Sound Engineer how-to

How to Prevent Feedback at a Live Show

Feedback ruins shows and hearing.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Feedback ruins shows and hearing. In short: position; ring; cut, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Position microphones away from speakers.

  2. Ring out the system before the show.

  3. Cut problem frequencies with EQ.

  4. Keep monitor levels reasonable.

  5. Watch and listen during the show.

  6. React quickly to squeals.

Safety reminders for sound engineers

  • Protect your hearing with limits and earplugs
  • Use cable management to prevent trips
  • Lift speakers safely
  • Follow electrical safety

DAW · Signal flow · Gain staging · EQ · Compression · Reverb: see the full sound engineer glossary.

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