It all comes down to our ability to maintain a macro awareness of the whole picture whilst micro controlling the sonic presentation in the most efficient and ergonomic means possible.
Every move or alteration of every equipment control requires our humanly resources. Every resource required is one less we can dedicate to awareness of our surroundings.
What does it take to add some high frequency to a vocal microphone? First we realize it needs to occur, requiring awareness of the show, then we locate the right knob and physically grab it, turn, listen, mentally compare the results, maybe readjust and finally, completed task. Perhaps the knob can adjust no further – is this a physical sensation where it stops moving, or a visual one where it continues to spin and we also must use our “sight resource” to confirm?
Where was the knob when we started? How much rotation remains should more adjustment be needed? Was it also necessary to call up a screen to see? Is the knob even controlling the correct thing? How much thought power did that minor adjustment take? Did we, at any time, lose focus of the bigger picture?
Now do that hundreds of times in situations where performance expectations are high, and it can quickly become apparent that equipment that draws heavily upon our humanly resources can compromise the quality of our craft.
Less Complexity
What I’m discussing here actually applies to two groups of people – sound engineers and equipment designers.
For the engineers, I’m highlighting the importance of minimizing the operational complexity of the equipment, in addition to increasing the awareness that indeed having to look at the controls we touch, however briefly, dilutes and distracts. Not unlike a guitar player who must watch his or her fingers to play, or a singer that must read the lyrics, total immersion is lost.
As a result, it behooves us to push for and demand equipment that allows us to see what is going on and instantly grab control.
For equipment designers – no, it’s not O.K. to access key aspects buried down multiple menus. Yes, there are engineers who mix great shows on complex cumbersome gear, but I’ll venture to say that those same engineers will mix even better shows on gear that requires less resources to operate.