When we’re in the groove of setting up and operating an audio system day after day, week after week, I believe our “Spidey-senses” are more elevated. Our mind works quicker, and our troubleshooting prowess is super dialed in. One question I’ve asked myself more than a few times these past months is: “How am I going to react in a crisis now that I’ve had all this ‘Zen time’ enjoying the peace and quiet that is ‘quarantine’?”
Some of us have been fortunate enough to continue working in the audio field without too much of an interruption, and little by little, we’re starting to ease back into it as restrictions on group gatherings loosen. I’ve had the opportunity to mix some church services, which has been great, but concert touring and corporate events, my bread and butter (and both of which can be highly stressful), have not been a part of my life for three-quarters of a year at this point. I’m a bit concerned that my natural troubleshooting chops will be in hibernation when I get back to work and face an audio emergency. Time will tell, I suppose.
Different Rhythms
For this reason, I’m not all that troubled when challenges come along in my life that require my brain to switch back to “fix-it” mode. With the extended time away from the jobs we love dearly, most of us have had to wrestle with a whole new set of obstacles. There are bills and re-worked family budgets (and keeping everyone healthy) to occupy our minds and keep us sharp. Creative bookkeeping and important decisions about our kids being in class or virtual have replaced the normal summer trials we’re used to.
Back then (in “normal times”), I was wondering if I should say “yes” to yet another show being offered instead of spending a few more days at home, or whether I should use an onboard compressor instead of a plugin. This summer I spent most of my time deciding how often I should water my lawn to keep it looking great and enjoying the Stanley Cup finals when it was 95 degrees outside. One set of routines swapped out for an entirely new one.
I’m quite certain I’ll be back behind a mixing board again soon, and the full range of emotions I miss will come rushing back. Until then, I’ll keep saying “yes” when my involvement is requested. Whether I’m asked to teach audio at a church, appear as a guest on a podcast or webinar, mix, or, well, anything, the answer is a resounding “Yes Please!”
I just finished up a short gig recording Zoom calls for an upcoming Black Friday ad campaign. A buck is a buck, right? And recently I left the comfort and safety of my home to drive four hours to mix a political rally. I was very grateful for the work, and for the large barricaded FOH area to help the crew stay socially distanced from the audience, but it was pretty nerve wracking to all of a sudden be in the vicinity of so many humans.
I feel blessed every time I get to set a preamp level, insert a gate or compressor, or EQ an input. If I’m doing audio of any kind, I feel luckier than a lot of my friends and colleagues who aren’t getting the chance.
But what we all really want is the opportunity to once again set up a sound system, make it sing, and hear the roar of the crowd affirming that we did something sonically special. I’m hopeful we’ll get the chance again soon my friends.
For now, breathe deep, enjoy the peace and quiet and cherish time spent with our loved ones. The crowds will return soon to see their favorite artists and hear them play their favorite songs, and as always, PA systems will be blasting at 100 dB in the amphitheaters that have been sadly silent this year. Stay safe, stay healthy, and please keep the faith!