Mix engineer Pete Wiejaczka talks about corporate/special events, client and vendor relationships, transitioning to freelance work, morale and mental health in the event industry. They also discuss working on corporate sales meetings and upfronts, using Soundbass software for audio production, audio tools and consoles in event mixing, and the importance of inclusivity and knowledge sharing in event production.
The podcast highlights the growing emphasis on mental health and well-being in the events industry, stressing the importance of a supportive and understanding work environment.
The division of responsibilities and sub-departmentalization within corporate events is crucial for smooth coordination and communication, with specialized crews and vendors being assigned to specific areas like intercom systems.
The episode discusses the art of mixing special events and PA systems, emphasizing the need for experienced engineers who can adapt to different systems and workflows.
Deep dives
Growing up of the industry and focus on mental health
The podcast episode discusses how the industry has grown more inclusive and educated, particularly in terms of mental health. Long hours, working alone in hotel rooms, and the stress of the job can take a toll on mental health, so it's important to remember that we're not alone and to be respectful and empathetic towards others. The episode emphasizes the need for a more supportive and understanding work environment, where personal issues are taken into consideration. The industry is beginning to prioritize mental health and well-being, which is a positive development.
Specialization and Sub-departmentalization within Corporate Events
The podcast explores the topic of specialization and sub-departmentalization within corporate events. In general, the audio department encompasses various aspects of sound production, including PA systems, mixing consoles, intercom systems, and wireless systems. However, as events grow in complexity, certain departments such as intercom may be separated to have dedicated crews and specialized vendors. The division of responsibilities will depend on the nature of the event, its scale, and the requirements of the production. The episode highlights the importance of having clear roles and expectations within the team to ensure smooth coordination and communication.
The Art of Mixing Special Events and PA Systems
The podcast touches upon the art of mixing special events and PA systems. It mentions the use of FFT programs to analyze and fine-tune the PA system, as well as the importance of listening and adjusting with one's ears. The episode also discusses the evolution of loudspeakers and microphones, which has expanded the range of tonalities and possibilities in live shows. The speaker emphasizes the need for expertise in translating personal artistic preferences into a consistent mix and emphasizes the importance of experienced engineers who can adapt to different systems and workflows.
The Advancement of Live Broadcasting
Live broadcasting has evolved significantly over the years, becoming more accessible and advanced. In the past, specialized companies were needed to stream live events, but now anyone can broadcast live with simple tools and internet connectivity. The ubiquity of internet connections has revolutionized the way live events are streamed, with low latency and high-quality audio and video signals possible across different locations. This growth in live broadcasting capabilities has been beneficial for professionals in the industry, allowing for more flexibility and reaching wider audiences.
The Importance of Teamwork and Professionalism
Teamwork and professionalism are crucial elements in the success of any production. It is essential for crew members to communicate effectively and work together as a cohesive unit. Hiring talented and knowledgeable individuals who are even smarter than the team leads can lead to smoother operations and problem-solving. Maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment fosters trust and encourages crew members to seek assistance when needed. Honesty and open communication between team members and the ability to provide constructive feedback contribute to a healthier and more efficient work atmosphere.
Mix engineer, sound designer and technical manager Pete Wiejaczka joins the show in Episode 227 and talks all things corporate/special events, including the importance of client and vendor relationships, putting together the right team for each show, varying responsibilities with different scales of events, transitioning to freelance work after more than a decade and a half at the same AV company, and the importance of morale and mental health in the event industry. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath, RCF, and Rational Acoustics.
Be sure to check out the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. It’s a space 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 Live Sound/PSW and pro audio veterans Andy Leviss, Katie Karch and Sean Walker, with more co-hosts signing on soon.
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