ACS TRAINING

PROS & CONS IN USING THE SYSTEM

General Systems Operation

The system has two operational modes, the first and optimal use is the self serve mode. Generally speaking, this will probably be the most used mode. There is no need to worry about the mixer, it's simply chose what you want and un-mute it. The EQ has been pre-determined, so te only thing you have tp do os to set a good volume level using the touch panel.

The second mode is MIXER MODE, initiating this mode will mute all other options, it is therfore very important that you train before you do this. Watch the video's in the FAQ section, get library books or seek help from persons in the industry.

Be Professional, be prepared

Take time to prepare for a show, never start something you are not sure about.
If you have not been given a run of show directive, make your own. Click the link below to download a free run of show template.
Run of Show template. This link will download an Excel spreadsheet template.
Learn how to cnnect the audio mixer to the Front of House Position. (See link Below)
How to connect the Soundcraft Mixer to the F.O.H. Location(Opens in new window)
Sound Check the room before each use
Remember to charge or change microphone batteries before every show and major event.

Production Considerations

Microphone Use

Take the time to prevent possible sound problems.
Don't assume people know how to use a microphone, have your technical director give instruction on how to use a microphone.
Explain the differences between wireless microphones and wired, to prevent hot microphone scenarios.
Are the levels set properly?
Does the sound engineer have a cue sheet or run of show?
Have you checked how they will sound from the back of the room?
Have you asked someone else to listen to ensure quality control?
Have you checked the Assisted Listening devices?

Technology

Become familiar with the technology you are using, the sound board, lighting board, CD and DVD players, computers, and projectors.
Know exactly how long it takes to deploy and retract the screen.
Get in the habit of Pre-MPR use technology setups.
Mute audio to all areas you feel are not needed
Mute all microphones once you have set levels.
Never leave the Soundboard's Main Output feeds on or up.
Know copyright regulations when recording concert material.

Audio Mixer

The audio mixer and it's use can make or break a performance. Master the control and audio levels. Watch training videos and above all, take time to practice the skill.
The digital audio mixer does not operate like an analog mixer, each fader is programmable, likewise each input is programmable. Input 1 for example may be programmed to operate with fader 10.
Remember to mute all inputs and outputs after every show.
Remember there is no dedicated playback system for the ancillary areas, if you don't want people to hear the mix, you must mute these areas.
Mute all microphones once you have set levels.
Raise levels slowly, avoid unmuting an input if you have not pre-set it.

LIVE STREAMING

You may wish to consider live streaming, or recording venus at some point. Currently the system does not have the components needed to allow live streaming, but we can assist you with integration of the major components, to allow a seamless control mechanism for all to use.

LIVE STREAMING: key components!

There are a few things you will need to go live: a laptop or desktop computer, a camera, microphone, streaming software, encoder and a good internet connection.

With a little thought and a few changes, you could incorporate this into your control room design, taking a feed from your audio mixer for sound for example and incorporating a camera into the video switch.

You do not have to use a video production switch if you don't want to, just decent streaming software.

Cameras

For the MPR you will need PTZ cameras. (Pan Tilt Zoom) You can control the cameras via a web-application or direct contron which is generally the preffered way.

Microphones

Depending on your setup, you could use a shotgun mic for a single sound source recording, however, by far the best sound would be to take an aux feed from the sound desk, direct into the streaming software.

Streaming software

Streaming software takes the video and audio input from your computer and transmits it to the streaming platform of your choice. Hardware encoders are also an option, but some software is free and user-friendly. There are lots of encoding software and hardware options, you will need to research a little to choose the right one. OBS Studio and Streamlabs are just some of options available.

A Good internet connection

If you’re uploading video and audio to transmit in real time, you’ll need a solid internet connection. If you’re gaming while streaming, you’ll need a great internet connection. To start live streaming, you need a stable internet connection with a good upload speed, anything between 672 Kbps and 61.5 Mbps is ideal.

It’s the upload rate that matters the most.

When streaming online, it’s your connection’s upload rate that matters the most. It’s the same as the download rate; it just works the other way around, describing how many bits of data your computer or device can send to the internet per second. Generally upload rates are slower than download rates.