In Episode 117, the hosts discuss the process of preparing and educating others on the team with mental and technical skills so they’re ready to step up when the time comes. They also highlight key areas to work on or have full understanding of before that torch is passed. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz. Check out …

In the second part of Andy’s conversation with Cody Heimann of Sound Devices (part one is here), the duo rolls up their sleeves and goes deep on the company’s Astral wireless platform that offers 32 channels in a single rack-unit, Optocore integration, and a handheld transmitter that can take almost any capsule on the market without any additional …

Episode 290 goes all in on wireless as Andy is joined by Cody Heimann, RF applications engineer at Sound Devices as well as a veteran RF coordinator for large-scale events. In the first of two episodes, he talks about how his career grew and led to finding a niche as an RF coordinator for events and clients such as Coachella, New Year’s Eve in Time…

In Episode 116, the hosts discuss different physical and mental aspects of running the “perfect service” — or as close to it as we can get. Mistakes will be made and equipment will fail, but we can learn how to better manage those hurdles as they arise. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Renkus-Heinz. Check out James Attaway’s wors…

“Spatial” and “immersive” audio are buzzwords that we seem unable to escape in today’s world of live sound, but what do they actually mean and how do we use them — if we even should at all? Theatre sound designer Nat Houle joins the show in Episode 289 to provide a “manufacturer-agnostic” take on the topic, benefits and limitations, and much more. …

In Episode 115, the hosts discuss how to carry out sound check and begin building the mix. A proper sound check goes beyond just making sure everything is plugged in, it also helps in staying organized for the upcoming performance and shines a light on problems that could occur. They also dive into setting up a simple mix once sound check is comple…

This week, Andy takes us behind the scenes for a look at how an episode of Signal to Noise is produced and edited. He walks through the recording, processing, and editing chain, sharing tips and tricks on how to efficiently produce an unscripted conversational podcast, as well as some plugins and tips that are equally applicable to live mixes to br…

In Episode 114, the hosts discuss creating and maintaining relationships. Fundamental ways to build and grow relationships include consistency, integrity, and communication. Having accountability, an open mind, and a good attitude will start anyone down the right path. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out Jam…

Veteran mix engineer Wayne Pauley returns the show in Episode 287 to talk with the hosts about his experience mixing RCF’s Ultimate Jam Night showcase at NAMM, and doing it in the inimitable “Wayne Pauley style” — in other words, as analog as possible! This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Wayne also talks about touring with an RCF TT…

In Episode 113, the hosts continue their series on broadcast mixing by discussing dynamic range. They discuss the goal of attaining a balanced and consistent mix across not only for the broadcast, but the various devices it’s played on. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out James Attaway’s worship audio academ…

In Episode 286, Sean and Andy continue their look at stepping up from smaller shows with a dive into larger intercom platforms and a look at life past four-channel analog systems. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Drawing from his work programming intercom systems for large scale corporate and broadcast events, including network u…

In Episode 112, James and Gary continue their discussion on broadcast mixing and address two new topics, balance and EQ. For example, how you pan and EQ instruments and vocals can create the space needed to provide a clean broadcast mix. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out James Attaway’s worship audio acade…

In Episode 285, the hosts are joined by Tal Kocen and Dave Friesema, founders of brand-new in-ear monitor maker Dark Matter Audio Labs. Sean and Andy were impressed with their IEMs when the company launched at NAMM a couple weeks ago, and knew they had to have the duo on to tell their story. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Tal a…

Picking up where they left off in Episode 282, Sean and Andy dig deeper into the “hows and whys” of wireless system frequency coordination, addressing issues such as whether it’s ever OK to just scan on the receiver, an overview of the differences between the Shure Wireless Workbench and SoundBase Coord platforms, the reasons why it’s always a good…

Fresh back from the 2025 North American Music Merchants (NAMM) Show in Anaheim, CA, Andy and Sean compare notes on all the cool new audio things they saw there, including loudspeakers, in-ear monitors, plugins, consoles, and everything in between. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Be sure to register for Live Sound Nashville on Ma…

In Episode 111, James and Gary discuss setting up broadcast audio, including a focus on differences between the mix in-person, the mix for broadcast, and tips on how to go back and forth while maintaining the highest quality possible. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio acad…

In Episode 282, Sean and Andy pick up where they left off last time, answering some follow-up questions they’ve received on gain staging for monitor mixes, other tips and tricks for clean and clear in-ear monitors, as well as how to make the most “bang for your buck” improvements to wireless microphones and monitors. This episode is sponsored by Al…

