Outdoor live sound mixing

Live sound problem areas

Some of the problems with indoor live sound mixing are reflections and standing waves created by the dimensions and shape of the rooms and the position of the stage in the room. This changes with an outdoor location. There may be few or no reflections with an outdoor setting. If there are reflections, there is usually a much longer delay before they return to the stage. Sometimes specific frequencies will reflect off some surface, but other frequencies will not reflect to the same extent.

There will often be fewer problems with feedback on an open air stage. If there is a ceiling, it is usually higher than in a club stage situation. Also, there may be no walls or just a back wall to reflect sounds towards the microphones. Indoor stages with closed walls and ceilings can reflect sound towards the microphones, while outdoors this is usually not a problem.

There are likely to be areas of cancellation and boost depending on the placement of the speakers. These will be more predictable with outside sound. If you use a stack on each side of the stage, including the subs, there will be a strong low end in the center of the venue, but there will also be off-center cancellation points on each side, usually between the center line and the stacks. From a position directly in front of either stack, you can hear the actual balance of the mix.

What is needed for outdoor shows

Depending on the style of music and desired volume, a sound system may require more power and more speakers for an outdoor show. You may also need to mike some things that are not needed in a club. Outdoor stages are usually larger than club stages, so you won’t get as much bleed on vocal mics and other live mics on stage. If you have the right equipment it’s easier to mix outdoors because you’re not fighting the sound problems that are inherited in a room.

You may need to have an input for each instrument as well as your vocal mics. You may also find it beneficial to work outdoors to mic overhead on drums. Cymbals can bleed into vocal mics on a club stage, but they can get lost on an outdoor stage. Also, miking each individual drum will give you more control if you have the mics and channels available. Guitars and keyboards may need to be in the mix for balance and dispersion. Many guitar cabinets tend to be large and the sound can often fall off axis depending on the frequency.

The monitor system may also need to be stronger for a large outdoor stage. Musicians may need more things on their monitors to measure time. More monitor mixes for outdoor venues are also desirable. Generally, for events other than concerts, four mixes will work well. A mix of stage right, stage center, stage left and drums will allow you to give musicians what they need to hear in most cases.

have a good show

I have heard many people say that they think outdoor concerts are difficult. The real secret is having enough public address for the concert and the venue. I prefer to mix outdoors, but I have the necessary level of equipment available for the jobs I do. A live stereo recording of an outdoor concert with enough microphones and equipment can be very good.