Digital Desks
With digital consoles, we finally have perfect sound forever! Right.
There are still many who prefer analog desks. The reasons don’t really matter—only that there are good sounding desks and those that aren’t.
Nevertheless, the way we interact with consoles has changed quite a bit. No longer is there a knob for every function. Menus, layers, presets and so on have to be understood. Digital technology gives us incredible flexibility and in many cases, greater speed.
The downside, to me, is that no longer can you figure out a new console just because it is 92.6 percent the same as the last one you were using. (That’s just a rough estimate.) Yamaha, DiGiCo, Allen & Heath, SSL, Avid, et al, use different labels, different menu structures, etc.
So the learning curve for each is fairly steep, and in many cases, requires specific training to be proficient. That said, what consoles ultimately do is still exactly the same as before! Signals come in, signals get processed, signals get mixed, signals go out. In other words, understanding signal routing in general still allows you to know the basics of using anything from a 12-channel analog board all the way up to the latest digital space shuttle console.
In my humble opinion, it’s far better to learn on an analog console (or two), and then begin to get an understanding of what a digital desk can do.
Further, it’s a good career move to move on to learning how each of the major digital consoles is different. This way, when the next big product comes along, you’ll be at least 78 percent there (another rough estimate), and that’s a lot in today’s world.
Human Factors
One thing that has absolutely not changed is “how things are done” on the road and at the gig. Despite the increased technical comprehension required of us, overall aspects such as solid, fundamental knowledge of craft, competence, attitude, respect, and teamwork remain exactly the same.
These are things I’ve covered several times in past articles, and for good reason. Most employers in our field would much rather hire and work with people that have initiative, a good attitude, are conscientious, and just flat-out “get ‘er done.” What is not appreciated are divas, know-it-alls, and those lacking discipline.
As professionals, it’s our responsibility to at least keep up with current technology to the point where we can discuss things and make decisions from an informed point of view.
Technology will clearly continue to change at an ever-faster rate. But the bottom line is that solid, basic skills still matter, and the laws of physics haven’t changed at all. That is, until April 1 of next year.