with big name talent on stage, often with zero rehearsal time.You must effortlessly nail your walk-on and mic cues, often involving complex changes on the fly.Mixing the room AND a killer stream feed simultaneously is now the standard.If this sounds like fun to you, check out these 25 tips from my career so far. They’ve helped me wrangle events for Condoleezza Rice, The Most Interesting Man in the World, Oprah, Shaq, Hue Jackman, The President of the United States, the Arkansas Governor, and Eric Musselman.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🔗 Links:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🍽️ Mixing The House AND Your Livestream At The Same Time - youtu.be/lrcp6vR2LhM🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Visualizing Analog EQ Curves With Open Sound Meter Michael Curtis 2023-11-28 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitWhat do console EQ curves actually look like?I’m just as much a fan of mixing with your ears and not your ears, but oftentimes it’s helpful to have another reference point for how your tools work and interact with each other.Today we’re using Open Sound Meter to look under the hood of an analog console to uncover the actual response of the EQ circuit. It has published specs, but does it actually perform and represent what’s in the manual?These types of projects not only help you understand EQ better, but also your measurement tools. We often think of measurement as only consisting of a reference microphone in front of a speaker - but you can measure almost anything with a linear and time invariant response!We’ll uncover:- The clever shelf design of the EPM8- Do channel-to-channel settings match?- How to set up this type of test🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Learn Speaker EQ Step by Step With NO GEAR in Open Sound Meter Michael Curtis 2023-11-21 | ►► Get this OSM File: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitWe as live audio engineers run into two related problems when trying to learn new skills:1. When we’re on a gig there’s not much extra time to try new things.2. At home we don’t have access to gear.Today I’m pumped to share with a new feature in Open Sound Meter, the pay-what-you-want cross-platform open source audio analyzer software that enables you to practice using EQ without any additional gear!It requires a little bit of setup, but I’m here right by your side step-by-step to get everything ready to go.We’ll cover:- Key OSM features to have set before getting started- Why flat is a good place to start- The intuitive EQ workflow I stole from Pat Brown01:21 - Measurement & OSM Setup03:43 - Capturing Our Fostex Speaker05:09 - Adding Filters and a Math Source07:46 - Applying EQ Filters To Flatten Speaker Response14:09 - Recap🔗 Links:🔉 Download Open Sound Meter - opensoundmeter.com🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Confused By Compression? Watch This 4-Step Workflow Michael Curtis 2023-11-15 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitConfused by compression? You’re not alone.Apart from EQ, compression is your most powerful tool to deliver pro sounding mixes, both live and in studio. Unfortunately, the amount of parameters you have in front of you is often overwhelming.Today I’m here to help you clarify compression with a 4-step workflow I learned from a killer mixing book, Mixing With Your Mind. We’ll cover:- In what exact order you should adjust your compressor settings- The two main adjectives I use to describe compression- Why drums is the best place to start to learn compression🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
My Travel System Tuning Rig (And Why I Carry 500ft of XLR) Michael Curtis 2023-11-07 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitTSA definitely gives me some raised eyebrows.But I like my minimalist setup with essential system tuning gear. I used to ask my clients to have mic stands and XLR available to me, but have decided to travel with everything I need. And here’s my exact list of what I pack and how!We cover:- Why in the world I carry 500ft of XLR- The cutest router you’ve ever seen- My favorite portable mic stands⚙️ Gear:Manfrotto 4' Mini Tripod Mic Stand - rationalacoustics.com/products/4-mini-tripod-standAudio Evo 8 - https://evo.audio/products/audio-interfaces/evo-8/overview/GL iNet Router - gl-inet.com/products/gl-ar750siSemcon EMX-7150 Measurement Mic - isemcon.net/ashop/product_info.php?language=en&products_id=57Royal Blue Mic Cables - audiopile.net/MQ-102🔗 Resources:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
