Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- start [2026/02/14 19:34] – markadmin
+++ start [2026/02/21 04:34] (current) – markadmin
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Welcome ======
-This wiki is for [MGC] Makati Gospel Church's [GWS] Global Worship Service's Audio Tech Team.
+This wiki serves as a beginner volunteer guide for the Makati Gospel Church Global Worship Service Tech Team.
-====== Mission Vision ======
+Technical Documentation [[:SQ5Documentation|:SQ5Documentation]]
-**//To serve the church by providing excellent audio, visual, and lighting support, ensuring the Gospel is clearly seen and heard.//**
+====== Mission & Vision ======
+**//To serve the church by providing excellent audio, visual, and lighting support, ensuring the Gospel of Jesus is clearly seen and heard.//**
 Core Values for team culture:
@@ Line 12: / Line 14: @@
   * **Servant Leadership**: Technology is a tool for ministry, not a stage for performance. The team operates behind the scenes to elevate the overall worship experience.
   * **Continuous Equipping**: A commitment to training and mentoring volunteers, ensuring they feel confident, supported, and spiritually fed, rather than just being used for tasks.
-  * **Adaptability**: The readiness to troubleshoot calmly under pressure and pivot when live services don't go exactly as planned.
+  * **Adaptability**: The readiness to troubleshoot calmly under pressure and pivot when live services do not go exactly as planned.
-====== A&H SQ5 Mixer  ======
+====== A&H SQ5 Mixer ======
-The Allen & Heath SQ5 is a Digital Audio Mixing Console that allows you to plug in multiple audio sources - like microphones and instruments - adjust their individual volume and tone, and blend them together into an audio output such as speakers.
+The Allen & Heath SQ5 is a Digital Audio Mixing Console that allows you to plug in multiple audio sources—like microphones and instruments—adjust their individual volume and tone, and blend them together into an audio output (such as loud speakers).
-In the Top Panel, marked as (1) are the
+In the Top Panel, marked as (1) are the:
   * Touch Screen
-  * Screen Select Keys
+  * Screen Select Keys (Buttons)
-  * Screen Encoder
+  * Screen Encoder Knob
-View processing and access the routing and setup menus using keys below. Touch to select a parameter and use the rotary to adjust values.
-{{::sq5_top_panel.png?400|}}
+View processing and access the routing and setup menus using the keys below the screen. Touch to select a parameter and use the rotary knob to adjust values.
-====== Audio Workflow======
+{{::sq5_top_panel_01.png?600|SQ5 Top Panel}}
-Below are the recommended minimum check list:
+===== SQ-Editor =====
+The SQ-Editor is a free Windows and Mac application that allows you to manage, configure, and mix your Allen & Heath SQ console both offline (for pre-show preparation) and online (as a hardwired "second screen" at FOH) over a TCP/IP network.
+===== SQ MixPad =====
+The SQ MixPad is a remote control mobile app for Allen & Heath SQ series digital mixers that allows engineers to adjust the FOH mix or monitor levels from an iPad or Android device, normally over a WiFi network.
+====== Introduction to Audio Terms ======
+Here are some basic but key audio terms to help you get started:
+  * **Front of House (FOH)**: Originating from theater tradition, FOH refers to "in front of the stage" or the physical area where the congregation (the "house") resides.
+  * **Fader**: A sliding physical control on a mixing console used to smoothly adjust the volume of an audio signal.
+  * **Gain**: The initial adjustment of an audio signal's input level before it is routed or processed through the mixing console.
+  * **Unity Gain**: The setting on a fader—typically marked as "0" or "U"—where an audio signal passes through without its volume being boosted or reduced.
+  * **XLR**: The standard three-pin cable used to carry balanced audio signals, most commonly used for microphones.
+====== Audio Workflow ======
+Below is the recommended minimum checklist for setting up a service:
 ===== Power On Sequence =====
-**Important: Loud Speakers should be turned on last to avoid the loud damaging sudden power thud. **
+**Important: Loud speakers should be turned on LAST to avoid a loud, potentially damaging power thud.**
+When turning on the entire sound system, follow these exact steps:
-When turning On the entire Sound System:
+  - Ask the school General Services [GS] to turn on the breaker if it is currently off.
+  - Check that the Speaker Power Sequencer is OFF.
+  - Check that the Delay Speaker Amplifier is OFF.
+  - Turn on the Mixer and WiFi Power switch.
+  - Turn on the Mixer by pressing the Power Button on the Rear Panel (26).
+  - Turn on the Speaker Power Sequencer.