In Episode 110, James and Gary discuss how to check loudspeakers to make sure everything is working properly, including different ways to measure loudspeakers, document and interpret the data, and decide if it’s the time to make changes or move on. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out James Attaway’s new wors…

In Episode 109, James and Gary make the case for flying loudspeakers — a significant benefit of the approach, when done correctly, is more consistent coverage and volume throughout the audience, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.attawayaudio.com/ac…

In the final episode of 2024, Sean and Andy pick up where they left off last time (Episode 280) in rounding out some baseline tips for getting a rocking mix going fast — compressors, effects, and general mixing advice abound as their last holiday gift to everyone out there listening! This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Episode Links…

In Episode 280, Sean and Andy take it back to basics, and offer some advice for folks early in their live sound journey to help speed through sound check and get a band dialed in more quickly. From setting gains to EQ and compressors, the hosts share a bunch of tips and tricks they’ve learned along the way from all sorts of smart folks in both the …

In Episode 279, the hosts learn all about Direct Field Audio Testing, or as one of this week’s guests put it, “Blasting super loud sound at spacecraft and satellites!” This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Many listeners will be familiar with Maryland Sound International (MSI), the sound company best known for its work on large-scale …

In Episode 108, James and Gary talk audio distortion, as in, where it comes from and how to fix it. The offer straightforward approaches that can mitigate most distortion issues, and they also discuss a few scenarios where distortion can actually be a good thing. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out James Att…

Brian Grahn, joins the show in Episode 278 to talk about all things Clear-Com. He clears up a lot of mysteries about Arcadia, HelixNet, and Freespeak, lets us in on the new cloud-based Gen-IC Virtual Intercom, and sheds some light on common problems and tricks to getting the most out of good ol’ fashioned two-wire partyline intercoms, and more. Bri…

In Episode 107, James and Gary discuss the ins and outs of wireless/RF technology. When it comes to wireless systems, it’s important to think about your specific needs in advance, the RF environment, antenna type/placement, and more. The hosts also share helpful tricks and tips to simplify in-ear monitor set up and use. The Church Sound Podcast is …

In a bonus Episode 277, the Signal To Noise community presents it’s first-ever holiday gift guide. Join hosts Sean and Andy as well as a parade of past guests, friends, and listeners with gift suggestions for your favorite sound engineer/production tech to meet every budget, from $10s to $1000s. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. E…

Seattle-based globe-trotting sound engineer Jason Waggoner joins the show in Episode 276 and talks about the many twists and turns of his career in live audio. From e-sport tournaments to Formula 1 racing, theatre to corporate events to concerts, mixing to systems engineering, and even helping to build the U.S. tech support and education branch of …

In Episode 106, James and Gary discuss orchestral instruments — with a wide variety of instruments comes a wide variety of different tones and challenges. Ways to incorporate them effectively into a mix include using certain microphones, spacing of sections and/or individual instruments, putting up barriers, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sp…

Luke McRitchie and Brian Maddox join the show in Episode 275 to talk about their experience working together as mixers for the Olympic Broadcasting Service’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. They share what it’s like mixing up to 16 simultaneous broadcast channels at once for one of the largest viewing audiences in the world, as well as insight…

In Episode 274, Sean and Andy open it up to listeners in the Signal to Noise Discord and Facebook groups to ask them anything, who provided a lot of great questions about work/home life, gear they bring to gigs, business goals — and, of course — tacos! This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Episode Links: Episode 274 Transcript Be sure…

In Episode 105, James and Gary discuss ways to work with and mix a choir. As with the vocals of the choir itself, it’s all about balance. What mics are being used, where are they placed, and the size of the choir are all factors to consider. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out James Attaway’s new worship aud…

Ever wonder what it’s like to mix sound at Madison Square Garden for the first time without as much as a line check, let alone a proper sound check? In Episode 273, front of house engineer Ben Ivey shares his thrilling experience doing just that for country artist Warren Zeiders. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Ben also talks ab…

In Episode 104, James and Gary discuss ways to take your audio knowledge to the next level. A big part of expanding skillsets and understanding is to be a sponge: communicate and network, strive for new and better ways to do things, be open to any and all information, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Epis…

Let’s get down to shackles and eyebolts in Episode 272, as riggers Siobhan Colleen and Katrina Puleo join the show to demystify rigging. Whether it’s a ballroom or an arena, Siobhan and Katrina share their vast experience of what to look out for and how to make life easier and safer for you, your rigging team, and the rest of the production. This e…

