The Hosts take some time to reflect and give advice in hindsight. Starting with exploring possible career paths with manufacturers and breaking down a few things "they" wish they knew earlier on in their career. We talk about our new mentor program in our Signal To Noise Facebook Group . Episode Links: Chris mentioned a few of his recommended podcasts to check out The Church Sound Podcast Front Of The House Fridays Live Sound Bootcamp Podcast SoundGirls Podcast Idle Hands with Andrew Stoakley Tw...
Jul 08, 2020•57 min
Alexandria Perryman is a live broadcast engineer and Emmy winner working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where one of her jobs is to run audio for the astronauts on the International Space Station. We talk about the most recent Space X launch which Alexandria mixed, along with the various other audio jobs she encounters on a daily basis. Alexandria also serves as the producer of NASA’s official podcast Houston We Have a Podcast . This episode is sponsored by: Audix Be sure to check out the Signa...
Jun 29, 2020•50 min
The hosts welcome Kevin McCoy and Adrianna Brannon from the audio crew of the hit musical Hamilton, to talk about their work with the touring production of the show, including mixing, mic wrangling, and much more. Episode Links: Adam Savage Explores the Sound Mixing of Hamilton Making the Custom Microphones for Hamilton This episode is sponsored by: Audix Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group . It’s a space for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and...
Jun 24, 2020•55 min
Jamie Anderson of Rational Acoustics joins us for a discussion on SPL ( Sound Pressure Level). Many people still have a knowledge gap or misunderstanding in this area, especially when it comes to exposure. However, Smaart V8 and Smaart SPL now have some new features that allow us to monitor SPL in ways not available in the past. Both Michael and Chris have spent a lot of time over the past year researching and learning effective uses for SPL monitoring in various applications. Jamie has been tea...
Jun 17, 2020•1 hr 16 min
David Morgan has had a storied career mixing for some of the most illustrious artists in the world, including Paul Simon, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Boz Scaggs, Whitney Houston, and many more. David also authored 100 episodes of his column "On the Digital Edge" for FOH Magazine from 2011 through 2019. In this episode, David joins us to chat about working with such legendary artists, how he got his start, and how he keeps his gigs. This episode is sponsor...
Jun 10, 2020•1 hr 13 min
Ryan O John has mixed FOH for a lot of bands like Pussycat Dolls, Jessie J, Phillip Phillips, and many more and is currently the Principal Product Manager & Principle Product Designer of live sound for Avid. We talk about a fun project started by Ryan called "Mix 45", where a group of engineers record themselves starting from a blank desk and mix the same song in 45 minutes. It's a good test of how well you know your workflow, console, and mixing philosophy. Ryan discusses his vocal chain ap...
Jun 03, 2020•58 min
To mark its 50th Episode, the Signal To Noise podcast went live on both the ProSoundWeb Facebook page and YouTube page . This episode is sponsored by: Audix Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group . It’s a space for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments! Let’s build a great sound community with a place to learn, discuss and reminisce about the “good old days.” The Signal To Noise pod...
Jun 02, 2020•1 hr 24 min
Ike Zimbel is a wireless frequency coordinator and tech based in Toronto. A 35-plus year veteran of the audio industry. During that time he has worked extensively as a wireless microphone technician and coordinator, live sound engineer, recording studio technician, audio supervisor for TV broadcasts and have managed manufacturing and production companies. Coordinating 200+ channels of RF is Ikes's specialty for events like The NHL All-Star game. We dig into all things RF with Ike. Ike Zimbel's P...
May 26, 2020•1 hr 3 min
In this Special Episode, the hosts went live again with the Signal To Noise Podcast Facebook group to hang with some friends. Ryan O John, Eddie Caipo, Eric Ferguson and Hannah Goodine joined in to talk about a variety of topics: Ryan’s approach to vocal chain and tom gates when mixing, the value of maintaining relationships and how important that is to a successful career, putting ourselves in the “headspace” of audiences while mixing — reading the audience is just as important as watching the ...
May 24, 2020•1 hr 10 min
Arica Rust is a live sound engineer specializing in systems engineering. She currently freelances under her company Wavelength Engineering, and has extensive experience working with L-Acoustics and d&b audiotechnik systems. She works with companies such as Solotech, Sound On Stage, Morris Light & Sound, and more. Her experience ranges a diverse clientele from artists such as Ben Howard, Sarah McLachlan, and Hillsong United among others, to corporate events for companies such as IBM, Orac...
