Learn the Foundations of Mixing
Professional-Sounding Live Shows
Learn how to mix pro live sound at any venue—from building healthy gain structure, to mixing clear live vocals and punchy drums, to shaping a powerful mix for an entire band.
Join your instructors—Award-winning live sound engineers Jeff Sandstrom and Lee Fields from MxU, the leading resource for education in live sound—and get certified for mixing live sound with plugins.
- How to start your live mix with proper gain structure
- How to mix clear live vocals that cut through any mix
- The important basics of mixing live drums with detail and clarity
- How to mix live guitars, bass, and synths that get heard in a busy mix
- Must-know tricks for crafting a cohesive sound on stage
- Fundamentals of EQ, compression, and effects for live sound
- Test your knowledge with multiple choice tests
- Get your official Waves live mixing certification
[{"nodeGUID":"4c834412-c6ac-44e6-a33a-a710d97cd027","nodeID":100,"documentName":"API 2500","documentID":100,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/api-2500","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/api-2500.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20001,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":69,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"API2500TDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"A versatile stereo compressor plugin, the API 2500 can function as two separate mono channels, so can you shape the punch and tone of mixes with absolute accuracy.","tagline":"Versatile vintage compressor with switchable topologies","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"200\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":587,"rating":4.87053,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"00c62929-1552-4427-987a-428a83efc46e","nodeID":101,"documentName":"API 550","documentID":101,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/api-550","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/api-550.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20002,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":71,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"API550TDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Modeled on the late 1960\u2019s legends, the API 550 EQ plugins include two uniquely powerful equalizer plugin components: The API 550a and API 550b equalizers.","tagline":"Sweeten your mixes and masters with proportional-Q curves","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Equalizers","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"100\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":397,"rating":4.83627,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"72c09481-6b09-44ad-8639-b9219eff2557","nodeID":128,"documentName":"CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter","documentID":128,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/cla-2a-compressor-limiter","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/cla-2a-compressor-limiter.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20003,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":91,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"CLA2ATDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Modeled on the legendary electro-optical tube compressor, this plugin emulates the original\u2019s smooth frequency-dependent behaviors which made it a favorite of engineers everywhere.","tagline":"Smooth, warm, natural-sounding tube compression","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"1k\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":942,"rating":4.84713,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"7602fad5-b522-4566-97be-19c8c9665b23","nodeID":129,"documentName":"CLA-3A Compressor / Limiter","documentID":129,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/cla-3a-compressor-limiter","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/cla-3a-compressor-limiter.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20004,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":93,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"CLA3ATDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Based on the early \u201870s solid-state unit with its transparent compression curve, the CLA-3A compressor plugin delivers the quick response and subtle harmonic distortion of the original.","tagline":"Solid-state compression for classic 70s bass, drum sound","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"100\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":289,"rating":4.85813,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"22a0acda-9139-435b-ae97-0b8f5b623db2","nodeID":156,"documentName":"eMo D5 Dynamics","documentID":156,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/emo-d5-dynamics","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/emo-d5-dynamics.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20005,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":536,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"EMOD5SG","note":"","documentPageDescription":"The first plugin to use Parallel Detection, eMo D5 delivers 5 dynamics processors - Gate, Leveler, DeEsser, Compressor, Limiter - in one easy-to-use interface.","tagline":"Multiple dynamics processor, for stage or studio","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":69,"rating":4.66667,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"d96f00c8-5b2c-4300-8f56-a2f7a81e8afc","nodeID":157,"documentName":"eMo F2 Filter","documentID":157,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/emo-f2-filter","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/emo-f2-filter.png","msrp":39.000000000,"skuPrice":19.990000000,"discount":49,"mainOrder":20006,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":544,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"EMOF2SG","note":"","documentPageDescription":"eMo F2 is an 18-dB high-pass/low-pass filter optimized for live performances, to be used separately or as part of the eMotion LV1 mixing console.","tagline":"High/lowpass utility filter for stage or studio","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Live","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":18,"rating":4.11111,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"9b3848cf-c030-4a0e-b602-56cc4953377b","nodeID":159,"documentName":"eMo Q4 Equalizer","documentID":159,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/emo-q4-equalizer","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/emo-q4-equalizer.png","msrp":59.