Sound of the Show

Every major event requires special professionals towork behind a sound board. The sound board is a
make the event a success. Depending on the size ofcomplicated piece of equipment that controls all
the event, the venue, and what the event is about,aspects of the sound the audience hears. Sound
different coordinators will be needed to keep thingstechnicians need experience to work with large
running smoothly. Some of those roles require manualbands, and they often have an associates or
labor, while others require a great deal of skill andbachelors degree in sound technology. Sound
training. When it comes to live concerts, many peopletechnicians use the sound board to control the
are required in various positions to make the showvolume and quality of each instrument and sound
happen. One of the primary aspects of any concertcoming from the stage. They coordinate the sound
is sound. Chances are, the way a band sounds isquality to each seat in the venue, as well as the
what attracted the audience there to start with.sound to the stage. Sound technicians have to be
Audiences come to live shows for the atmosphere,familiar with music, and be able to understand the
the crowd, and the sound of their favorite band. Nosound the band wants to portray. Understanding and
matter how good the rest of the show is, withoututilizing or controlling the acoustics of a venue is
the right sound, fans won't be satisfied. Many fansanother important part of the sound technician's job.
don't realize, the band isn't solely responsible for theSound crews and sound technicians may work with
sound of a concert. An entire crew works togetherbands in a few different ways. Some sound crews
to create the right quality, volume, and acoustics totravel with the band for the entire tour. Other sound
create a dazzling concert music.crews may work for the venue and assist each band
Working on the crew requires a great deal ofthat plays there. Some very small bands don't have a
knowledge and talent. The crew has to work as asound crew, so the sound crews at a venue need
team to ensure all the sound equipment is functioninggood communication skills to understand the needs of
properly. Some members or the crew use the soundeach particular band. Sound technicians, especially,
board to control the mix of sounds the audienceneed to consider both the acoustics and the sound
hears. Other members of the group are responsiblethe band wants to convey when mixing from the
for running cables and setting up microphones, amps,sound board.
and speakers. Their primary job is to make sure allA successful concert may consist of many people to
the equipment performs properly, and tocoordinate the show, but the group is one aspect
communicate with the band about equipment needs.that is necessary to make the show successful.
They need to be skilled in the technical aspect of onWhether they are playing a large arena, or an indoor
stage equipment, and they need to beclub, the crew has to know how to create the sound
knowledgeable enough to discuss equipment needsthat will please both the audience and the musicians.
with the band. Sound technicians are another highlyTechnical knowledge and a musical ear give sound
skilled member of the sound crew. Sound technicianscrews the skills to make a concert sound fantastic.