During The Show; Level Adjustment - PROEL AXIOM - VERSION 2.0 Manual

6.5. DURING THE SHOW

the subs or, given that the frequencies are high, with the automatic delay finder function of SmaartLive
(or with an impulse peak alignment function of other measurement systems).
Equalization
At this point the system should be completely and correctly set up with regard to time alignment, and it
is possible to proceed with any necessary equalization. Equalization requires a notable level of ability
and experience on the part of the operator. It should be clear that every complex combination of system
and environment has a certain sonic footprint that results from the physical characteristics of each. It is
not possible to alter these characteristics through equalization.
It is not possible to alter the complex interaction of the physical characteristics of a
sound system and an environment through equalization.
At this point, equalization should therefore be minimal. If not, some aspect of system setup has been
overlooked or some part of the system design process has gone wrong, as the system is either not
adapted to the application or has not been configured correctly. For example, if the system is notably
lacking in the low end of the frequency spectrum, the correct solution is to adjoin additional low-frequency
devices, not to equalize with boosted low frequency levels. Proceeding with heavy equalization is more
likely to aggravate than correct the situation.
Before proceeding with any equalization, it is critical to listen carefully to the system with very fa-
miliar musical program material while exploring the audience areas in order to verify the coverage and
frequency balance. It is important to resist the temptation to equalize for a perfect response in a single
point. This will inevitably throw out of balance the general timber in other areas.
It can be useful to equip yourself with a real-time analyzer and a transfer function analyzer during
this phase of set up but
single point of the venue.
Equalization can be achieved using 1/3 octave equalizers. More correctly, parametric equalizers
which have less selective intervention should be used, maintaining the philosophy that the adjustments
are made only to correct a general state in the interaction of sound system and environment.
6.5 During the show
All of the procedures described so far should be completed well before the show and, if well planned
and executed, can be completed rather quickly. During the performance it is still possible and often
necessary to intervene on the equalization of the system. Above all, this is to adapt its performance to
the new environmental situation brought about by the arrival of the public and, in the case of outdoor
events, to adapt to probable changes in temperature and humidity.

6.5.1 Level adjustment

During the performance, it is good practice to monitor the correct operation of the electro acoustic
elements of the system. It is essential to monitor the intervention of the limiters in the processor and the
status indicators of the power amplifiers. These could reveal an excessively zealous use of the system
by the sound engineer. Some power amplifiers permit status monitoring through remote control software
which can be done directly from a PC at the soundboard
Continuous limiter intervention in the processor or in the amplification clearly suggests that the sys-
tem is being pushed beyond its limit. It is not possible to go beyond this and, in fact, it is advisable to try
to bring the signals down to more modest levels at this point. There is absolutely no advantage sonically
to push the system into clipping. This situation is another clear indication of faulty design and planning
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With the non-marginal advantage of using a musical signal rather than pink noise, especially when working in environments
which host other working activities that are not related to the event.
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Some even allow reading the impedance of the load connected, giving an immediate indication of the situation of the compo-
nents.
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, again, you should avoid equalization based on measurements taken from a
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6. Operating guide