TMEP Audio Training Ground

W2-01 / W2-02

AV as a System: Inputs → Processing → Outputs

Every audio decision maps back to this framework. Click each box to see what lives inside it. Then explore the connectors and microphone types you'll encounter on show site.

AV as a System

"If you remember nothing else from this week — remember this model. Every audio problem you'll ever face on show site is a failure somewhere in this chain." — W2-01

Inputs

CLICK TO EXPAND ↓

Podium mic, lavaliers, handhelds
Laptop / computer audio
Video playback devices
Remote presenter feeds (Zoom/WebEx)
Walk-on music / stingers
Instruments
Each source = one input. Count everything — then count again.

→

Processing

CLICK TO EXPAND ↓

Gain — sensitivity of the input (the "volume at the door")
EQ — shaping tone, cutting problem frequencies
Sends — routing to monitors, record, stream feeds
Pan — left/right placement in the stereo field
Faders — individual volume per channel, real-time
Master — total output level; your emergency brake

→

Outputs

CLICK TO EXPAND ↓

Main house speakers — what the audience hears
Stage monitors — so presenters can hear themselves
Record feed — post-event content and backup
Livestream — your hybrid audience
Green room — backstage VIP and staff follow
Translation booths — isolated audio for interpretation
Count outputs like you count mics. Wrong-size mixer starts here.

Audio Connectors — Click to Learn

XLR Cable

The backbone of pro audio. Used for mics and balanced audio runs.

¼" (Quarter Inch)

Instruments, DI boxes, some audio gear. Mono or stereo (TRS).

1/8" (Mini/Headphone)

Laptop headphone output. TRS — stereo + sometimes mic.

RCA Cables

Red and white. Old-school AV gear, CD players. Still shows up.

Optical / Fiber

Light-based signal. Fast, clean, immune to RF interference.

Patch / DI Box

Converts consumer signals to XLR. Eliminates ground buzz.

Microphone Types — Click to Learn

Podium (Gooseneck)

For speakers who stay in place. Slimline or flexible arm. Often condenser — needs 48V.

Handheld

The OG. Rock-solid. Dynamic — no phantom needed. Wired or wireless.

Lavalier (Lav)

Clip-on lapel mic with wireless belt pack. Great for panel movement.

Headset / Countryman

Over-ear, nearly invisible. Excellent gain before feedback. Often talent-specified.

Boom / Madonna

Headset-style with boom arm. For outdoor or high-movement environments.

Floor / NAT Mic

Ambient sound at stage edge. Choir, dance, crowd reaction.

💡

Brian's Tip

Click the three boxes above to explore what lives inside each stage of your audio system. Then click the connector and mic cards to get show-site context on each one. When you're ready — move to Tab 2 to get your hands on the console.

W2-04

Audio Processing: Mixers, EQ, Levels

The mixer is the brain of your audio system. Click the anatomy labels to highlight each section across all 16 channels. Drag faders and knobs to mix your show. Click any channel name for context on that input.

Anatomy →

Input Jacks

Gain

EQ & Effects

Sends

Pan

Channel Faders

Master Faders

Prestige MX-16 Training Console

16-CHANNEL LIVE EVENT SIMULATOR · MIDSIZE GENERAL SESSION · WEB AUDIO ENGINE

PWR

SIG

CLIP

← scroll channels →

SOURCE→

INPUT JACK→

GAIN→

EQ→

SENDS→

FADER→

MASTER BUS→

AMPLIFIER→

SPEAKERS

Outputs →

Main L/R

Ballroom Speakers

Stage Monitor

Presenter Wedge

Record Out

ISO Recording

Livestream

Hybrid Feed

Green Room

Backstage Monitor

Translation

Interpreter Booth

W2-07

Audio Mistakes & Red Flags: What Planners Miss Most

Five scenarios. Real show-day decisions. Pick the right call — and find out what the best A1s already know by heart.

Correct Calls

0 of 5 scenarios answered

"Even with good gear and great intentions — audio is where a lot of events go sideways. But most audio fails are entirely preventable if you know what to watch for." — W2-07

Mistake #1 — House Sound

400-person general session. Venue offers complimentary house sound. Budget is tight. What do you recommend?

▼

What's your call?

Mistake #2 — Input Count

Your general session has a podium speaker, a 3-person panel with moderator, a 10-minute Q&A, and one presenter playing a video clip from their laptop. What audio sources do you need?

▼

What's your call?

Mistake #3 — Wrong Size Mixer

Your mixer is a 16x4 — 16 input channels, 4 output buses. Current show: 3 handhelds, 2 lavs, 1 laptop audio, 1 video playback, record feed, and livestream feed. At lunch the CEO adds a guitarist and wants a live feed to the green room.

▼

What's your call?

Mistake #4 — No Dedicated A1/A2

200-person awards dinner. 6 wireless mics, video playback with music cues, and award presenter transitions throughout the night. The AV company quotes one technician to handle everything. What do you request?

▼

What's your call?

Mistake #5 — Poor Audio Positioning

600-person ballroom. Wide stage. Back third can barely hear, front row says it's too loud. Point source speakers on sticks left and right of stage. What do you request?

▼

What's your call?

AV Console Simulator