Without them, it wouldn’t be the same.
Let’s talk rooms.
The recording studio is a key factor in the sound of music.
Let’s discuss Motown’s origins in Detroit in the 1960s. Due to the roof, much of the music was recorded in an attic with longer walls. The room’s design and the materials it was made from contributed to the distinctive sound of that era. It is important to remember that recording is just as important as live concerts. But there is a catch.
You don’t get a second chance in the recording.
The live sound technician is highly valued because it all happens in real-time. Let’s look at their work, their physics, and how we can help you become a concert technician.
Physics, music and training collide.
There are some key points to remember when dealing with live music. These are only a few examples of the many aspects of live sound, a hybrid art form and craft.
The Sound of the Music
What you choose to do with your money will depend on the sound and intent of the music. Let’s return to Motown. It would sound terrible if the same band were taken to a cathedral with a huge sound system.
Cathedrals are designed to resonate so that you wouldn’t need any amplification or appropriate music. If Yo-Yo Ma had been booked, it would have been about finding the right place for him and his cello. You might also consider using acoustic treatment before he plays since the delay in sound can make it difficult.
The Equipment at Hand
There are many options, and sometimes the choices are overwhelming. It is important to be able to navigate a parametric equalizer. However, you may not have access to a mixing board or an equivalent and need to think outside the box. Many techniques use the physics behind sound to lower or attenuate it in the frequencies you need.
Training and experience can bring you more knowledge about the various sound systems. Are the speakers passive or active? Is the stereo or mono configuration preferred? Are you using parallel or series? Which type of speaker are they? We are still not ready to tackle the amplifiers. As a concert tech, there is much to do, making it exciting and rewarding.
This is the strength of a concert technician, and it is why they are so valuable. You get to know the venue, its peculiarities, and the equipment.
Physics at Play in the Living Environment
Sound waves can be very interesting. Here’s an experiment that you can do at home. YouTube creates a sine wave with a low but audible frequency of 60Hz. Play it through your speakers at an adequate volume level, pointed straight at the rear wall. Slowly walk around the back of your room, and you’ll notice the sound disappearing.
This is known as a standing wave. A sine wave can be used to demonstrate it. The effect is subtler when irregular waves of music or real-life come out of instruments or speakers. As a concert tech, this is only a part of the information you should be aware of.
MI College of Contemporary Music
Although it can be challenging, it is one of the most rewarding paths an audio engineer could take. It is a performance art form because you are connected to the music and the audience.
You can learn more about this rewarding and exciting career by visiting the audio programs at MIU. The equipment, the physics and sounds of the industry will be explained to you.