console from a local installer and / or looping in with a local manufacturer ’ s rep firm will allow for easy and prompt on-site support .
[ Jeff ] When the box shows up with your snazzy new gear we should just throw away the instructions and demonstrate how smart we are by winging it , right ? I mean , that ’ s what I always do …
[ Richard ] Hmmm … I would not recommend that approach . Keep the reference guide handy .
Your console may have several documents included with it , make sure you know which is the most comprehensive and keep it printed or bookmarked for quick access so you can refer to it when you have questions . There ’ s no shame in referencing the instruction manual .
[ Jeff ] How about those fancy looking hieroglyphic looking charts at the back of those instructions manuals and reference guides ?
[ Richard ] Learn to read and understand block diagrams . Unlike their analog counterparts , digital consoles do not necessarily have a physical layout that matches the underlying signal flow . The console ’ s block diagram is the best way to understand the routing options and signal paths . Learn what the different symbols mean and how to follow the signal through various routing options .
While you ’ re in learning more , also learn IP address basics . What is an IP address , subnet mask , and gateway ? What is DHCP ? These things are crucial to understand , at least at a basic level , when it comes to digital consoles .
That will allow you to troubleshoot network issues when trying to , for example , configure remote iPad control . This topic was a perennial favorite in support land for sure .
[ Jeff ] Any operational habits that church engineers should be putting into practice ?
[ Richard ] Back up your show files regularly . If your console suddenly isn ’ t behaving as expected , this will allow you to revert to previous states until you reach a point that makes sense again . It also saves you in the case of a hardware failure , as you can easily move your show to a rental / loaner console .
[ Jeff ] Other than seeking out local resources and doing their own research on things like IP address block diagrams , any other audio