May 20, 2020•51 min
The working relationship between the FOH mix engineer and the system tech is critical for ensuring a quality and consistent experience for the audience. On this episode, professional system engineer Carter Hassebroek and mix engineer Jim Yakabuski join us for a deep dive on their working relationship and process on the 2019 Peter Frampton tour. Jim Yakabuski on ProSoundWeb: https://www.prosoundweb.com/author/jim-yakabuski This episode is sponsored by: Audix A reminder — check out the Signal To N...
May 18, 2020•59 min
Signal To Noise went live with some friends (April 27) talking about church streaming, gig horror stories, and checking on our mental state of mind during these rough times. Hosts Chris Leonard , Kyle Chirnside and Michael Lawrence are joined by Church Sound Podcast host Samantha Potter and special guests Brian Maddox , Willa Snow and Hannah Goodine in a lively, wide-ranging discussion. You can watch this in video form on the ProSoundWeb Youtube channel. Signal To Noise (STN) is sponsored by Aud...
May 14, 2020•1 hr 36 min
We had a ton of fun talking to both Chris Rabold and Mitchell at the same time. We have had both as guests before on the podcast. When Rabold he was on with us, mentioned he wanted to have a conversation with Mitchell, so we said let's do it. Robold wanted to dig into Mitchell's approach to mixing. Rabold can relate well to Mitchell's world of Umphrey's McGee as he spent 11 years in the jam band world with Widespread Panic. We also talk about their approach to monitoring SPL per show and more. E...
May 13, 2020•52 min
In the world of professional production, life on the road can be challenging, and now there’s a support group to help production pros meet those challenges. In Episode 45, the hosts talk with Paul and Courtney Klimson, industry veterans are establishing The Clinic, a non-profit agency to provide essential resources to touring pros and their families that’s based in southwest Michigan. "Our mission is simple. We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & s...
May 06, 2020•46 min
Should you go to school for audio? There are many factors that play into this conversation. This is a difficult topic as weighing out the pros and cons can be different for each person and school. We attempt to have a healthy discussion about this with Eric Ferguson and Hannah Goodine. Eric Ferguson is an assistant professor of Live Sound Production at the New England School of Communications at Husson University in Maine. He also has extensive experience in the studio and with sound reinforceme...
Apr 29, 2020•57 min
UK based audio engineer Hannah Brodrick joins us this episode to talk about her career path and experiences in live sound. She is the co-founder of EU based organization called ' Women in Live Music' . Their aim is to try to equalize the gender balance across the music industry. They do this via workshops, mentoring, job opportunities and many more. In 2019 Hannah also won the Shure 24 Audience Choice - A celebration of people pushing the limits of audio culture around the world, brought forward...
Apr 22, 2020•50 min
In this episode, Michael and Willa talk with FOH engineer and tour manager Daniel Ramirez, who currently works with the Wood Brothers. Daniel talks about his approach to balancing tour management and FOH mixing, some advice for those aspiring to fill those roles, and some of the unique mixing challenges of the acts he's worked with. This episode is sponsored by: Audix A reminder — check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group. It’s a space for listeners to create to generate conversations around ...
Apr 20, 2020•46 min
What do Yoga therapists and monitor engineers have in common? For Becky Pell, they are one and the same. Becky has been touring worldwide for over 25 years with high-profile bands and artists like Westlife, Muse, Kylie Minogue, Take That, and A-ha. The future of in-ear monitoring is still being explored which is why Becky recently stepped into a new world of monitor mixing with the Klang 3D IEM system . We spend some time digging into one of the top PSW articles of 2019 on the history of stage m...
Apr 15, 2020•46 min
Chris Robold, who is currently the FOH engineer for Bruno Mars joins us to talk about the gear he is using, console workflow, and all-around approach to mixing a dynamic fun show. Bruno Mars is very involved with all aspects of his show including how it sounds. Chris talks about how he manages the artist relationship to deliver what Bruno wants. We discuss some of his past work including Widespread Panic, Kenny Chesney, Lady Gaga and more. Many of these acts tour stadiums which can be drasticall...
Apr 13, 2020•50 min
Andrew Stoakley is a television audio production mixer with over 25 years of experience in remote mobile work, mixing a wide range of sports broadcasts (MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL, CFL, MLS, curling and many others) along the way. He’s currently the production show mixer for the Toronto Blue Jays broadcasts. We spend our time talking about what goes into a sports broadcast mix, everything from the input list, mic placement, mixing style, effects of the stereo image in relationship to camera movement and...
