Professional audio equipment keeps getting better, as clearly evidenced by enhanced loudspeaker systems, high-resolution digital mixing consoles, ever-more-robust low distortion power amplifiers and digital signal processing “wonder boxes.”

Further, with the advent of new interconnect options, sound systems are beginning to gain immunity from ground loops that can serve up dreaded hum and buzz.

Suffice to say that the improved list goes on and on, with a lot more new equipment coming out soon!

At the same time, the public is ever more aware of sound quality, and this has certainly raised the bar when it comes to expectation. Whether it’s a church, theatrical production, concert or whatever – folks now have a higher expectation when it comes to what they hear.

So we’ve established that both equipment quality and public expectation have escalated.

My question: why isn’t sound quality at live shows/events getting better? (Or is it?)

It would be interesting to go through reviews of concerts over the past 10 years and see if there is any indication that audio at these events has improved at the same increment as the quality of the gear.

Based upon my own experiences, as well as those shared with me by numerous friends and colleagues, and also what I’ve read – I suspect not.

For the sake of discussion, let’s say that the issue of actual, definable sonic improvement remains murky at best.

As we know, sound quality in any venue can vary considerably during the same event at different locations in the coverage area. Even with this acknowledgement, it only seems logical that the overall average should be improving to a notable degree.

Someone Else?
What gives? The answer might lie a little closer than we think. Could it be… us? System operators, mix engineers, whatever we like to call ourselves – are we part of the problem?

You’re probably thinking, “It’s not me! I know what I’m doing. He must be talking about someone else.” Perhaps. But the facts are the facts.

My point is not to accuse anyone of incompetence, but rather, to suggest that we all focus on proper training.

The role of sound mixer/engineer/technician has never been tougher. The wonderful new tools make for a mind-boggling amount of information to learn and implement correctly.

Anyone doing live sound must be up to speed on the total functionality of the console, digital loudspeaker drive system, amplifier diagnostic and control systems, programmable outboard gear, measurement and analysis tools… (It makes me tired just listing it out!)

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