SoundCraft NOTEPAD 102 User Manual page 28

28
USING YOUR NOTEPAD CONSOLE
The final output from your sound system can only ever be as good as
the weakest link in the chain, and especially important is the
quality of the source signal because this is the starting point of the
chain. Just as you need to become familiar with the control functions
of your mixer, so you must recognise the importance of correct choice
of inputs, microphone placement and input channel settings. However,
no amount of careful setting up can take account of the spontaneity
and unpredictability of live performance. The mixer must be set up to
provide "spare" control range to compensate for changing microphone
position and the absorption effect of a large audience (different
acoustic characteristics from soundcheck to show).
MICROPHONE PLACEMENT
Careful microphone placement and the choice of a suitable type of
microphone for the job is one of the essentials of successful sound
reinforcement. The diagrams on the left show the different pick-up
patterns for the most common types of microphone. Cardioid micro-
phones are most sensitive to sound coming from in front, and
hypercardioid microphones offer even greater directivity, with a small
amount of pickup behind the microphone. These types are ideal for
recording vocalists or instruments, where rejection of unwanted sounds
and elimination of feedback is important. The aim should be to place
the microphone as close as physically possible to the source, to cut
out unwanted surrounding sounds, allow a lower gain setting on the
mixer and avoid feedback. Also a well chosen and well placed
microphone should not need any appreciable equalisation.
There are no exact rules - let your ears be the judge. In the end, the
position that gives the desired effect is the correct position!
For more tips, visit www.akg.com.
INITIAL SETUP
Once you have connected up your system (see the sections on connec-
tion and wiring earlier in this manual for guidance) you are ready to set
initial positions for the controls on your mixer.
Set up individual input channel as follows:
•
Connect your sources (microphone, keyboard etc.) to the required
inputs.
WARNING: Phantom powered mics should be connected before the
+48V is switched on. Ensure the PA system is OFF when switching
phantom power on or off.
• Set Master faders at 0, input faders at 0, and set power amplifier
levels to about 70%.
•
Adjust the input gain until the PK LED lights occasionally on the
loudest sections. This allows sufficient headroom to accommodate
peaks and establishes the maximum level for normal operation
(but see note below).
Soundcraft Notepad User Guide