+  - Turn on the Delay Speaker Amplifier and turn both the left and right knobs to 12 o'clock.
+  - Login to the Mixer (check with the Tech Head if you do not have access).
+  - Optionally, login to your SQ MixPad app.
+  - Press the Screen Select Key for **Scenes**, select the **Startup Muted Scene**, and press **Go**.
-  * Check that the FOH Speaker Power Sequencer is Off
+[Add picture of Power Sequencer here]
-  * Check that the Delay Speaker Amplifier is Off
-  * Turn on the Mixer and WiFi Power switch
-  * Turn on the Mixer
-  * Login to the Mixer
-  * Select and Enable the Startup Muted Scene
-    * Press the Screen Select Key: Scenes / Select the Startup Muted Scenes / Press the Go button
-{{:power_strip_1.jpg?400|Power Switch}}
+[Add picture of Speaker Amplifier here]
-{{:sq5_rear_panel.png?400|SQ5 Rear Panel - (26) Power Button}}
+{{:power_strip_1.jpg?600|Power Switch}}
-{{:sq5_scenes.jpg?400|SQ5 Scenes}}
+{{:sq5_rear_panel.png?600|SQ5 Rear Panel - (26) Power Button}}
+[Add Mixer Login here for both Touch Screen and MixPad]
-Note: School's General Services [GS] is in charge of turning on breakers before the event.
+{{:sq5_scenes.jpg?600|SQ5 Scenes}}
 ===== Shutdown Scene =====
-The Power Off Sequence should leave the Mixer in the Shutdown Scene. All the Input channels and the DCA's are muted and the faders are turned all the way down. This serves as a redundant mute.
+The Power Off Sequence should always leave the Mixer in the Shutdown Scene. In this scene, all input channels and DCAs are muted, and the faders are turned all the way down. This serves as a redundant safety mute.
 ===== Startup Muted Scene =====
-The Startup Muted Scene will bring Vocal and Instrument faders up to Unity 0db and serve as a constant starting point before every event.
+The Startup Muted Scene will bring vocal and instrument faders up to Unity (0db), reset input channel gain, EQ, and compression, and serve as a consistent, safe starting point before every event.
+Wireless vox mics' gain are preset to a conservative 15db and may need to be increased to about 18db for softer voices.
+Wired vox mics' gain are preset to a conservative 30db and may need to be increased to 35db for softer voices.
 ===== Line Check =====
@@ Line 65: / Line 96: @@
 //Never assume, always check. Avoid the pain.//
-One by one, confirm that Inputs and Outputs are wired correctly and working.
+One by one, confirm that inputs and outputs are wired correctly and working.
+**Speaker Check:**
+  - Play a test music track.
+    * Use Stereo 3, plug 3.5mm cable on the top right of the mixer's top panel (13) into a music device
+    * Use a previously recorded USB Mixer recording [[https://audio.tech.global.mgc.org.ph/doku.php?id=start&do=edit#how_to_play_a_multi-track_recording|How to Play Multi Track Recording]]
+  - Check Delay Speakers (move the Matrix 1 fader on Layer E as needed).
+  - Check FOH Main Speakers.
+  - Check Subwoofers.
+  - Stop the test music.
-  * Check the Speakers
+**Input Check:**
-    * Play music
+  * Check the vocal mics and instruments one by one.
-    * Check Delay Speakers, move Matrix 1 fader as needed
+  * Verify that the physical mic matches the correct input channel (e.g., ensure the "Blue Mic" is actually registering on input channel 1).
-    * Check FOH Speakers
-    * Check Sub Woofers
-    * Stop music
-  * Check the Inputs
-    * Check the vocal mics and instruments one by one making sure that correct mic is in the correct input channel. ie. The "Blue Mic" is in input channel 1
 ===== Input Gain Check =====
-//Gain is not volume//
+//Gain is not volume.//
-Setting the gain correctly is the single most **important step** in live sound and recording because it dictates the overall health and quality of your audio signal from start to finish.
+Setting the gain correctly is the single most **important step** in live sound. It dictates the overall health and quality of your audio signal from start to finish.
-Gain controls the strength of the raw audio **signal** coming into the mixer. Properly gained audio is loud, full and clear. If the signal is too weak, not only is the volume too soft, but more static noise or hiss will be heard. If the signal is too strong, the circuitry can not handle the signal and the sound waves are chopped causing a hard crackling distorted sound known as clipping.
