Sound Advice | Volume channel placement

Learn about volume channel placement to optimize your mix.

Updated at May 23rd, 2024

Today's Lesson


Once you’ve established general EQ settings for your instruments, channel volume placement is the next step in creating an even sounding mix. We will do this by using our mixer’s faders. Do not use your mixer’s trim knobs to mix your band. Hands off!

Mixing the volume of each instrument is not a passive or “set and forget” process. When the sound person is listening closely to what the musicians are playing, they may find themselves adjusting the volume placement of instruments all throughout a song.

For example, when an instrument plays a solo or when a lead vocal becomes a background vocal.  You may need to ride an acoustic guitar when the players switches from strumming to finger picking.

Needless to say, it’s important for the sound person to keep their eyes and ears attuned to what’s happening on stage in order to make the proper channel volume adjustments.



For more lessons and videos, see our QSC YouTube page.