Live Sound Engineering Techniques: On Tour with Rush

Follow a top-tier live sound engineer around the setup for a Rush concert in a 12,000-seat arena show in Denver, Colorado.

Introduction

• Welcome

1. Setting Up the Sound System

• Starting the day with the big picture
• Choosing the right PA for the venue
• Unloading the trucks and load-in
• Audio rigging: Points
• Audio rigging: Motors and cables
• Audio rigging: Trusses
• Amplifier racks
• The best combination of analog and digital signal paths
• Audio rigging: Feeder and power
• Flying the PA speaker arrays
• Discussing the advantages of subwoofers and front-fill speakers
• Where's the best place to sit at the venue?

2. The Onstage Monitor Mix

• Monitor world: Setting up at the monitor engineer's position
• Preparing the wireless in-ear monitors for the band
• Scanning frequencies and configuring the RF antenna for wireless in-ear monitors
• Real-world example: Getting a basic monitor mix for different band members
• Line check overview: Making sure every line sounds as expected
• Sound check from the monitor position
• Monitor mix snapshots for the live performance
• Communicating with Geddy, Alex, and Neil during the show

3. The Clockwork Angels Stage Tour

• Guitar world: Getting the Alex Lifeson guitar sound
• Guitar world: Alex Lifeson's guitars
• Triggering offstage samples with MIDI pedals
• Alex Lifeson's stage position
• Placing microphones on Neil Peart's drums and the rotating riser
• Geddy Lee's stage position: Vocals, bass, and keyboards
• Bass world: Getting Geddy Lee's bass sound
• Using audience microphones to connect the band to their fans
• Getting a great isolated sound from the string section

4. Front-of-House Sound

• Turning on the PA for the first time
• Mixing live sound for front of house
• Achieving even sound coverage in a large arena and adjusting for pockets of frequency buildup
• Sound pressure level (SPL), loudness, and ear fatigue

5. When the Band Hits the Stage

• What does the monitor engineer do during the show?

6. Load-out

• Loading out of the venue
• Conclusion