In Episode 249, Sean and Andy gather around the microphones with Sam Kusnetz, education and training manager for Figure 53’s QLab and founder of Team Sound, maker of MIDI hardware and testers specifically designed for live audio playback users. Sam talks about growing up and falling into theatre in New York, working on smaller tours and regional theatres across the country, and then eventually settling into a dual role as a NY-based associate sound designer and, for the last decade and change, a core member of the QLab support and development team.

Sam and the hosts focus on using QLab across all aspects of live sound, from theatre to corporate audio, and even employing it for more exotic things like calling followspot cues in concerts. Sam also discusses some lesser known features and tips and tricks that QLab 5 allows, shares the power of the free and daily rental licenses for QLab as well as the more standard perpetual licenses, and talks about QLab’s free sibling iPhone/iPad app, Go Button.

They also spend some time talking about some of the biggest changes that came in QLab 5, such as fully chasing timecode, multi-computer client/server collaboration functions, and much more, and get a brief overview of Team Sound’s hardware, which is showing up in more and more sound engineers’ tool boxes every day!

Episode Links:
Figure 53
QLab App
Go Button App
Team Sound
Episode 249 Transcript

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”

2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

In Episode 248, the hosts visit with front of house engineer Burton Ishmael, who is currently mixing Madonna’s global Celebration tour, and learn about how the artist sought him out after hearing him mix Post Malone, the latest in a list of A-List hip-hop and R&B acts on his resume that also includes Lil Baby, Nas, Big Sean, Miguel, and H.E.R., and others. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

They also talk about what it takes to make a concert spanning a 40-year career sound coherent and contemporary while still remaining true to the individual eras of the artist’s career, as well as the unique collaborative process involved in mixing the vocals and effects for Madonna. And, they spend some time digging into Burton’s outboard signal chains for both Madonna and Post Malone.

Episode Links:
Burton Ishmael On YouTube
Rig Tour: Post Malone Front Of House Engineer Burton Ishmael (YouTube)
This is DeLaCruz! — Running Sound For Madonna — Burton Ishmael (YouTube)
Episode 248 Transcript

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”

2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

In Episode 247, the co-hosts catch up after Sean returns from his first vacation since starting his company. Sean fills Andy in on turning a trip to visit the RCF factory into a vacation for his entire family. He gives a recap of his awesome time visiting the factory and seeing how the loudspeakers he’s bought for his company are made and tested, plus an obligatory stop for fantastic Neapolitan pizza and other Italy must-sees. The discussion turns to acknowledging how important time off is, and how hard it is to realize that you’re overworking or burning out until you do finally take a break, intentionally or otherwise. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”

2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

Episode 247 Transcript

In Episode 246, Sean, Andy and guest co-host Kate Foretek talk with financial advisor Bailie Slevin to get the lowdown on making your money work for you as a freelancer to plan for both the future you expect, and the one you don’t! This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

A combination of finance ninja and theatre nerd, Bailie is a business management and financial consultant focused specifically on working with creatives of all types. With 10 years of experience as a financial adviser and a hefty résumé in theater, she is re-defining planning for artists and entrepreneurs.

Bailie has worked with Certified Financial Services and Forest Hills Financial Group in finance, and teaches financial literacy and wellbeing workshops, and speaks throughout the NY region on the specifics of financial management for artists.

As a stage manager, general manager, and producer on Broadway, Off Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway, Tony, Drama Desk, OBIE, and IT Awards pepper Slevin’s résumé. Some of her favorite projects include “The Norman Conquests,” “Altar Boyz,” “Naked Boys Singing!,” “Pursuit of Persephone,” “A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant,” and “Popesical,” in Concert at Joe’s Pub. She currently serves as a board member for The Tank NYC, a non-profit arts presenter for emerging artists engaged in the pursuit of new forms of expression, and Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU), a training ground for tomorrows theatrical producers.

Savings versus debt, retirement accounts, the different types of life insurance, and more are all laid out on the table in this discussion. If you ever thought that liquid assets are something you buy at the corner liquor store, this is definitely the episode for you!