SRX906LA Line Array | Did It Live Up To The Hype? Michael Curtis 2023-10-31 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitDoes JBL’s new mid-tier line array stand up to the competition?I love getting my hands on new exciting products, especially when they’re at price points many production companies and churches alike can afford.This year JBL released the new SRX series boxes and I was able to just last week put in a 10-box hang of their dual 6.5” line array.Today I’d like to walk you through the full process of selecting, designing, tuning, and evaluating this box. Most “reviews” simply give you a list of specs and play a test track or two, but I’d like to show you from start to finish what it was like to work with this product on a real project.🔗 Links:🏗️ System Tuning Workshop For Beginners - producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshop⚒️ Audio Toolkit - producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkit🆕 New To Sound System Design? Start Here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0HTXmXl4nKZO64yHmQP0lRi🔊 Subwoofer Videos - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLfCybtxh0H7gaGak2Gfe3ogiyogc6bX📕 Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:59 - Project Scope03:19 - JBL SRX906LA Key Specs Overview05:45 - Design Overview10:58 - Tuning & Measurement Data15:20 - How did it sound?17:10 - Recap#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
What Do You ACTUALLY Do With Measurement Data? Michael Curtis 2023-10-24 | ►► Use the secret coupon code (listed somewhere in this video) to get my System Tuning Workshop 31% off until midnight Oct 31, 2023: producedbymkc.com/systemtuningworkshopYou’ve captured all these squiggly lines…Now What?!?It’s important to know how to capture quality data from your sound systems, but it’s easy to get into data overload.How do you sort through all of these measurements and distill actionable steps to make your PA sound great in every seat?Today we’ll uncover two key components of system tuning, a set of questions that ties everything together. We’ll get into:- How we’re a x-ray tech, radiologist, and surgeon ALL AT ONCE- Why data overload feels so overwhelming- How you can create order within your system tuning process#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Mixing The House AND Your Livestream At The Same Time? Dont Miss This. Michael Curtis 2023-10-17 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitWe can’t be two places at once, but we often do have to mix for two *completely different places at once.I’ve mixed hundreds of corporate shows where I’m expected to have the house mix dialed in as well as a polished stream feed going to a remote audience. Although they’re often listening to the exact same sources, these audiences need very different treatment.We’ll cover four essential differences between a house mix and a remote audience mix and how to make sure they’re both handled well.Ready to level up your livestream mix?🔗 Video Links:Youlean Loudness Meter - youlean.co/youlean-loudness-meterLoudMax Low Latency Limiter - kvraudio.com/product/loudmax-by-thomas-mundt#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner #livestreammix #youlean
So I Blew My Clients $5,000 Power Amp...Then This Happened Michael Curtis 2023-10-10 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitIt’s all in the recovery.No matter if it was negligence, ignorance, or moving too quickly, it hurts to make mistakes on a gig - especially $6,000 mistakes.Today I’d love to share with you my experience blowing a fancypants integrated DSP/Power amp, how I made things right with my client, and some other key learnings along the way.We cover:- How I earned back my client’s trust- What changes I made to my wiring diagram workflow- Why honest wins out every time#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Can I Trust Messy Subwoofer Measurement Data On My Gig? Michael Curtis 2023-10-03 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitWhy are subwoofer measurements often so hard to read?There’s much working against us in the field when we’re trying to make good decisions about how to tune our subwoofers.There’s A/C noise, lifts rolling around, and they just HAD to vacuum the stage during your tuning time.Given all of these obstacles, how can we make sure and capture the best data we can and also have realistic expectations on what is “usable” and “trustworthy”?Today we cover:- How reverberance and room modes affect measurement data- What’s the most important quality indicator for our measurements- What does “real world” data look like?#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Subwoofer Scramble: Combining 15 AND 18 Subs In The Same Rig? Michael Curtis 2023-09-26 | ►► Get the OSM, GLL, and trace files here: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitSometimes you gotta make a PA Salad - combining subs of differing size and specs together to make a uniform rig.Will this get you in trouble?Today I'd like you walk you through not only the answer to this question, but the process in which I got there. How I was able to source measurement, analyze the data, and see what processing I needed to make for a killer sounding low end.We'll cover:- How important is phase vs SPL in this equation?- Should I turn down the bigger sub or turn up the smaller sub?- How can I measure my own gear to make sure it'll work?🔗 Video Links:Open Sound Meter - opensoundmeter.comEASE GLL Viewer - https://www.afmg.eu/en/gll-viewer#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
