How to Adjust Levels on a Soundboard

A speaker or musical group relies on the producer or person running the soundboard to adjust their sound levels until they sound perfect. Soundboards can look intimidating, but with a little training and practice, you can learn to run a soundboard. Music producers use computerized soundboards. You'll be looking at a large board of lights and dials and will need to rely on your ears.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Test each of the microphones and inputs during a rehearsal or before a performance so that you can know which slider bar goes to which audio source.

2. Mark each with a piece of tape with the number of the mic or a code word so that you will know which one it is, so that you do not mix them up during the performance. Some soundboard operators tape down the knobs and buttons they are not using to make it even easier to avoid touching them by mistake.

3. Adjust the levels while someone is speaking into each mike, so you can figure out the levels best suited for the venue. Use musicians to test the inputs from each instruments you will work with. Pre-show testing is an important production aspect to produce the best performance.

4. Use a computer if you are mixing various tracks for a CD or tape. While producing video and audio tapes, you can make adjustments as you go. However, live performances don't allow you that luxury.

5. Err on the side of caution when running a soundboard. It is always easier to start low and pump up the levels of one of the microphones or amplifiers than it is to be too loud and have to lower the range. Audiences can hear when a microphone is too loud and will appreciate a slight adjustment upwards, if needed.