Should You Tune Your Live Sound System Flat?

►► Get my audio math survival spreadsheet found in my audio toolkit:

00:00 - Intro
01:18 - What is a "flat" sound system?
05:16 - Target traces for your PA, assessing your room
13:16 - Metering the tonal balance of your mix

[Geometry_Wins]

I think it should be noted that when using a SPL meter or using a measurement mic to check the flatness after tuning you use dB(A) weighted because (A) is usually a more accurate representation of what humans actually hear. But dB(C) is what you use to see the boost you are actually creating

[oliverheywardmusic]

I watched an interview with Eddie Mapp recently and he tunes his PA linear, with no low “haystack” because he doesn’t want to add all that low frequency on to every mic. Obviously he’s a legendary heavy metal/rock mixer and is out with Pantera who aren’t exactly light in bass!
Do we think instead he adds the low end on a channel/sub group level on exactly what needs it?
I’m used to tuning with the added low frequency depending on the genre but is there an argument for doing it that other way?

[MarcusHutsell]

Love your videos and content Michael. I really need the A1's in Austin, TX to understand proper gain structure!! Granted, this video isn't about gain structure, but that topic is something I see you talk about and from my own audio education and 25 years in the field, I see you doing things the proper/good way to get the best results out of your audio and to overcome the inherent problems with electronic equipment (AKA, NOISE). Gain structure is a problem down here in Austin and it's a daily struggle for me to try to unteach bad habits!!

somewhat odd question about this video program are you using when you're overlaying and recording mouse/graphics/arrows when you show us on your screen what you're referring to?? I see you're on a Mac, as am I, and I'm always having to add my graphics in post, would be great to do them in real time.

Thanx Michael, keep up the great work!

[peevonb]

Would you care to share the target traces? I use the open sound meter stock one and end up close to the first target trace you showed from Michael Lawrence.