Scene Recall in Live Mixing: Storing and Loading Settings

Scene recall stores complete mixer configurations for instant retrieval, enabling per-song settings, venue presets, and backup configurations. Digital mixers can store dozens of scenes, each containing all fader positions, EQ settings, routing, and processing parameters.

What Scenes Store

Scenes capture the complete state of the mixer at a moment in time. Every parameter that can be adjusted can typically be stored in a scene.

Channel parameters: gain, phantom power, EQ, dynamics, aux sends, pan, fader, mute, routing.

Output parameters: master faders, graphic EQ, output processing, routing matrices.

Effects parameters: effect types, settings, routing.

Mute groups, DCA assignments, and other configuration settings may also be included.

Creating Scenes

Build the desired mixer state through normal operation. Set levels, EQ, effects, routing—everything as needed for the specific song or situation.

Store the current state to a scene memory. Digital mixers typically offer “Store” or “Save” functions that capture the current state.

Name scenes clearly for identification. “Song 01 - Opening,” “Song 05 - Ballad,” or “Venue: Club ABC” communicate purpose.

Verify storage by recalling the scene immediately after saving. Confirm all expected parameters restored correctly.

Recall Types

Full recall loads all stored parameters, replacing current settings entirely. This is appropriate when the entire mixer state should change.

Selective recall loads only certain parameters or channels. This allows updating some settings while preserving others.

Safe parameters can be excluded from recall. Critical settings like input gains or phantom power might remain unchanged regardless of scene recall.

The specific recall options vary between mixer models. Understanding available options enables appropriate use.

Per-Song Scene Usage

Different songs may benefit from different mixer settings. Effect levels, mute states, EQ variations, or level balances might change song to song.

Creating a scene per song enables consistent recall throughout a setlist. Scene 1 for song 1, Scene 2 for song 2, and so on.

Scene sequencing through the set follows song order. Advancing to the next scene recalls settings for the next song.

Rehearsing with scene changes ensures smooth transitions. Practice the scene change timing along with musical cues.

Venue Preset Scenes

Storing a “clean” starting point provides consistent baseline for setup at new venues. This scene contains a known-good starting configuration.

Venue-specific scenes store successful configurations for return visits. “Club ABC” scene recalls settings that worked at that venue previously.

System tuning can be incorporated into venue scenes. Graphic EQ settings appropriate for specific rooms save tuning time on return visits.

Safe Parameter Configuration

Safe parameters remain unchanged during scene recall. This protects settings that should not change unintentionally.

Input gain is commonly safed. Changing gain during scene recall could cause level jumps or feedback.

Phantom power is often safed. Switching phantom power during a scene can create pops or damage equipment.

Routing assignments might be safed if routing should remain constant across scenes. Only level and processing changes, not signal paths.

Scene Management

Organize scenes in logical order. Setlist order, numerical sequence, or categorical grouping aids quick navigation.

Back up scenes to USB or external storage. Show files containing all scenes protect against console failure or data loss.

Delete obsolete scenes to maintain manageable lists. Old configurations for past shows clutter scene memory.

Document scene contents if complex. Notes about what each scene contains help recall decisions during performance.

Recall Timing

Scene recall should be inaudible or minimally audible. Smooth transitions prevent jarring changes the audience notices.

Time changes between songs when possible. The natural break provides cover for any audible transition.

Preview recall on some mixers shows what will change before actually changing. This enables verification before commitment.

Fade times can soften transitions on some mixers. Rather than instant changes, parameters fade to new values over specified duration.

Troubleshooting Scene Issues

Wrong settings after recall: Verify the correct scene was recalled. Check safe parameters that may have prevented expected changes.

Missing parameters: Confirm the scene was stored completely. Re-store if necessary.

Unexpected changes: Review what parameters the scene affects. Safe settings may need adjustment.

Audio glitches during recall: Some parameter changes cause brief artifacts. Time recalls during musical breaks to mask any artifacts.

Best Practices

Test all scenes before performance. Walk through the complete setlist verifying each scene recalls as expected.

Build scenes incrementally. Start with a base configuration, then modify and store variations for each song.

Keep backup copies of show files. USB drives or cloud storage protect against data loss.

Communicate scene change timing with band members. Coordinate when changes occur to avoid confusion.

Update scenes after soundcheck. Settings that worked during soundcheck inform scene updates before the show.