FRONT OF HOUSE
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST | Kent Morris
In live sound , things are guaranteed to go wrong . Despite our best efforts and leaving the system exactly as it was during rehearsal , once the service starts , so do the problems . Random noises creep into the loudspeakers as surely as the drummer forgetting to play quietly as was discussed only ten minutes prior . While it may appear these disruptions and distractions are indeed random , each has a demonstrable cause and cure . It is not enough to dismiss the issues as inevitable and unknowable ; the studied engineer must take the time and discipline to uncover the root cause in every case .
Every problem in live sound has either a human or gear malfunction at its source . Unfortunately , most of the time , the issue is us . We forget to unmute a channel , assign a patch incorrectly , fail to replace a battery , or any number of other preventable maladies . When we are the source of the problem , only we can be its solution . Either through self-discipline or imposed discipline , we must find a way to alter our behavior and make it harder for us to fail than to succeed . A prime example is time commitment . If we are to execute a proper mix , we must know what we are mixing , which includes taking time prior to the service to listen through each song noting solo parts , reprises , key changes , and anything requiring a mix change . Read through the transitions and calculate how much time is available between segments to recall a scene or execute a mute group release . Without preparation , failure is guaranteed .
In a similar vein , time at the console is critical to success . Showing up at the desk three minutes before launch due to hanging out in the lobby over coffee is unacceptable . Mixing is a mental exercise , and our headspace must be clear in order to listen intentionally as the service unfolds . Being able to mix in the moment while mentally preparing for the next thing is a learned skill developed only through repetition . There ’ s an old FOH saying ; “ Hands on is the best teacher .” Practice physically moving through the layers and DCAs during rehearsal to build muscle memory to automate the function when it matters most .
Next , consider the value of written notes . As the proverb says , “ the faintest ink is more powerful than the strongest memory ” meaning
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