Larry: We were terrified that the FCC would bring the hammer down on using that area of the spectrum and transmitting a signal without a license was a risky proposition. But it seemed like the only possible solution at the time, no one made a UHF or VHF transmitter receiver combo in stereo. There were never problems with the FCC in this country, but we did get shut down in Germany. Two times!!!

Joel: Do you think that the use of IEM has lowered or raised the volume in the musician’s ears with consequent ear loss?

Larry: Hey Joel... what? I didn't hear your question!! Seriously, I do think potential exists for long-term hearing damage due to high listening volume capability of the IEMs available today if misused. Early on, neither the transducer nor the belt pack receiver had enough power to cause damage.

Larry (continued): Today, a lot more design has been done to raise the efficiency of both the transducer and the belt pack amp. I would be concerned about certain uses or misuses by some artists. Unfortunately, the monitor engineer is not always allowed to regulate what an artist demands to hear.

Joel: Do you think the models that claim to have transducers for lows and highs really make a difference?

Larry: Absolutely, if designed correctly. No doubt the ones I've listened to are dynamic with wide frequency response.

Joel: What is your feeling on digital consoles in live sound? Will there be a digital Paragon?

Larry: Well there’s the Million Dollar question, or at least the Half-Million Dollar question. Currently we are investigating the state of the technology with respect to a digital console product but have enough concerns about the choices available We think, certainly from the operational aspect, there are positive advantages for a digital console, but I just still do not trust a computer to run my show!

Joel: What about liability problems due to hearing loss? Is it a danger that operators or even manufacturers will be sued by artists later on?

Larry: That's a question that my expertise as first and foremost a sound mixer and then as a businessman, I don't have the expertise to advise. It's certainly an issue.

Joel: We trust computers to send people to space. They control nuclear power plants. And processors of all kinds control our PA’s, so is that really an issue? What are the main issues you have with the digital consoles available today?