+Gain controls the strength of the raw audio **signal** coming into the mixer. Properly gained audio sounds full and clear. If the signal is too weak, the volume will be too soft and you will hear static or hiss. If the signal is too strong, the circuitry cannot handle it, causing a harsh, crackling sound known as clipping.
-Adjust the GAIN level signal so that the (10) Main Meter just starts to hit yellow.
+Adjust the GAIN level so that the Main Meter (10) just starts to hit the yellow indicator:
-  * The Screen Select Key: Processing should be selected
+  * Press the Screen Select Key: **Processing**.
-  * Select the input channel
+  * Select the specific input channel.
-  * Turn the Preamp / Gain (4) knob
+  * Turn the **Gain** knob (4).
 {{:sq5_top_panel.png?400|}}
-===== The safety Input Channel Reset =====
+[Add colored image showing yellow meter]
-If an Input Channel's configuration needs to be reset:
+===== The Safety Input Channel Reset =====
-  * The Screen Select Key: Processing should be selected
+If an input channel's configuration needs to be completely reset:
-  * Select the appropriate Input Channel
-  * Press the Library button (17)
+  * Press the Screen Select Key: **Processing**.
-  * Under Input Channel, Select User
+  * Select the appropriate Input Channel.
-  * Choose between:
+  * Press the **Library** button (17).
-    * 0 Vox Wired
+  * Under Input Channel, select **User**.
-    * 0 Vox Wireless
+  * Choose between: **0 Vox Wired** or **0 Vox Wireless**.
+[Add Image of the Input Channel Library here]
 ===== Power Off Sequence =====
-** Important: Loud Speakers should be turned off first to avoid the loud damaging sudden power thud.**
+**Important: Loud speakers should be turned off FIRST to avoid a loud, potentially damaging power thud.**
-When turning Off the entire Sound System, reverse the Power On Sequence:
+When turning off the entire sound system, reverse the Power On Sequence:
-  * Turn Off the Delay Amplifier
+  * Press the Screen Select Key for **Scenes**, select **Shutdown**, and click **Go**.
-  * Turn Off the FOH Power Sequencer
+  * Turn off the Delay Amplifier and turn the left and right knobs all the way counter-clockwise.
-  * Shutdown the Mixer
+  * Turn off the Speaker Power Sequencer.
-  * Turn Off the Mixer and WiFi Power Switches
+  * Press the Screen Select Key for **Utility** or **Setup** until the Shutdown option appears, then press **Shutdown** on the touch screen.
-  * Inform School General Services so they can turn off the circuit breakers
+  * Turn off the Mixer and WiFi Power Switches.
+  * Inform the school's General Services [GS] so they can turn off the circuit breakers.
-===== How to play Multi Track Recording =====
+===== How to Play a Multi-Track Recording =====
-  * On the Screen Select Key: select "IO Patch"
+  * Press the Screen Select Key: **IO Patch**.
-  * On the Left Side: Select Inputs
+  * On the left side, select **Inputs**.
-  * Click Library
+  * Click **Library**.
-  * Select "2026 USB" and recall
+  * Select **2026 USB** and recall.
-  * On the Screen Select Key: select "Utility"
+  * Press the Screen Select Key: **Utility**.
-  * Select SQ Drive
+  * Select **SQ Drive**.
-  * Select Multi Track
+  * Select **Multi Track**.
-  * Select a recording and play
+  * Select a recording and press play.
+[Add screenshots]
 ====== Audio Adjustment Tips ======
-RTA - Real Time Analyser
+**RTA (Real-Time Analyzer)**
+//Listen with your ears, not your eyes.//
-//Listen with your ears and not your eyes.//
+**Cut vs. Boost**
+It is generally better practice to cut muddy or harsh frequencies rather than boosting the ones you want to hear. Cutting creates headroom; boosting eats it up.
-Cut vs Boast
+**Frequency Groups**
+[Placeholder for Frequency Groups discussion]
+**Vocal Descriptions**
+  * **Rumble / Thumps** Low-end noise from mic handling, stage footsteps, or hard "P" pops (plosives). Usually __below 80Hz__. (Best fixed by turning on the High-Pass Filter / HPF).
+  * **Boomy / Muddy** Too much low-end thickness, often caused by the speaker or singer holding the mic too close to their mouth (proximity effect). Around __100Hz-250Hz__.
+  * **Warmth** The good part of the low-end that gives a voice body and weight so it doesn't sound thin. Around __200Hz-300Hz__.
+  * **Boxy** Too much frequency buildup making it sound like the person is talking inside a small cardboard box. Around __400Hz-600Hz__.