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":49,"mainOrder":20007,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":543,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"EMOQ4SG","note":"","documentPageDescription":"The eMo Q4 EQ plugin is a super-handy 4-band paragraphic equalizer. It can be used either separately or as part of the eMotion LV1 live mixer channel strip.","tagline":"4-band paragraphic EQ optimized for the stage ","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Live","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":9,"rating":4.88889,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"7ef5fce7-b879-459f-bf49-f0aec52fbdad","nodeID":176,"documentName":"H-Delay Hybrid Delay","documentID":176,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/h-delay-hybrid-delay","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/h-delay-hybrid-delay.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20008,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":112,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"HDELAYTDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"From old school PCM42-style effects like filtering, flanging and phasing to slapback echo, ping-pong and tempo-sync with modulation, H-Delay analog delay plugin delivers.","tagline":"The complete toolbox for classic delay effects","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Delay","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"700\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":636,"rating":4.83176,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"6eed33a6-e3c3-47d8-917b-a768e245f5dc","nodeID":178,"documentName":"H-Reverb Hybrid Reverb","documentID":178,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/h-reverb-hybrid-reverb","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/h-reverb-hybrid-reverb.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20009,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":510,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"HRVSG","note":"","documentPageDescription":"A pioneering FIR reverb based on innovative Finite Impulse Response reverberation technology. Features advanced ADA analog modeling and artist presets from leading mixing engineers.","tagline":"Lush reverb sounds with unlimited tweakability","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Reverb","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"200\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":611,"rating":4.80033,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"0be417ad-37e1-432c-9f27-8d2b8d145f73","nodeID":279,"documentName":"SSL EV2 Channel","documentID":279,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/ssl-ev2-channel","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/ssl-ev2-channel.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20010,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":934,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"SSLEV2","note":"","documentPageDescription":"SSL EV2 is a new, elevated take on the legendary SSL 4000 console sound, re-modeled from the ground up for a new level of analog richness \u2013 plus new features including the original O2 Brown EQ and all-new mic preamp saturation.","tagline":"Updated E-series channel strip, with mic pre plus your choice between \u2018Brown\u2019 or \u2018Black\u2019 EQ","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Channel Strip Plugins","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"200\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":425,"rating":4.64,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"45f5c2c5-9bcf-45c6-a874-964a77c10332","nodeID":282,"documentName":"SSL G-Master Buss Compressor","documentID":282,"documentUrlPath":"/plugins/ssl-g-master-buss-compressor","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/ssl-g-master-buss-compressor.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":20011,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":329,"skuName":"","skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"SSLGMBTDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Modeled on the master buss center compressor of the SSL 4000 G console, the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor plugin captures every nuance of the original\u2019s unique sound.","tagline":"\u201CGlue\u201D tracks into a smooth, cohesive mix","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Modeling","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demoType":0,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"soldMsg":"1k\u002B bought in past month","couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":1076,"rating":4.85688,"saleEndDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""}]
Watch Course Intro
[{"documentName":"Mixing Live with Plugins: The Basics \u2013 Course Introduction","nodeAlias":"mixing-live-with-plugins-basics-course-introduction","previewImage":"/images/videos/1280/2023/mixing-live-with-plugins-basics-course-introduction.jpg","youTubeCode":"mjumd2nTgJg","videoOnLoad":true,"wistiaID":0,"viewCount":1566,"videoDuration":58,"productVideoLoadPolicy":3,"videoDurationFormat":"00:58"}]
react-product-video-gallery-box
Course Highlights
Build Correct Gain Structure for Your Live Mix
Getting a healthy signal with correct gain structure is an important and fundamental skill, both in live sound and in the studio. Having proper gain structure will give you the best starting point for mixing. You will learn the fundamentals of achieving this goal, and what implications this has for your signal flow—especially for your use of plugins.
Mix Clear, Powerful Live Vocals
When mixing live sound, your most important input will often be the vocal—it is usually what the audience is there to hear. You will learn techniques that will enable you to help any vocal cut through the mix, while achieving a tonality that is pleasing to the ear and true to the vocalist’s performance.
Mix Live Drums with Detail, Clarity and Punch
Drums are the backbone of a great live mix. As a live engineer, there’s no better feeling than getting a great sound from your drum kit. You will learn how to get live drums sounding great: how to use parametric EQ to shape the sound of your kick, snare, toms and overheads; how to compress the snare to get it to pop in a mix; how to gate your toms; how compression on overheads can give a great sonic picture of the full kit; and more.
