Live Sound Bootcamp
Ep20 Building a FOH Mix Pt 5: Groups, VCAs and Stems
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Groups allow for processing of multiple audio channels through a single fader, making it easier to manage sound.
- VCAs are used for remote control of multiple faders, keeping their relative levels but not processing the audio.
- There are notable differences between using groups and VCAs in analog versus digital mixing environments.
- Personal workflow preferences can significantly impact the effectiveness of using groups and VCAs in live sound.
- Maintaining communication with listeners about their needs and feedback can enhance the podcast's direction and relevance.
Summary
Introduction and Banter
Hosts Brendan Draper, Joe Santarpia, and Brian John kick off the episode with their signature humor and lighthearted banter. Brendan mentions missing the sarcastic intros, prompting playful interactions about everyday life, their recording setups, and the struggles of working with noise interference.
Personal Updates
The hosts share personal stories, including Brendan's experience recording an album with a band in a cabin and Joe's move to a new apartment while continuing his education in electronics. They also touch upon the evolving nature of live-streaming gigs amidst the pandemic, sharing insights into the challenges and adaptations necessary.
Understanding Groups and VCAs
The main topic revolves around the differences between groups and VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifiers) in mixing. Brendan explains the function of a group as a way to control multiple inputs through a single fader that can process the signal with EQs and effects. In contrast, Joe elaborates on how VCAs enable remote control of multiple faders while maintaining their relative positions but cannot process audio through them. Discussions include practical uses, effective workflows, and how to leverage both in live sound environments.
Analog vs Digital Workflows
The hosts discuss how groups and VCAs function differently in analog and digital desks. They highlight the limitations and ergonomics of analog systems, where grouping allows for more complex processing and control, compared to the flexibility of digital desks that allow more functions with less limitation. They also share workflows that blend both concepts, utilizing VCA for specific player groups and effects sends.
Conclusion and Future Episodes
As the episode wraps, the hosts encourage listener feedback and interaction through their Facebook group and email, hinting at future topics that will delve deeper into mixing strategies and workflows for live sound.
Sponsors
- Live Sound Bootcamp · Catch us on the next episode. The next episode is actually going to be pretty cool. There's a lot of fun stuff in there.
Show notes
In the last episode for Building a FOH Mix, we chat about groups and VCAs, how they're different, and when we might use each of them. We get into some of how we personally decide when it's right to use a group versus a VCA, as well as some of the differences in workflows between using these on an analog or digital desk.
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