Subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, or Stitcher. Support Sound Design Live on Patreon. In this episode of Sound Design Live I talk with Kenneth 'Pooch' Van Druten, the FOH sound engineer for Linkin Park, Alice and Chains, Kid Rock, and System of a Down. We discuss: How Van Druten got his first job in audio. The number one skill that gets him in the door for every job. The value of microphone placement. Why speaker coverage is important beyond anything else. How to set gates using … [Read more...]
How To Become The WORST Live Sound Engineer Ever
Lots of sound engineers want to be great, but you don't hear much about going the opposite direction. What if you are trying to develop a reputation for being completely terrible? Björgvin Benediktsson is here to help. Here are suggestions from one of his best posts, 10 Ways to Become the WORST Live Sound Engineer in History, along with some comments of my own.* #1 - You shouldn’t care about what the band says, your opinion is the one that matters. I've developed a … [Read more...]
Mixing The Biggest Festivals In Europe with Dave Swallow
Subscribe on iTunes or SoundCloud. In this episode of Sound Design Live I interview Dave Swallow, the author of Live Audio: The Art Of Mixing A Show, about how he went from being the in-house sound engineer at a local music venue to mixing at the biggest festivals in Europe. We also discuss why graphic EQs are rubbish, time-aligning stage monitors for better vocal intelligibility, why lead singers use more than one stage monitor, how performers communicate with sound technicians, avoiding … [Read more...]
Sound System Design And Optimization with Bob McCarthy
Subscribe on iTunes or SoundCloud. In this episode of Sound Design Live I speak with Bob McCarthy, author of Sound System Design & Optimization and Director of System Optimization at Meyer Sound. We talk about variable acoustic architecture, why we must optimize before we mix, and how to prioritize our system check list. We also discuss why graphic EQs are useless, common misconceptions about stereo, the pitfalls of L/R stacked subs, why sound is so difficult to teach, tips for finding … [Read more...]
Career Advice For Freelance Designers
Subscribe on iTunes or SoundCloud. In this episode of Sound Design Live, I speak with blogger, composer, and game sound designer Harry Mack about career advice for freelance designers. We cover the pros and cons of being an independent contractor, how to communicate professionally, and the best and worst job-hunting strategies. We also discuss the bidding process, strategies for knowing how much to charge, and using Yoga to recover from stress and injury. It all comes down to luck. It's kind … [Read more...]