2. Level Balancing: The Foundation of a Good Mix

Level balancing is the first step in an effective mix. It involves setting the correct proportion between each sound source to achieve clarity and impact.

2.1. Gain Staging and Headroom

Proper gain staging is crucial to avoid distortion or background noise. Recommended practices include:

🔹 Setting each channel’s gain using the console preamp to reach 0 dB on the input meter (unity gain).
🔹 Maintaining a headroom of at least 6 dB to prevent saturation during dynamic peaks.
🔹 Using the main fader for mix adjustments, not to compensate for poorly calibrated gains.

2.2. Level Hierarchy

📌 Practical Example: In a live event using Tecnare CLA21PLUS as the main PA and V14CX as stage monitors, level balance should be set as follows:

✅ Vocals and melodic elements: In the foreground.
✅ Drums and percussion: Adjusted to maintain groove without masking other sources.
✅ Bass and rhythm guitars: Supporting the foundation without overpowering the midrange.
✅ Effects and reverbs: Kept at a subtle level to avoid masking.

3. Live Equalization: Sculpting the Right Sound

Equalization (EQ) corrects acoustic deficiencies, reduces feedback, and enhances intelligibility.

3.1. Types of Equalization

🔹 Corrective EQ: Used to eliminate problematic resonances.
🔹 Creative EQ: Used to enhance the character of each instrument.

📌 Practical Example:

• Lead vocals: Cut 200-400 Hz to reduce “nasal” sound, boost 3 kHz for presence.
• Electric bass: Cut below 50 Hz to clean up low-end mud, boost 800 Hz for definition.
• Cymbals and overheads: Reduce 3-5 kHz to soften harshness, boost 12 kHz for clarity.

3.2. Techniques to Prevent Feedback

When mixing live with stage monitors like the Tecnare V14CX, minimizing feedback is essential. Recommended techniques:

✅ Position microphones outside the direct axis of monitors.
✅ Apply notch filters on resonant frequencies using parametric EQ.
✅ Avoid excessive gain in mid-high frequencies, where feedback is most likely to occur.

4. Dynamic Processing: Controlling the Mix

Dynamic processing (compression, limiting, expansion, and gating) helps maintain consistent levels and prevent signal overload.

4.1. Using Compression in Live Mixing

🔹 Vocals: Ratio 3:1, fast attack (~5 ms), medium release (~50 ms).
🔹 Bass and kick drum: Ratio 4:1, slow attack (~25 ms) to preserve transients.
🔹 Rhythmic instruments: Light compression to prevent dominance in the mix.

📌 Practical Example: In a concert using Tecnare CLA21PLUS, compression should be applied to vocals to keep them stable without losing natural dynamics.

5. Conclusion

The success of a live mix depends on proper level management, precise equalization, and effective dynamic processing. By applying these techniques with systems like Tecnare CLA21PLUS and V14CX monitors, it is possible to achieve a powerful and well-balanced sound in any event.