The Source

The first piece in the chain!

Often overlooked is where the sound originates from. Whether we’re talking about the microphone and person singing into it, or a keyboard using a direct box, the best thing we can do to make sure the mix sounds great is to ensure our source sounds great!

You want to make sure you are partnering with your musicians to get the best possible sound. Approach these conversations from a relational perspective, and keep in mind that we’re all on the same team! You want to breach these issues with tact but also speak truth. Instead of shouting from the booth “Chuck, tune your guitar!!!!”, approach them during a break and say something like, “Hey Chuck, I noticed your guitar was starting to go out of tune in the second song. What you were playing was great, but I was distracted by that dissonance. Is there something we could try to help that from happening?

While a silly example, the keys are language of “we” instead of “you”, which reinforces that we’re on the same team working towards the same goal! Also, we’re offering to help in some way, and not assigning blame to anyone.

Some Common Source Issues:

• If it’s a stringed instrument, is it in tune?
• Are the Drums in tune or do they need gels / tape to help dampen ringing and bad sounding overtones