🎯 Learning objectives

• Choose dynamic vs condenser intentionally
• Place vocal, kick, snare, guitar, and ambient mics with purpose
• Use DI boxes correctly for keys/acoustic/bass
• Coil cables and patch stages like a professional crew

🎤 Mic choices that show up on Sunday

📍 Placement principles (not myths)

• Closer = louder source vs room (proximity also boosts bass on many cards).
• Point the null of a cardioid at monitors/PA when possible.
• Kick — just inside head for attack; further in for boom. Pick one sound and own it.
• Snare — rim aim toward center; avoid hat bleed with angle.
• Pastor headset — consistent mouth distance beats any EQ preset.

🧪 Lab — stage that doesn't fight you

• Rebuild one input list with mic model + stand + cable number + phantom yes/no.
• Practice over-under cable coiling until it is automatic.
• Check every DI ground-lift only when there is hum — don’t lift by default without reason.
• Walk the stage and fix one source of buzz (bad power, guitar near lighting brick, loose XLR).

🎬 Video tutorials

Curated watch-list. If an embed is unavailable, use the YouTube link — then come back and do the lab. Watching without the lab is only half-training.

📝 Prove it