Note: The things discussed in this episode are for informational purposes only, and may not necessarily be the right choices for you. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor who knows your situation before making any investment, savings, or other financial decisions! If you’d like to talk to Bailie about your specific needs, reach out to her via her website, and mention that you heard this episode to get a totally free, no commitment 30-minute consultation.

Episode Links:
Bailie Slevin Website
Pound Foolish, by Helaine Olen
Episode 246 Transcript

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected]

Kenny Barnwell joins Andy in Episode 245 to discuss how to nurture and maintain healthy relationships while working away from home. His advice — which even those who don’t tour will find valuable — touches on communication strategies, mutual support and accountability, self-awareness and boundaries, and how to include your family in your life and your work when working away from home. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

Subjects they touch on include managing work schedules, setting shared goals and priorities, developing trust and confidence, and so much more, as well as the importance of maintaining physical and mental health on and off tour. Finally, Kenny also shares his thoughts on how to smoothly re-enter life at home when a tour ends.

Episode Links:
Episode 211: Kenny Barnwell, Crew Coach
Episode 242: Mark Russie
Crew Coach
Kenny On Facebook
Kenny’s IG: @thekennybarnwell
Headspace Guide to Meditation
Episode 245 Transcript

Free Stuff!

Free Crew Coach Masterclass from Kenny from Kenny for S2N listeners

Mark Fisher Fitness HomeBody (Andy’s virtual gym). As a special offer for Signal to Noise listeners, if you email [email protected] and tell them you heard about them on Signal to Noise, they’ll give you a free week of their HomeBody Zoom-based workout classes — you might even see Andy in a class with you if you do!

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”
2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

Episode 245 Transcript

Picking up where they left off in last time (here), in Episode 244 Sean and Andy continue their roundtable on corporate event audio with Aram Piligian, Brian Maddox, and Michael Curtis. Previously, they looked at the input side of corporate audio, and this time, focus shifts to the outputs — how to balance the needs of the live sound in the room with both recordings and live streams as well as how to minimize the sound of the room in a stream and why that may or may not be desirable. They also discuss how to keep an eye and ear on those feeds while still paying attention to the needs of the live audience, and tricks and techniques to get streams to sound as loud as they need to. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

Links:
Episode 151: Brian Maddox & The Next Generation Of Audio Professionals
Episode 155, Part 1: Aram Piligian On The A2 Role In Corporate Audio
Episode 179: FOH Mixer, Systems Engineer & Audio Educator Michael Curtis
Episode 227: Events Mix Engineer Pete Wiejaczka
Episode 244 Transcript

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”
2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

Episode 244 Transcript

Many of us spend tons of time talking about things like crafting the perfect kick drum or guitar or lead vocal, but in Episode 243, we focus the podcast on another important but less recognized set of “money” inputs — corporate event vocals.

In part one of a two-part deep dive into mixing corporate events, Andy and Sean bring together a collection of top A1s in the business — Aram Piligian, Brian Maddox, and Michael Curtis — to talk about all things input chain. They discuss types of lavalier mics and where to mount them, placement and pattern of lectern microphones, and peel back the curtain on the processing tricks and tips that can help to make sure the message gets across clearly in a deceptively high-pressure field of live audio where literally all of the money sometimes rides on a single, unaccompanied input. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

In part two next week, focus turns to the output side of the corporate event signal chain, with a look at the differences between the live in-room sound and recording or streaming feeds as well as strategies for managing them all from one console at the same time!

Links:
Episode 151: Brian Maddox & The Next Generation Of Audio Professionals
Episode 155, Part 1: Aram Piligian On The A2 Role In Corporate Audio
Episode 179: FOH Mixer, Systems Engineer & Audio Educator Michael Curtis
Episode 227: Events Mix Engineer Pete Wiejaczka
Episode 243 Transcript

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”

2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

In Episode 242, Andy and guest host Aram Piligian talk with Mark Russie, who retired from a long career as a Las Vegas-based A1 and A2 to start a small business manufacturing the Lav Magnet and Beltpack Bar, tools he originally invented to make his own life on corporate events easier. Mark shares the story of how, after multiple manufacturers told him his product wouldn’t be feasible, he set up a shop in his garage and learned to do it himself, as well as highlights of his career that inspired the Lav Magnet, and what it’s like being an IATSE job steward in one of the busiest and highest profile union locals in the country. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

This week, we also introduce a new segment, where we take listener questions and–together with some guest contributors–answer them on air. This week, Courtney Klimson (The Roadie Clinic) and Kenny Barnwell (Crew Coach) offer advice on maintaining and sustaining a relationship at home while working on the road.

