Michael Lawrence : The fidelity of modern PA systems . The consistency of PA rigs today may not be something that we readily notice as the improvements happened over time . If you were used to mixing on a 1990 ’ s system and then jumped up to what is on the market now , you ’ d be quite impressed at the sonic leap , though .
Macpherson : The prevalence of line arrays . Dr . Christian Heil ( Founder , L-Acoustics ) introduced the first coherent full bandwidth line array in the early 1990 ' s . The sea change from the point-source boxes that were dominant at that time to the predominance of line arrays in diverse applications around the world today would be a shock to a 1990 ’ s engineer !
Ordoñez : The ease in which you can connect and route audio now is amazing . While we don ’ t quite have one true networked audio transport standard , the few key protocols that are out there now all seem to be viable options and are certainly better than racks and racks of analog patch cables and splits .
[ WM ] Anything that you ’ d like to share with readers as we roll into 2022 ?
Brown-Cestero : “ This too shall pass .” I mean it in both the traditional Persian sense – this life is fleeting , live it well – and also in the more contemporary interpretation of ‘ when things are bad , be patient , for tomorrow ’ s another day ’.
Matt Lawrence : Use your ears , not your eyes .
Michael Lawrence : Have a reason for everything you do . Don ’ t get stuck just doing things out of habit . Be introspective about what you ’ re doing and always be focused on improving your processes .
Macpherson : I noted off the top that 2021 was like a tsunami . The growth in installation and the return of the live production world is creating some amazing demand . I think 2022 is going to bump up to even greater heights . Be ready for it !
McVeigh : “ Just keep swimming .” ( Dory in Finding Nemo )
Ordoñez : Stay upbeat and hang in there . We ’ ve seen good recovery in many areas of the pro audio space in the last year and things seem to be looking up for 2022 !
Sullivan : Involve your parishioners . It isn ’ t a one-way street . Interaction online and in person in all ways is the key . Now is the time to step up your game .
Jeff Hawley A 20-year music industry veteran — equally at ease behind the console , playing bass guitar , leading marketing teams or designing award-winning audio products . He currently heads up the marketing for Allen & Heath in the US .