Live Sound: Course Outline
LS190
This course gives you the knowledge and confidence you need to start working in the Live Music circuit.
Lectures take place at Camden's famous Underworld in London, where you will be working under the supervision of the resident Engineers and lecturers until you can comfortably run a gig on your own.
Because the career of a sound engineer is built on actual skills and recommendation rather than CVs, we provide actual work experience with access to a busy music venue and the chance to mix with industry professionals throughout the course.
Course Outline
Day 1
Introduction. Overview of PA systems, application, usage. Introduction to components of a P.A. system. Understanding FOH/MON. Sound and hearing.
Day 2
Signal sources. Microphones, DI boxes – design and application. Sound theory related to the subject.
Day 3
Mixing console. Detailed explanation of mixing desks. FOH/MON.
Day 4
Mixing console. Detailed explanation of mixing desks. FOH/MON. Understanding equalisation. Sound theory related to the subject.
Day 5
Outboard rack. FX, dynamics, graphic EQ – theory and practice.
Day 6
Power amps. Class, rating, types, choosing the right one for your system.
Speakers. Types, usage, understanding frequency response, impedance, placement, figuring out crossover frequencies.
Day 7
Putting it all together. Connectors, wiring, polarity, ground. Setting up the PA - from small club to an open air festival. Delay networks, proximity effect, crossovers, patch bay.
Days 8, 9, 10, 11
Soundcheck. Tuning the PA and monitors. Graphic EQ and feedback prevention. Do's and don'ts. Overview of digital equalisation. Each student performs a tune-up of PA and monitor system.
Days 12, 13, 14, 15
Microphone placement. Sound sources on the stage. Phasing. Line/Mic level signals. Gain structure. Cabling.
Days 16, 17, 18, 19
EQ, gates, compressors, FX.
Each student performs a full sound check.
Days 20
Troubleshooting and maintenance. Common and uncommon problems and solving them.
Day 21
On tour and in the venue. How not to go crazy living on the tour bus and dealing with musicians on daily basis. Who is who on the road. Ethics and unwritten rules of sound engineering. What to expect around the world.
Day 22
Digital technology. Wireless technology. Understanding venue/tech specs.
Days 23 – 24
Last remaining classes are arranged around the progress of each students, providing as much practical experience as possible.
Starting Date:
Septemeber 2010 – only six places!About the Lecturers
Bryan Mills
Front of House and Monitor Engineer at Camden Underworld for 5 years, Union Chapel in Islington for 7 years. Touring Engineer for Newton Fawkner, Dodgy, Cajun Dance Party, Steeleye Span, Maddy Prior.
Freelance Engineer at Astoria, Koko, O2 Matter, ULU, King's College London.
Bryan also has a successful career as a professional session musician, Recording Engineer, Mixer and Producer, with credits including Mercury Prize nominated debut album by Guillemots, Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins), The Divine Comedy, Kevin Shields, Bafta nominated soundtrack for film Lost in Translation.
Kate Piatkowska.
Front of House and Monitor Engineer at Camden Underworld for 7 years. Touring Engineer for bands including Monster Magnet, Fintroll, Nuclear Assault, Immortal, Obituary amongst others. Since 2003 Kate has toured Europe and US extensively and engineered countless festivals.
Kostas Kostopolous
One of Camden Underworld's most valued Freelance Engineers, Kostas has worked at many of London's leading live music venues including Astoria, Shepherd's Bush Empire, The Forum, Electric Balroom, Garage, Scala. Touring Engineer for Architects, Sikth, Angel Witch, Ted Maul.
How To Apply
Call 020 7720 6183 or email info@londonschoolofsound.co.uk
to arrange an interview
Due to the small size of our classes we recommend booking as early as possible
Availability
We have SIX places still available (updated on )
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