NOTE: Mark is generously offering a special rebate offer for listeners — just mention Signal to Noise in the “order notes” field of his website when checking out, and Mark will give you a 10 percent rebate and free regular shipping back to your card once the order is shipped!

Episode Links
Lav Magnet
Episode 242 Transcript

You’re Invited To Take The Philosophy Of (Live) Sound Survey (here).

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”

2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

Episode 242 Transcript

In a “shocking” Episode 241, Sean and Andy talk with Richard Cadena, author of the book “Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician” as well as serving as a freelance lighting designer, lighting consultant, and trainer. He’s worked on concert tours, television, and theatre, and has designed dozens of lighting systems for permanent installations. Richard is also the technical editor for PLASA Media and a columnist for Lighting & Sound America, Lighting & Sound International, and Protocol, and is a member in good standing of IATSE Local 205. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

Topics covered include power distribution and safety, ESTA’s Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) Certified Entertainment Electrician and Portable Power Distribution Certifications, why most rental shop quad boxes are dangerous, what types of multimeters to buy for maximum utility and safety, and much more! Richard would like to thank Overdrive Energy Solutions and Neel Vasavada, Boxer Hardison, and Sean Jacobs, who brought him in on the battery/inverter gigs he talks about in the episode.

Episode Links
“Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician” (Richard’s book)
Richard’s Online & In-Person Training
Richard On Substack
Overdrive Energy Solutions
The Case of the Deadly Arc Flash (article)
Fluke 323 True RMS Clamp Meter
Ideal TightSight Clamp Meters & SureTest Circuit Analyzer
Episode 241 Transcript

Note: For a special 10 percent listener discount on Richard’s in-person classes coming up in Atlanta in March 2024, use the following coupon codes:
Level 1 Training, Code PSW2024L1
Level 2 Training, Code PSW2024L2

You’re Invited To Take The Philosophy Of (Live) Sound Survey (here).

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”
2) If you want a quick easy way to do a

Chicago-based front of house engineer and tour manager Dave Unger joins the show in Episode 240 and talks about his career mixing high-energy world music artists that include Femi Kuti and the Positive Force, Bombino, Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars, and many others at some of the highest profile venues and festivals in the world such as Coachella, the New Orleans and Montreal Jazz Festivals, Philharmonie de Paris, Bonnaroo, the Hollywood Bowl, the 9:30 Club, The Apollo, Austin City Limits, and more. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

Dave also talks about his work as the house engineer for the Old Town School of Folk Music, and mixing broadcast for Smoky Norful’s Victory Cathedral Worship Center, and extols the virtues of the world of Chicago pizza beyond deep dish!

Episode Links:
Dave Unger On Facebook & Instagram
Dave Unger Sound
Kenji López-Alt’s Dive Into Chicago Tavern Pizza
Episode 240 Transcript

NOTE: You’re Invited To Take The Philosophy Of (Live) Sound Survey (here).

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”

2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

Episode 240 Transcript

In Episode 239, the hosts are joined by Marc Alan, front of house engineer for legendary artist Jose Feliciano as well as the production manager and FOH at the Wall Street Theater in Norwalk, CT and the marketing director of Factory Underground Studio. He goes deep on what it’s like working with an artist like Jose at this point of his incredibly long career, and he also talks about how to establish an optimum relationship between house engineer and guests who come in with bands — an especially fun conversation since Marc and Andy met last year when Marc guested at Andy’s venue! This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

Episode Links
Marc Alan On LinkedIn
Wall Street Theater
Factory Underground Studio
Episode 239 Transcript

NOTE: You’re Invited To Take The Philosophy Of (Live) Sound Survey (here).

Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to [email protected] with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”
2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there

Episode 239 Transcript