FOH, Monitor and Input Equipment Used in Live Sound
Front of House (FOH) Equipment
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FOH Console: This large, complex device is where the front-of-house engineer mixes the sound that the audience hears.
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Speakers: High-quality speakers deliver a clear, loud sound throughout the venue.
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Amplifiers: These boost the audio signal power before it reaches the speakers.
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Microphones: These convert the sound waves into an electronic signal to be amplified and processed.
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Equalisers (EQs): EQs serve to balance the distribution of frequencies so that the sound is pleasing to the ear.
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Dynamic range processors: This includes parts like compressors, limiters, gates and expanders which handle variations in loudness.
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Effects units: These modify the sound in some way e.g. reverb, delay, flanging or chorus effects.
Monitor Equipment
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Monitor Desk: This is a separate control surface that produces a stage mix for the band members to hear.
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In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): These are earphones that provide each musician with a personalised mix, and can prevent hearing damage from loud stage volumes.
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Stage monitors: These are loudspeakers placed on stage facing the band, also known as floor monitors or foldback speakers.
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Wireless monitor systems: These receive the stage mix wirelessly and send it to the IEMs or stage monitors.
Input Equipment
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Direct Inject (DI) boxes: These are used to connect high-impedance, unbalanced output signals of a musical instrument directly into a mixing console.
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Microphones: A variety of different types (e.g. dynamic, condenser, ribbon) and pickup patterns (e.g. cardioid, omnidirectional, supercardioid) to best capture each individual sound source.
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Cables and Connections: XLR and Jack cables most common for audio signals, CAT5/6 for digital signals. Balanced cables are used for microphone and line-level connections, to reduce noise and interference.
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Stands and mounts: Microphone stands, boom arms, and various specialised clamps or mounts are used to correctly position microphones in relation to the sound source.
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Drum mics and clips: Specific microphones and mounting devices designed for close-miking drums and other percussion instruments, which can cope with very high sound pressure levels.