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GKM Volunteer Resources

FOH System Overview & Startup

GKM FOH Mixing Guide - Digico Quantum 338

Section titled “GKM FOH Mixing Guide - Digico Quantum 338”

Welcome! This guide provides a comprehensive overview of operating the Front of House (FOH) audio system at GKM using the Digico Quantum 338 console. Its purpose is to serve as a quick reference and training tool for volunteers.

Table of Contents

Section titled “Table of Contents”
  1. System Startup
  2. Console Layout & Overview
  3. Signal Routing Philosophy
  4. Channel Strip Basics
  5. GKM Mix Approach
  6. Mixing Monitors (In-Ears & Wedges)
  7. System Shutdown

1. System Startup

Section titled “1. System Startup”

Follow these steps to power up the FOH system correctly:

  1. FOH Computers:

    • Turn on the PC (controls R1 amp software & Klang IEM software). The power button is between the two green strips.
    • Turn on the Mac Mini (handles Spotify playback & Tracks Live recording). The power button is near the power cable.
    • Log in to both computers using the provided password.

  2. Stage Racks (Stage Left):

    • Go to the main stage rack located stage left.
    • Turn on the three power conditioners. One switch is above the D2 Rack, the next is in the middle (which may also power the top one), and ensure the third is on if applicable. This powers up the stage boxes (D2 Rack), IEM transmitters (PSM900), wireless mic receivers (Sennheiser, ULX), battery chargers, etc.

  3. Digico Quantum 338 Console:

    • Turn on the console using the two power switches located on the back (under the armrest). Flip both down simultaneously.
    • Wait for the console to boot up completely.
    • Enter the password when prompted.

  4. Software Setup (on the PC):

    • R1 (Amp Control):
      • Open the R1 software.
      • Click Open.
      • Load the show file (usually gkmfoh). Click Open.
      • Click Overview, then Show.
      • Activate Online Mode: Click OK when prompted. Wait for the blue dots on the buttons to disappear, indicating connection to the amps.
      • Power On Amps: Click the main Power button in R1. Verify amps turn on (indicator lights should be green).
      • Unmute Amps: Click the main Unmute button in R1.
    • Klang (IEM Control):
      • Open the Klang software (purple icon). Important: Do this AFTER the console is fully booted.
      • Tap Preset.
      • Find and select gcam front of house 2021 (or the current standard preset).
      • Tap Load.
      • Tap Sundays (or the relevant session type).
      • Tap Recall. This loads the default starting mix for IEMs.

  5. Final Checks:

    • Ensure audio is passing (e.g., play back a track from the Mac Mini or use virtual soundcheck).
    • Check talkback mics.

Once you’ve completed those steps, you’re up and running at FOH.