WHY would ANYONE want to be a live sound engineer?

I get a lot of questions about HOW to become a sound engineer, but WHY would anyone want to be a live sound engineer? Let's talk about the pros and cons of this calling ...

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[gainmedialab]

What do YOU love about doing live sound?

[msmusic]

I'm currently studying sound engineering and i must say, the points you made really resonated with me at much as the note A in my home studio. I love music tech, love how its such a niche subject and I'm little bit of an adrenaline junkie myself. Live sound is at the moment where I want to head to when I graduate so I can try it while I'm young.

[pope]

Sounds like something that fits my unique characteristics/personality. Where would I go to learn more or even do some sort of basic training/boot camp to see if it’s worth exploring deeper? Or even a job shadow or dialogue as a starter.

[joelglaser]

Great article, Ales. Thank you for sharing.

I've spent the majority of my 60 years performing and now I'm having a blast (and making better money! except that I have a TON more invested ....) running a smaller audio/lighting company. The thrill of going live isn't quite the same as being on stage, but I wouldn't trade at this point in my life. Doing a huge variety of shows, from elementary school programs to theatrical to festivals with artists from all over the world. Working with several local bands and acting as manager and artistic director for one. I love being able to help guide this young, very talented group.

Your point of marrying art and tech really hits home with me. I love researching and trying new toys and ways of doing what we do. Continually studying and growing. There is always someone who might have a different or more efficient way of accomplishing a task.

Again, great article!

Joel
Glaser Audio Productions, LLC

[recordednowhere]

All your points are valid. The "here and now" aspect I appreciate the most I think. Once the show has started, there's no going back. There's no rewind button, no punching in, no second chance for anything.

When the magic happens, you can feel it not only in the room but literally through your fingers touching the console. And when you mess up a ride, miss some cue, make any bad decision -- it happened, it's over. There's something new coming up that warrants your attention just an instant later. Best not ruminate about what happened a minute ago. It's just moment after moment after moment. The best shows I did gave me some of the best flow experiences I ever had.

Live audio can be pretty relentless, it can be scary, but it's so much fun. That's why I love this.

[spencerblumenfield]

I am a live sound engineer and I love the energy of the environments I work in.The upbeat energy is not only awesome but very contagious. I love what I do!

[boldandbrash]

It’s a crazy job, but I’d say you can’t really see if it’s for you unless you try it. I’ve been at it for 6 years and I love it.

ESI Productions Tampa, FL

[MrDobleagent]

I have a question, in an electronic music concert I have heard sometimes stereo signals, although normally the equipment to the public are configured in mono to avoid cancellations, inside all that equipment in mono, do you have any idea of which are exactly the PA that are kept in stereo to maintain some stereo image? I know the ones on the sides and of course not the center, but how are they called? maybe it's a difficult question but not for an engineer like you, I hope you can help me with the question or correct me if im in an error...