Sound Check
Individual gain staging for every input channel. Work through each instrument and microphone in a defined order. The goal of sound check is to set the correct input gain for each channel — not to build the full mix.
Understanding Gain Staging
Gain staging is the process of setting the correct input level for each channel so that the signal is strong enough to work with, but not so loud that it distorts. On the TF3, the gain knob controls the analogue preamp level in the Tio1608-D. The goal is to have the channel meter hitting the green zone with peaks occasionally touching yellow — never red.
Gain vs Fader
Gain controls the input level at the preamp. The fader controls the output level in the mix. Set gain correctly first, then use the fader to balance the mix. Never use the fader to compensate for incorrect gain.
Drums & Percussion
| Task | |
|---|---|
| Ask the drummer to play kick drum only. Unmute KICK channel. Set gain so the meter peaks in the green zone. | |
| Ask the drummer to play snare only. Unmute SNARE channel. Set gain. | |
| Repeat for HI-HAT, OH-L, OH-R, and PERC channels. | |
| Ask the drummer to play a full groove. Check all drum channels together. |
Bass & Keys
| Task | |
|---|---|
| Ask the bassist to play. Unmute BASS channel. Set gain. | |
| Ask the keys player to play left hand (lower register). Unmute KEYS-L. Set gain. | |
| Ask the keys player to play right hand (upper register). Unmute KEYS-R. Set gain. | |
| Unmute GTR-E (electric guitar) and set gain. | |
| Unmute GTR-A (acoustic guitar) and set gain. |
Vocals & IEM Check
Sound check vocals last. After setting gain for each vocalist, perform a basic IEM check to confirm each musician can hear themselves in their personal mix.
Dissatisfied with Vocal Sound Check?
If you are not satisfied with the vocal sound check result, instruct the vocalist to continue warming up while you complete sound check for the remaining instruments. Return to vocals at the end.
IEM Check Procedure
After setting gain for each channel, ask the musician: 'Can you hear yourself in your own mix?' If not, check the following in order: (1) Is the bodypack powered on and volume turned up? (2) Is the master volume in MonitorMix at unity? If the master volume is at maximum, the musician has no headroom to add more. Instruct them to raise the physical bodypack volume to a level that allows the MonitorMix master to sit at unity. (3) Confirm their own voice or instrument is the loudest channel in their mix first. Then gradually introduce other channels as desired, ensuring no other instrument overpowers their own.
| Task | |
|---|---|
| Ask VOX-1 (lead vocalist) to sing at performance level. Unmute VOX-1. Set gain. | |
| Repeat for VOX-2, VOX-3, and any additional vocal channels. | |
| Unmute HOST and PREACH wireless channels. Ask each person to speak at normal level. Set gain. |