Welcome to the Front of the House Fridays (FOTHF) podcast series on the ProSoundWeb Network, presented every Friday by Yamaha Pro Audio and hosted by veteran live and studio engineer Russ Long, who records his conversations with noted audio professionals literally in front of their homes (whenever possible) in following current social distancing guidelines.
In Episode 7, Russ is joined by FOH engineer Dan Heins, who acquired his mixing skills early on by working with several local bands that performed in the Lawrence, KS region during his four years at the University of Kansas.
In 1989 he went to work with John McBride at MD Systems in Wichita, KS, relocating with them to Nashville in 1990. His duties included operations manager, system engineering and mixing front of house for Garth Brooks. He cultivated a positive working relationship with the Brooks team and still serves as the artist’s trusted FOH engineer to this day.
MD Systems became a part of Clair Solutions in 1995 and in 1999, Dan helped establish the integration divisions’ first satellite location in Nashville. He was promoted to regional vice president following years of hard work and dedication. Through the years, he’s also worked on prestigious installation projects that include the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and many others.
Host Russ Long is a top touring and multi-platinum recording and mix engineer who’s worked in professional audio for more than 30 years. Following a decade as Steven Curtis Chapman’s FOH engineer, he has spent over 12 years mixing FOH for Amy Grant, and has also mixed numerous high-profile events such as the KLOVE Music awards, the Challenge America Musical Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and Barbara Bush’s 90th birthday concert featuring Reba McEntire, Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. In addition, he’s been part of the audio team for numerous broadcast events such as the Grammy Awards, the CMA Awards, ABC’s “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” TV Special, and more. Russ is currently part of Yamaha’s console R&D team.
