M. Erik Matlock Author Profile

M. Erik Matlock
Erik worked in a wide range of roles in pro audio for more than 20 years in a dynamic career that encompasses system design and engineering in the live, install and recording markets. He also spent a number of years as a church production staff member and Media Director, and as an author for several leading industry publications before joining the PSW team. Visit ErikMatlock.com to read more.

Latest Posts by M. Erik

Surviving The Trade Show Experience

Going to trade shows generally provokes mixed feelings. There’s a certain degree of excitement, since we are mostly kids at heart, especially when faced with… Read More

Incarcerated Audio

“Seriously?” That was my response when I was asked to help record a live album inside a prison. It was 1998 and I was only… Read More

Production Mythology: The Legend Of The New Year’s Gig

Every time the clock finally makes the last tick over to another year I’m reminded of a common superstition held by many working from the… Read More

Who Is My Neighbor? The Myriad Benefits Of Technical Team Outreach

I recently read a great article by fellow author Mike Sessler (here) about the benefits of knowing the sound crews from other… Read More

A Burning Passion: The Multifaceted Production Life And Views Of LaGrand

LaGrand grew up a preacher’s kid, a preacher’s nephew and a preacher’s grandson on both sides of his family. As a musician, he played in… Read More

Playing To Win: Checking Our Strategies For Showtime

One of the very few “non-productive” activities I enjoy is a good strategy game. I say non-productive only in the sense that it’s not earning… Read More

Church Sound: Foundational Principles Of Technical Service

As a church tech, what is your real job? It’s a question that can spark endless debates. Usually, when I ask it, I get a… Read More

How Many Tools? Putting The Ear Ahead Of The Gear

It’s taken a while for me to form a rational opinion about the digital revolution in the world of audio, but I think I’ve finally… Read More

Better Planning And Execution Through Rhythm

“Define rhythm.” This was the simple command of an instructor in recording school. A challenge to define a word we all understood, but couldn’t seem… Read More

Silly Human Tricks: Tales Of “Interesting” Interactions During Live Performances

Several years ago, I witnessed a most unusual and amusing spectacle. With all due respect to David Letterman, I call these epic and memorable moments… Read More

Making The Leap: Transitioning From Volunteer To Professional

I’ve been asked several times about making the transition from volunteer church tech to working in professional audio. The only way I can explain it… Read More

Church Sound: Quite A Journey

With a heart for worship and family, Ray Rayburn also carries an innate understanding of all things audio. Suffice to say that he’s covered a… Read More

Situational Awareness: A Big Factor Of Success Or Failure In Pro Audio

I recently read an article about developing the skills that seemed to come so naturally to Jason Bourne, the protagonist in several motion pictures and… Read More

10 Tips For Traveling Audio Production Professionals

Traveling audio production professionals, often known as road dogs, can be on the road for years at a time. My time out there kept me… Read More

Ceasing All Forward Progress With Only Two Words

After repeatedly retraining a young apprentice on the same task, I discovered myself rapidly losing the grasp of whatever social skills I had retained. We… Read More