+  * **Honky / Nasal** Sounds like the person is speaking through their nose, cupping the microphone capsule, or talking over a telephone. Around __800Hz-1.5kHz__.
+  * **Harsh / Aggressive** Piercing or painful high-mid frequencies that fatigue the ears. Around __2.5kHz-4kHz__.
+  * **Presence / Clarity** The sweet spot that helps the congregation clearly understand the actual words being spoken or sung. Around __4kHz-6kHz__. (If vocals are buried under the instruments, a slight boost here helps).
+  * **Sibilant ("Esses")** Sharp, painful hissing sounds on consonants like "S", "T", "C", or "Ch". Usually around __5kHz-8kHz__. (Can be fixed with an EQ cut or by using a De-Esser).
+  * **Air / Sparkle** The very top end that gives a vocal an open, breathy, and natural feel. Around __10kHz-16kHz__.
 ===== EQ Library =====
-Library for praise team and speakers
+This is our library for the praise team and speakers
+  * **Prefix 0**: Reserved for the Praise Team, as they serve most Sundays.
+  * **Prefix 5**: Reserved for Emcees.
+  * **Prefix x**: Reserved for Pastors and Guest Speakers.
+  * Names within the Role Prefix are further grouped by prefixing **Mr** **Mrs** and **Ms**
+[Add screenshot]
 ====== Audio Setup Guide ======
@@ Line 151: / Line 214: @@
 ===== DI Box 101 =====
-[What is DI]
+A **DI box** (Direct Injection box) ensures your instruments sound clean and professional by converting their noisy, unbalanced signals into balanced, interference-free signals that can travel long distances to the FOH mixer without losing quality.
-[Why use DI]
+An **unbalanced signal** is an audio transmission that uses only two conductors—a signal wire and a ground wire. It is highly susceptible to picking up hum and electromagnetic interference over cable lengths longer than 15–20 feet (e.g., standard PL guitar cables, 3.5mm stereo cables).
-[Roland JDI]
+A **balanced signal** uses three conductors—two carrying identical but inverted copies of the audio and one for ground—to automatically cancel out noise and interference picked up along the cable run.
-===== In Ear Monitor [IEM] 101 =====
+**Roland JDI**
+[Add specific usage notes for Roland JDI]
-[What is IEM]
+===== In-Ear Monitor (IEM) 101 =====
-[Why use IEM]
+An IEM is a professional-grade earphone used by musicians and vocalists to hear a personalized, clear mix of the band directly in their ears while blocking out loud stage volume and ambient room noise.
-[Behringer P1]
+Using IEMs drastically reduces stage volume and "noise bleed" into the room, allowing the FOH volunteer to create a much cleaner and more pleasant mix for the congregation.
-[KZ IEM]
+**Behringer P1 Personal In-Ear Monitor Amplifier**
+The Behringer P1 is the primary wired pack we use for stationary musicians. It features a direct power plug adapter, eliminating the need to constantly swap batteries. It is built like a tank and can handle the wear and tear of weekly setup.
+**KZ IEMs**
+These are our standard budget-friendly earphones. They offer extremely high value for the price and provide enough clarity and isolation for our musicians to hear their mixes safely.
 ====== Troubleshooting ======
 ===== No Sound in FOH Main LR Speakers =====
+  * Check if Main LR is muted.
+  * Check if the physical loud speakers are powered on.
+  * Check the IO Patch routing.
 ===== No Sound in FOH Delay Speakers =====
+  * Check if the Delay Speakers Amplifier is turned on.
+  * Check if both the left and right amp knobs are set to 12 o'clock.
 ===== No Sound in Stage Monitor Speakers =====
+  * Check if the corresponding AUX mix is muted.
+  * Check if the Monitor Speakers are physically powered on.
+  * Check the cable connections.
+  * Check the IO Patch routing.
-===== Mic Feedback =====
+===== Microphone Feedback =====
+  * Lower the gain or fader of the input channel that is causing the feedback.
+  * Use the EQ to find and cut the specific frequency that is ringing.
 ===== Wireless Mic Cutting Out =====
+  * Check the battery power.
+  * Check the receiver for RF (Radio Frequency) signal strength.
+  * [Discuss how to scan and change frequencies]
 ===== No Sound in IEM =====
+  * Check the physical connection between the IEM cable and the pack.
+  * Check the pack's volume knob and battery/power status.
+  * Check if the corresponding AUX mix is muted on the console.
+====== Conventions ======
+  * Use **"Loud Speakers"** when referring to the physical audio output boxes to avoid confusion with the people on stage who speak (e.g., the pastor or emcee).