Podcast
Questions and Answers
What role does David Eisenhauer fulfill in the program?
What role does David Eisenhauer fulfill in the program?
How long has David Eisenhauer been a front of house audio engineer?
How long has David Eisenhauer been a front of house audio engineer?
What is Robin Weatherall known for?
What is Robin Weatherall known for?
For how many years did Robin Weatherall work with the Royal Shakespeare Company?
For how many years did Robin Weatherall work with the Royal Shakespeare Company?
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Which of the following roles did Robin Weatherall NOT hold?
Which of the following roles did Robin Weatherall NOT hold?
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What is a common activity of professional theater technicians mentioned in the program?
What is a common activity of professional theater technicians mentioned in the program?
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What complementary skill set does Robin Weatherall possess alongside sound design?
What complementary skill set does Robin Weatherall possess alongside sound design?
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Which statement best describes the focus of the program's new section?
Which statement best describes the focus of the program's new section?
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What is the primary function of a ground plan in theater?
What is the primary function of a ground plan in theater?
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Which term is commonly used to refer to the seats closest to the stage?
Which term is commonly used to refer to the seats closest to the stage?
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In the context of theater terminology, what does the term 'auditorium' refer to?
In the context of theater terminology, what does the term 'auditorium' refer to?
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Which seating area is typically found directly behind the orchestra?
Which seating area is typically found directly behind the orchestra?
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What is the purpose of highlighting areas in the ground plan during a presentation?
What is the purpose of highlighting areas in the ground plan during a presentation?
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What is a common name for the first balcony in a theater?
What is a common name for the first balcony in a theater?
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What area of the theater is referred to as the 'green room'?
What area of the theater is referred to as the 'green room'?
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Which of the following could be considered a synonym for 'parterre' in theater seating?
Which of the following could be considered a synonym for 'parterre' in theater seating?
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What primarily causes mechanical feedback in an audio mixer setup?
What primarily causes mechanical feedback in an audio mixer setup?
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What is the result of acoustic feedback when it occurs?
What is the result of acoustic feedback when it occurs?
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Which type of feedback is more common at higher frequencies?
Which type of feedback is more common at higher frequencies?
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What component of a microphone transforms vibrations in the air into electrical energy?
What component of a microphone transforms vibrations in the air into electrical energy?
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Which of the following situations is NOT a cause of feedback?
Which of the following situations is NOT a cause of feedback?
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What happens when sound vibrations reach the diaphragm of a microphone?
What happens when sound vibrations reach the diaphragm of a microphone?
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What response should an audio engineer have to acoustic feedback?
What response should an audio engineer have to acoustic feedback?
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What term describes the phenomenon of sound getting re-amplified in a loop?
What term describes the phenomenon of sound getting re-amplified in a loop?
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What is the primary role of the A2D converter in digital mixing?
What is the primary role of the A2D converter in digital mixing?
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Why is it necessary to convert a digital signal back to an analog signal?
Why is it necessary to convert a digital signal back to an analog signal?
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What advantage does a digital mixer provide regarding signal routing?
What advantage does a digital mixer provide regarding signal routing?
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What feature of digital consoles simplifies the mixing for auxiliary sends?
What feature of digital consoles simplifies the mixing for auxiliary sends?
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How can the setup of a digital mixing console be beneficial in educational performance spaces?
How can the setup of a digital mixing console be beneficial in educational performance spaces?
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What does the term 'smartened up digital signal' refer to?
What does the term 'smartened up digital signal' refer to?
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What is the role of the amplifier in the audio signal process?
What is the role of the amplifier in the audio signal process?
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What is one notable feature of using a digital mixer compared to an analog mixer?
What is one notable feature of using a digital mixer compared to an analog mixer?
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Why is the selection of audio sources important for an audio road trip?
Why is the selection of audio sources important for an audio road trip?
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Why might a radio sound effect in a show be sent to a specific effect speaker?
Why might a radio sound effect in a show be sent to a specific effect speaker?
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Which type of microphone is most commonly used to capture the voice of a single actor?
Which type of microphone is most commonly used to capture the voice of a single actor?
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What does the process of making an actor's voice audible typically involve?
What does the process of making an actor's voice audible typically involve?
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What might be a suitable audio source on the audio highway for sound effects?
What might be a suitable audio source on the audio highway for sound effects?
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Which type of microphone setup would be most appropriate for a theater production with multiple actors on stage?
Which type of microphone setup would be most appropriate for a theater production with multiple actors on stage?
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In the context of audio devices for theater, what does the term 'muscled up signal' refer to?
In the context of audio devices for theater, what does the term 'muscled up signal' refer to?
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What is a key factor when picking audio equipment for a performance?
What is a key factor when picking audio equipment for a performance?
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Study Notes
Audio for Theater Sound Reinforcement and Design
- Bob Fowler and his wife Marty introduce the second edition of audio for theater sound reinforcement and design.
- David Eisenhauer, a professional audio engineer, will discuss audio system operation and functionality.
- Eisenhauer has 25 years of experience as a front-of-house audio engineer, working on live concerts globally for top artists.
- Robin Weatherall joins as a sound designer, acclaimed for award-winning designs and compositions, with previous experience at the Royal Shakespeare Company and symphony orchestras.
Overview of Theater Audio
- Technical aspects of audio in theater often go unnoticed; audio technicians handle physical materials like wood and metal for scenery and costumes.
- The facility showcased is well-equipped compared to typical academic theaters but contains standard foundational equipment.
- A ground plan of a 1600-seat performance space highlights various locations: exterior, lobbies, seating areas, stage, orchestra pit, and backstage facilities.
- Common terminology for theater spaces can vary; understanding local nomenclature is essential for effective communication.
Auditorium Layout
- The audience area during performances is referred to as the auditorium or house, featuring multiple seating levels.
- Ground-level seating near the stage is called the orchestra, with adjacent areas labeled parquet or parterre.
- Balconies are categorized as the first balcony (dress circle or mezzanine) and the second balcony (grand tier or upper balcony).
Audio System Operations
- An audio system amplifies signals through a smartened-up signal sent to an amplifier, which increases power and drives speakers to produce sound.
- Identification of required audio sources is crucial when planning audio for events, including actors, musical instruments, and playback systems.
Microphone Types and Usage
- Wireless microphones are most commonly used for individual actors, akin to choosing a compact vehicle for a trip.
- Input devices typically include lavalier or headset microphones connected to a transmitter, which sends signals to a receiver.
Feedback in Audio Mixing
- Feedback can be mechanical (due to vibrations in microphones) or acoustic (sound from speakers re-entering microphones).
- Mechanical feedback often occurs by having the system volume too high without input, presenting as a low hum.
- Acoustic feedback creates unpleasant screeching sounds resulting from looping sound amplification through microphones.
Microphone Functionality
- Microphones convert sound vibrations into electrical energy through tiny diaphragms that vibrate in response to sound waves.
- An analog signal must be converted into digital for mixing; digital systems offer more flexible signal routing and can store setup configurations for easy recall.
Digital Mixing Advantages
- Digital consoles streamline auxiliary sending capabilities, mixing various audio outputs using main faders versus multiple knobs in analog systems.
- Scene programming in digital mixers allows for precise audio control throughout various show parts, enhancing performance consistency.
- Easy saving and loading of digital setups benefit educational institutions with diverse event schedules throughout the year.
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Description
Join Bob Fowler and his wife, Marty, as they introduce the second edition of their program on Theater Sound Reinforcement and Design. Featuring professional audio engineer David Eisenhauer, this session will cover the fundamentals of operating and understanding audio systems in a theatrical context.