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Live Sound 101

Live Sound 101

Gain technical know-how and hands-on experience in running live shows, mastering sound equipment and exploring industry best practices, so you can handle the ins and outs of live performances with confidence.

Explore Dates

Course Overview

Live sound sits at the centre of every great performance, shaping how audiences hear and experience music in real time. Whether you’re completely new to live audio or looking to build practical skills for gigs and events, this 12-week practical course gives you a clear, hands-on introduction to the field of live sound. 

Across the course, you’ll build a solid understanding of how live sound systems work. You’ll cover everything from signal flow and microphones selection, to mixing desks and PA systems, remaining hands-on throughout. Sessions are practical and focused, so you’ll spend time setting up equipment, running soundchecks and mixing live performances. 

You’ll be taught by tutors who actively work in the field, who bring real-world experience into the classroom. By the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll feel confident working with small to mid-sized live setups and supporting performances in a range of environments.  

Learning Outcomes 

Over 12 weeks, you’ll learn to: 

  • Understand the role of a live sound engineer 
  • Follow signal flow through a live system 
  • Choose and position microphones for different situations 
  • Mix live audio for music and spoken word 
  • Use EQ, dynamics and gain structure effectively 
  • Learn how to communicate with musicians/artists in a live environment 
  • Run soundchecks and manage live sessions 

Course Features

Hands-on sessions You’ll work directly with industry-standard equipment, including microphones, mixing desks, PA systems and stage monitors. 

Live performance practice You’ll take part in sessions with a live band where you set up, run soundchecks and mix performers.  

Clear technical grounding You’ll develop a strong understanding of signal flow, system setup and troubleshooting, so you know what’s happening behind the sound. 

Real-world workflow You’ll learn how live engineers prepare for shows, manage setups and work with performers in fast-paced environments. 

Key Facts

  • Liverpool: Wednesdays 6-8pm
  • Leeds: Mondays 6.30-8.30pm
  • 12-week evening course
  • Use industry-standard digital mixing consoles and audio systems
  • Work with live bands, industry professionals and fellow creatives in a collaborative environment

Course Details

Week 1: Introduction to Live Sound 

Get an overview of how live sound works in real performance environments, from stage to audience. 

  • Understand the role of live sound in events 
  • Identify the key components of a live set-up 
  • Follow the signal path from source to output 

Week 2: Stagecraft and Signal Flow 

Learn how audio moves through a venue and how to set up a basic stage. 

  • Map signal flow through a live system 
  • Set up a simple stage layout 
  • Understand how equipment connects 

Week 3: Cables, DI Boxes and Gain Structure 

Work with essential equipment and learn how to maintain clean signal levels. 

  • Identify common cables and connections 
  • Use DI boxes correctly 
  • Set and manage gain structure 

Week 4: Live Band Day #1 

Apply your skills in a live setup with performers. 

  • Build and set up a basic system 
  • Run a simple soundcheck 
  • Work collaboratively with performers in a live scenario 

Week 5: Microphones in Live Sound 

Explore microphone types and their use on stage. 

  • Select microphones for different sources 
  • Position mics effectively 
  • Manage common issues like feedback 

Week 6: Mixing Consoles 

Get hands-on with live desks and core mixing workflow. 

  • Navigate a mixing console 
  • Control levels and routing 
  • Build a basic live mix 

 Week 7: Speakers and PA Systems 

Understand how PA systems deliver sound in live settings. 

  • Learn the components of a PA system 
  • Set up speakers correctly 
  • Understand system basics in a venue 

 Week 8: Live Band Day #2 

Develop your skills in a more involved live session. 

  • Run a full soundcheck 
  • Mix monitors and front of house 
  • Respond to issues in real time 

Week 9: EQ and Dynamics 

Shape and control sound in a live mix. 

  • Use EQ to balance frequencies 
  • Apply compression and dynamics 
  • Improve clarity in a mix 

Week 10: Working with Performers 

Build confidence working with artists in live environments. 

  • Communicate clearly during sessions 
  • Respond to performer feedback 
  • Adapt in live situations 

Week 11: Mixing Techniques 

Refine your approach to live mixing. 

  • Balance multiple sound sources 
  • Confidently make adjustments during a live performance 
  • Develop a consistent workflow 

Week 12: Live Band Day #3 

Bring everything together in a full live sound scenario 

  • Set up and run a complete session 
  • Mix a live performance from start to finish 
  • Demonstrate your understanding of live sound practice 

Course Progression

This course gives you a strong starting point in live sound and audio engineering. You’ll come away with practical skills you can use straight away, whether that’s supporting gigs, working on events or continuing into further study at ICMP. (Course examples / links to be added)

Entry Requirements

Beginner level. You don’t need any previous experience in live sound. An interest in music, events or audio is enough, along with a willingness to get involved in practical sessions and work as part of a group.

Upcoming Dates

Leeds

Starts Monday 15th June
£399.00
9 spaces available

Liverpool

Starts Wednesday 17th June
£399.00
12 spaces available