A Bulletproof Checklist: How To Create Clarity With Your Integrator Michael Curtis 2023-09-19 | ►► Get the Sound System Commissioning Checklist here: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitMaking sure everyone’s on the same page is half the battle.I rarely end up working the same integrator from project to project. Although it’s great to be able to build many different relationships, it means learning how fit into a variety of expectations and workflows.To help make sure my client, their chosen integrator, and me are on the same page, I’ve create the Sound Commissioning Checklist - a clear and concise set of expectations for the integrator and myself to make sure the sound system will sound and perform amazing.Today I walk you through step-by-step each point in the checklist and use real examples from a project I’m working on right now.We’ll cover:- How I house every asset within a single page for easy reference- Why every single box in the system gets checked twice- What should the integrator have done before I step foot in the venue#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Yamaha DM7 | Quick First Look & Impressions (More to Come!) Michael Curtis 2023-09-12 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitI’m lucky enough to have a great relationships with avad3 Event Production who generously let me come into their shop and poke around on their brand spankin’ new Yamaha DM7.I’ve done hundreds of shows on the Yamaha QL/CL/TF/RIVAGE series desks, so I’m very curious how this new desk would stack up.This video is by no means a comprehensive overview of the features of the desk, but simply a gut check and first look at the look, feel, and layout of the desk, as well as a few key changes that have either been borrowed from other desks or fundamentally different altogether.We’ll cover:- The biggest workflow differences from a CL/QL series desk- Does it feel pro?- No gooseneck lamps needed!- How sharp the screens are- My favorite new cue bus feature#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
The Unexpected “Flip” That Happened In Vegas Michael Curtis 2023-09-05 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitI guess this didn’t stay in Vegas, huh?I had a blast last week working with a world class crew in Caesar’s Forum last. PM5 console, over 2,000 attendees, a huge remote audience, TONS of cues, and a happy client.One thing different about this gig vs others is that I was “just” the A1. I didn’t have to worry about RF, comm, or the sound system one bit. That was all handled by my A2, a comm tech, and the system tech (who all killed it). I simply got to mix for the house and livestream.And MAN was that weird AND relieving.Today I’d like to unpack that experience, the “flip” for the all-in-one-A1 to simply mixing the show to the best of my ability. We’ll cover:- How I “released control” of the system to a great SE- Why I didn’t care as much about the PA as I thought I would- How production is a team sport#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
I Made It Sound Crystal Clear In The Back Row Without ANY New Gear Michael Curtis 2023-08-22 | ►► Get over 20 free audio tools: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitIf you’re unhappy with the sound at your venue it’s tempting to go for the easy fix - buying new speakers. Often little thought is given to how the system is positioned, aimed, or tuned.I was thankful for the patience of this church for letting me do some experiments with the gear they already had and coming out the other side having touched very little of their budget.Today I walk you through step-by-step how I intentionally designed a crystal clear system for their congregation in a challenging space. We cover:- Why Forward Aspect Ratio isn’t the end all be all- How stereo was for from the right choice in this room- Why I still strongly dislike ground stacked subs#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
Compression vs Limiting: Whats The Difference? #shorts Michael Curtis 2023-08-17 | #liveaudio #livesound #livemixing #livemixing #sounddesign #soundengineering
I Use This Target Trace On Every Gig (And You Can Have It, Too) Michael Curtis 2023-08-15 | ►► Get my Target Traces in my audio toolkit: producedbymkc.com/audiotoolkitI think we can all agree that our goal is to make sure our mix sounds great in every seat. The nosebleeds should sound as every bit as good as FOH.Where we might differ is what tonality should be represented in every seat.Is the PA flat? A low end bump? How much hotter are the subs vs the mains? High end rolloff?Today I share with you my tried and true target trace (something I borrowed from my good friend and colleague Michael Lawrence, who borrowed it from Dennie Miller, another phenomenal SE).We cover:- How target traces serve as your tonal guide- How to EQ a speaker to your desired target trace- What does success look like for your system’s tonality#systemdesign #systemtuning #livesound #liveaudio #sounddesign #audioengineering #soundoptimization #liveaudio #concertsound #audiomath #systemtuning #proaudio #soundengineering #soundtech #sounddesigner
