# Avoiding Feedback 1. **Microphone Placement**: Keep microphones away from speakers and monitors to minimize the chance of feedback loops. 2. **Use Directional Mics**: Cardioid or supercardioid microphones reject sound from the sides and back, reducing unwanted noise. 3. **Proper Gain Staging**: Set microphone preamp gain appropriately to avoid excessive amplification, which can lead to feedback. 4. **High-Pass Filtering**: Apply HPF on vocals and instruments that don’t need low frequencies to reduce low-end feedback. 5. **Notch Out Problem Frequencies**: Use a parametric or graphic EQ to cut resonant frequencies that cause feedback. 6. **Monitor Placement and Angle**: Position floor monitors at an angle where they don’t project directly into the mic pickup pattern. 7. **Use In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)**: Replacing wedge monitors with IEMs reduces feedback potential significantly. # Good Signal-to-Noise Ratio 1. **Proper Gain Staging**: Set input gains so that the signal is strong but not clipping, ensuring minimal noise and optimal headroom. 2. **Balanced Cables**: Use balanced XLR and TRS cables to minimize electrical interference and hum. 3. **Avoid Long Cable Runs**: Longer cables introduce more noise—use DI boxes and signal boosters when necessary. 4. **Use Noise Gates**: Set gates on mics and instruments with high noise floors (like drums and guitar amps) to keep unwanted noise out. 5. **Power Conditioning**: Use a power conditioner to reduce electrical noise from the venue’s power system. # Two Mixes (FOH and Monitor Mixes) ## **FOH (Front of House) Mix** • **Prioritize Audience Experience**: Balance instruments and vocals to create a clear, full sound for the audience. • **Use Room EQ**: Adjust FOH EQ based on room acoustics to control reflections and resonance. • **Compression for Consistency**: Light compression on vocals and dynamic instruments helps maintain clarity. • **Delay Alignment**: If using multiple speaker arrays, time-align them to prevent phase issues. ## **Monitor Mix** • **Tailor Mix to Performers**: Each musician has different needs—drummers need click tracks, vocalists need their own voice upfront. • **Use Pre-Fader Aux Sends**: Monitor mixes should be independent of the FOH mix to avoid level mismatches. • **Limiter Protection**: Apply limiters on in-ear monitors to protect musicians from sudden volume spikes. • **Feedback Prevention**: Keep monitors at controlled levels and notch out problem frequencies to prevent feedback.