Level Up Your Tech Skills! ProPresenter & MultiTracks Mixing

Understanding MultiTracks:

• What are MultiTracks? We’ll explain how MultiTracks are essentially the individual instrument and vocal parts from an original song recording, giving you independent control over each element. Think of it as having the isolated tracks for drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, and vocals.
• Why use MultiTracks in Worship? We’ll discuss the benefits, such as filling out your sound even with a smaller band, achieving a consistent sound, simplifying complex arrangements, and providing a click track and cues for better synchronization. We’ll also touch on responsible usage and maintaining a live, organic feel.
• Different Types of MultiTracks: We’ll explore the various formats and sources available, including full MultiTracks with all individual stems, and sometimes simpler versions like enhancement tracks or acoustic-driven “lite” tracks. We might also touch on creating your own tracks if that’s something your team is interested in down the road.

Setting Up Your MultiTrack System:

• Playback Software: We’ll introduce you to popular software and apps designed for playing MultiTracks in a live setting. This could include options like MultiTracks.com’s “Playback,” Loop Community’s “Prime,” Ableton Live, or even more basic solutions depending on your needs and budget. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of different platforms.
• Hardware Requirements:
  • Playback Device: We’ll cover using laptops, tablets (like iPads), or even smartphones as your primary playback device. ¹ We’ll discuss the advantages and limitations of each.
    1. Getting Started with MultiTracks.com in Worship
  • Audio Interface: This is crucial for routing the individual audio tracks to your soundboard. We’ll explain what an audio interface does, the different types available (number of outputs, connectivity), and why it’s essential for separating the click/cues from the main mix.
  • Cables and Connections: We’ll walk through the necessary cables (TRS, XLR, splitter cables if starting simple) and how to connect your playback device and audio interface to your soundboard.
  • In-Ear Monitoring (IEMs): We’ll emphasize the importance of IEMs for your band to hear the click track and cues without the congregation hearing them. We’ll briefly discuss different IEM options (wired vs. wireless).
• Routing Audio: This is a key step! We’ll explain how to route the individual MultiTrack stems from your playback software, through your audio interface, and into separate channels on your soundboard. We’ll also cover how to route the click track and guide cues to the band’s monitors (via the IEM system or separate wedge monitors if absolutely necessary as a starting point).

Mixing MultiTracks for Worship:

• Understanding the Individual Tracks: We’ll listen to examples of isolated instrument tracks to understand their individual sonic characteristics and their role in the overall mix.
• Basic Mixing Principles: We’ll review fundamental mixing concepts like gain staging, EQ (equalization) to shape the tonal balance of each instrument, compression to control dynamics, and the use of effects (reverb, delay) to add depth and space.
• Mixing with Live Instruments: This is where the magic happens! We’ll focus on how to blend the MultiTrack stems with your live band. This includes:
  • Balancing Levels: Achieving a cohesive mix where the MultiTracks complement the live instruments without overpowering them.
  • EQing for Separation: Using EQ to create sonic space for both the tracks and the live instruments so they don’t clash in the frequency spectrum.
  • Using Dynamics (Compression): Applying compression to both the tracks and live instruments to create a consistent and controlled sound.
  • Adding Effects Thoughtfully: Using reverb and delay to create a natural and engaging sound without sounding artificial or muddy.
• Working with Click and Cues: We’ll discuss how to ensure the click track is clear and consistent for the band and how to utilize guide cues effectively for smooth transitions between song sections. We’ll also cover how to manage the volume of these elements in the band’s monitors.
• Creating a Dynamic Worship Mix: We’ll explore techniques for building energy throughout a song, creating impactful moments, and ensuring the mix supports the overall worship experience. This might involve automation (if your soundboard allows) or simply skillful fader riding.
• Troubleshooting Common Issues: We’ll address potential problems like phasing issues, latency, and how to diagnose and solve them.

Hands-On Practice :

In this practice session, we will incorporate some practical exercises where participants can get hands-on experience with a mixing console and MultiTrack software.

By the end of this class, your worship tech team will have a solid understanding of how to effectively implement and mix MultiTracks, leading to a more polished and impactful sound for your worship services! We’re excited to help you on this journey!