Apr 08, 2020•1 hr 6 min
In episode 38, the hosts are joined by Merlijn van Veen, a noted audio educator, particularly on the subjects of system optimization, array theory, and subwoofers. Currently the senior technical support and educational specialist at Meyer Sound , Merlijn talks about system engineers and how it’s not just about getting the mix right, but also about delivering the same show to everyone. The discussion also touches on sound pressure levels (SPL), still a highly misunderstood concept in pro audio ci...
Apr 06, 2020•51 min
Will Miller joins us this episode to talk more monitors. Will has spent the last eight years with Barry Manilow as Monitor Engineer. Prior to that, he spent many years with Josh Groban, Disturbed along with others. Our Co-Host Chris Leonard spent a few years with Will working at Maryland Sound and on a few tours together. We spend some time talking about how Will got into the business as well as breaking down more tips for mixing monitors. A reminder — check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Grou...
Apr 01, 2020•1 hr 6 min
Our guest this episode is Eddie "El Brujo" Caipo, who has worked as a studio engineer, producer, FOH and monitor engineer for some of the biggest names in the music industry. He is currently the monitor engineer for Enrique Iglesias but has also had the privilege to work as the FOH and MON engineer for a wide range of artists such as Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Smash Mouth, Tears for Fears and more. https://www.prosoundweb.com/2019-top-20-2-dialing-it-in-sound-check-approaches-techniques-f...
Mar 30, 2020•58 min
When Chris Mitchell is not out touring as the FOH engineer for Umphrey's McGee he spends his free time restoring huge analog consoles with low channel counts, no dynamics, and limited EQ. Chris finds great satisfaction from reverse engineering some unknown past engineer’s brilliant but outmoded work and re-purposing it for a second life. He enjoys resurrecting consoles that have been discarded but still have the potential to create unique, beautiful sounds. We also discuss another article by Chr...
Mar 25, 2020•57 min
Willa Snow talks with the hosts about how she got her start in pro audio and what fuels her passion. Other topics include what house sound techs can expect from touring engineers coming through their venues, how mistakes can push us forward to the next level, where and how to find touring opportunities — and — worst catering stories! Based out of Austin, TX with a deep passion for the industry, Willa also serves as a chapter head for SoundGirls.Org , an organization dedicated to inspiring young ...
Mar 23, 2020•54 min
Tyler Walters joins us for a great discussion on the best practices and daily work of a system engineer. This past summer (2019) Tyler was on the road serving as system engineer for the Outlaw Music Festival, an event organized by the original outlaw himself, Willie Nelson. He wrote about the tour and his workflow approach in a ProSoundWeb article. "Staying Ahead Of The Game: System optimization For a Music Festival On Wheels" A reminder — check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group. It’s a spa...
Mar 18, 2020•49 min
We take a listener question today about console workflow. We dig into what that looks like when doing monitors from FOH. We also breakdown some monitor mixing best practices. We would love for you to join our Podcast Facebook group . We wanted to create a space for listeners of the podcast to create a conversation around the topics and people we talk to. We want feedback and questions. This podcast is just as much for you all as it is for us. So let’s build up a great sound community with a grea...
Mar 16, 2020•53 min
Rooted in a passion for the industry, Jeff Hawley of Allen & Heath USA talks about his path in the "music business". It's not always what you dream of as a kid. In addition, Allen & Heath has a heavy presence in the house of worship market and that’s not by mistake. We discuss what influences that and how the A&H team is heavily focused on the training aspect of it all. And, Jeff also talks about his involvement with updating the consoles in the iconic Viper Room on the Sunset Strip ...
Mar 11, 2020•59 min
What we do in our downtime whether planned for or not, is very important. The recent flood of canceled shows due to the Coronavirus has left many with more of this time than expected. Instead of focusing on the recent developments and foreseeable future we discuss what to do during any time of the year that may be slow. Everything from budgeting, diversifying your income, attaining the next level of education, focusing on health and more. We would love for you to join our Podcast Facebook group ...
Mar 09, 2020•47 min
Michael nearly misses the recording session in order to get free pancakes, and Kyle is reminded how old he is. Kyle and Michael chat with FOH engineer and tour manager Chad Olech to discuss his experience juggling both jobs. Chad has worked with a number of major artists, including Shinedown, Fallout boy, Demi Lovato, Alice in chains, Deftones, P.O.D. and others. Episode links: Mike Green music: https://mikegreen.bandcamp.com/ The Signal To Noise podcast series on ProSoundWeb , sponsored by Shur...
Mar 04, 2020•48 min