In Episode 271, Sean sits down with Nikki Sanz, founder and CEO of Giggs, a platform designed to revolutionize how professionals in the live event industry hire, find work, and connect — essentially a LinkedIn for our word-of-mouth, niche market. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. After working with a diverse range of clients inclu…

In Episode 103, James and Gary discuss everything feedback — the audio type of feedback — including what it is, how to avoid it, and key aspects such as gain before feedback, loudspeaker and microphone placement, and more. The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Check out James Attaway’s new worship audio academy at www.a…

In Episode 270, the hosts are joined by live sound engineers and software developers Justin Tyre and Stephen Bailey, who earlier this year launched ProdCom, new software for the live event industry that provides real-time multichannel text transcriptions of talkback mics, intercom chatter, or any other audio fed into a MacOS computer. This episode …

In Episode 102, James and Gary discuss ways to learn and understand a new console. Different consoles and manufacturers have different configurations, so it’s important and helpful to learn not only the base layout but the different ways to accomplish tasks. Taking the time to learn the “ins and outs” of any console, especially a new one, helps us …

In Episode 269, it’s time to break out your best dayglo shirts and leather jackets, dig out a slap bracelet or two, and get your 80s on, as Chris Pou, FOH and production manager for 80s rock cover band Electric Avenue, joins Sean and Andy to talk about what it takes to recreate those classic 80s sounds (spoiler: allllll the reverbs). Chris also dig…

Co-hosts Andy and Sean celebrate their first anniversary together on the podcast in Episode 268 with a look back on highlights from the past nearly 50 episodes as well as look forward to what the next year of the podcast has in store. They also discuss a momentous week in live sound news — the discontinuation of the ubiquitous Yamaha CL and QL cons…

Frank Padikkala of Audinate joins the show in Episode 267 and talks with Sean and Andy to talk about all things Dante. Frank is a senior technical sales engineer for Audinate, and brings his years of experience in IT/cybersecurity as well as AV integrations together to help clear up a bunch of common misunderstandings about Dante and AV networking …

In Episode 101, James and Gary dive into mixing monitors, including a key aspect of finding the right balance to give artists a reference so they can blend and level themselves within the band. They also talk about the differences between stage wedges and in-ear monitors (IEMs). The Church Sound Podcast is sponsored by DiGiCo and Electro-Voice. Che…

Picking up where they left off in Episode 265, Sean and Andy continue their conversation with Phil Graham and Merlijn van Veen about all things subwoofer, including whether or not to haystack, ways to deal with power alleys (and whether or not it’s worth the cost), and more. Phil Graham started building hi-fi loudspeakers with his grandfather as a …

There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings when it comes to subwoofers and sub arrays, but the reality is that there’s no reason to be afraid of them. In Episode 265, Sean and Andy huddle up with two very smart folks when it comes to low end — Phil Graham and Merlijn van Veen — to bust subwoofer myths and help us all understand them better for …

In Episode 100, co-hosts James and Gary are joined by Luke Vogel for a deeper dive into immersive audio. Luke shares his past of working at houses of worship and how it led him to his current work with immersive audio at Fulcrum Immersive. Like most technological advancements, immersive audio is becoming more accessible and affordable, and may some…

In Episode 264, Sean and Andy talk with two members of the production team for the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio, sound designer Connor Wang and Liz Weber, who was a member of the Access Team for the show and also works as a sound engineer. The musical is based on the Peabody Award-winning documentary about the challenges and triumphs of a …

Veteran audio professional Mike Dias picks up where he left off with last week (in Episode 262), digging into the other side of his career in the worlds of in-ear monitors and microphones. He spends time addressing and demystifying some myths about IEM technology, discusses why we each tend to favor a brand and/or types of IEMs that we do, and digs…

In Episode 99, James and Gary take a step back and discuss how to find and implement an overall vision for a mix. Vision isn’t always about loudness, it’s more about feel: how do we want people to receive the message and how do we match the overall tone of the service? It can vary depending on the day so it’s important before touching faders to thi…

Veteran audio professional Mike Dias returns in Episode 262 to convince us that networking needn’t be a four-letter word! Whether you’re a sound company owner, a freelance engineer, or full-time staff, networking is an important non-audio tool in the toolbox. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. When Mike isn’t selling microphones (a…

It’s been a year of huge growth and focus shifts for Evan Turunen and Turunen Audio Visual — first featured in Episode 221 — so Andy and Sean wanted to check back in with Evan and see how things have changed and what he’s learned since he last visited. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF. Topics discussed include making a similar maj…