Create a Cohesive and Musical Live Band Sound
Learn how to add clarity to synths, guitars, and bass: how to compress bass and acoustic guitars for extra punch; how to EQ guitars and keys to help them poke through a crowded mix; and more. Most important—you’ll learn the basics of how to mix all these instruments together, so that when you bring them up around the sound of the drums, you get a result that sounds not just clear but cohesive and musical.
Your Instructors: The Leaders in Live Sound Education
As co-founders of MxU, the leading resource for audio education and live sound training, Jeff Sandstrom and Lee Fields have trained thousands of live sound engineers and audio personnel. As front-of-house engineers, they have mixed for top-drawing touring artists such as Chris Tomlin and for leading houses of worship.
Get Your Waves Live Mixing Certificate
Complete the course and all the included multiple-choice tests, and get your official Waves Education Certificate for Mixing Live with Plugins: The Basics.
{"courseID":16,"skuNumber":"CRSMXLVPIB","numberOfLessons":10,"courseDurationHours":1.00,"numberOfPlugins":11,"includesFoundation":false}
[{"unitNumber":1,"unitName":"How to Start Your Live Mix","pageNumber":1,"pageName":"Intro to Mixing Live with Plugins: The Basics"},{"unitNumber":1,"unitName":"How to Start Your Live Mix","pageNumber":2,"pageName":"Gain Structure: How to Start Your Live Mix"},{"unitNumber":2,"unitName":"Mixing Live Vocals","pageNumber":1,"pageName":"EQing Live Vocals"},{"unitNumber":2,"unitName":"Mixing Live Vocals","pageNumber":2,"pageName":"Dynamics for Live Vocals"},{"unitNumber":2,"unitName":"Mixing Live Vocals","pageNumber":3,"pageName":"Reverb \u0026 Delay for Live Vocals"},{"unitNumber":2,"unitName":"Mixing Live Vocals","pageNumber":4,"pageName":"Test Your Knowledge: Module 2"},{"unitNumber":3,"unitName":"Mixing Live Drums","pageNumber":1,"pageName":"Mixing the Kick"},{"unitNumber":3,"unitName":"Mixing Live Drums","pageNumber":2,"pageName":"Mixing the Snare"},{"unitNumber":3,"unitName":"Mixing Live Drums","pageNumber":3,"pageName":"Mixing Toms \u0026 Overheads"},{"unitNumber":3,"unitName":"Mixing Live Drums","pageNumber":4,"pageName":"Test Your Knowledge: Module 3"},{"unitNumber":4,"unitName":"Mixing the Entire Live Band","pageNumber":1,"pageName":"Mixing the Band: EQ and Compression"},{"unitNumber":4,"unitName":"Mixing the Entire Live Band","pageNumber":2,"pageName":"Mixing the Band: Effects"},{"unitNumber":4,"unitName":"Mixing the Entire Live Band","pageNumber":3,"pageName":"Test Your Knowledge: Module 4"}]
Loading course outline....
[]
[{"slot":6,"codeName":"TopMenuPluginsBundles","testType":0,"variations":"old:50, new:50","isActive":true,"masterSlotID":0},{"slot":7,"codeName":"AddToCartPopup","testType":0,"variations":"yes:50, no:50","isActive":true,"masterSlotID":0},{"slot":8,"codeName":"MaxMind","testType":0,"variations":"yes:50, no:50","isActive":true,"masterSlotID":0},{"slot":9,"codeName":"SBSSideBySide","testType":0,"variations":"old_y:34, four_side_by_side:33, ultimate_only:33","isActive":true,"masterSlotID":0},{"slot":21,"codeName":"OLMPricing","testType":0,"variations":"per_track:50, total:50","isActive":true,"masterSlotID":0},{"slot":22,"codeName":"OfferFooter20","testType":0,"variations":"no_animation:20, white:20, black:20, yellow:20, \r\n hide:20","isActive":true,"masterSlotID":0},{"slot":27,"codeName":"SoldMsgListPages","testType":0,"variations":"on:50, off:50","isActive":true,"masterSlotID":0}]
