Training volunteers in remote mixing can be an overwhelming task, particularly when dealing with complex equipment and the pressures of live sound management. With the right setup and practice, most of the complexities can be reduced.
Overall, your goal should be to help transform eager but inexperienced volunteers into competent remote audio mixers for your needs. In this post, we’ll share tips to train volunteers in the basics of audio mixing so they’re ready to help you remote mix.
1. Start with the Basics
It’s essential to build a solid foundation. Introduce your volunteers to basic concepts of audio mixing, such as:
- Sound Theory: Explain the fundamentals of sound, including frequency, amplitude, and waveforms.
- Mixer Components: Familiarize them with the different parts of the mixing console, such as faders, EQ knobs, and input/output channels.
- Signal Flow: Teach them how audio signals travel through the mixer, from input to output.
Providing this foundational knowledge helps volunteers understand how their actions affect the overall sound, making more advanced concepts easier to grasp.
A few recommended resources for volunteers to learn the basics:
2. Use Hands-On Training
Theory alone isn’t enough; practical experience is crucial for learning audio mixing. Consider letting volunteers experience changes to the audio mix in person before starting to change the mix remotely. To some degree, your volunteers need reference tracks or ear training to grow their understanding of a quality mix. Let volunteers get hands-on experience in different ways:
- Simulate Live Scenarios using Virtual Soundcheck: Play pre-recorded tracks on your mixer that allows the volunteer to experiment with how changing different settings affects the live mix.
- Mixing a Live Practice: Allow them to experiment with different sound levels, EQ settings, and effects in person to hear changes to the mix
- Rehearse Live Mix Troubleshooting Tasks: Teach volunteers to troubleshoot issues that may show up live (i.e. feedback, overpowered channels, unexpected drops)
A few recommended resources for volunteers to get hands-on training:
3. Pay for Online Courses
Online courses can grow your volunteers’ understanding of remote audio mixing at their own pace while freeing up your in-person time to be dedicated to hands-on learning. Here are a few benefits of paying for online courses:
- Asynchronous learning: You can let your volunteers learn at their own pace, with the ability to review learning as much as they’d like
- Range of Topics: Often course providers will share a broad range of topics, from the basics of sound theory to advanced mixing techniques
- Expert Instruction: Many courses are taught by professionals in the field, increasing the breadth and depth of learning for your volunteers.
There are a variety of sources for online courses: