PTT Program 4 Day 1-4

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Questions and Answers

What role does David Eisenhauer fulfill in the program?

Sound designer

Stage manager

Audio engineer (correct)

Production manager

How long has David Eisenhauer been a front of house audio engineer?

20 years

10 years

25 years (correct)

30 years

What is Robin Weatherall known for?

Costume design

Stage management

Building scenery

Sound design (correct)

For how many years did Robin Weatherall work with the Royal Shakespeare Company?

17 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles did Robin Weatherall NOT hold?

Lighting technician Signup and view all the answers

What is a common activity of professional theater technicians mentioned in the program?

Building scenery Signup and view all the answers

What complementary skill set does Robin Weatherall possess alongside sound design?

Musicianship Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the focus of the program's new section?

Aspects of sound design Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a ground plan in theater?

To provide an overhead view of the theater layout Signup and view all the answers

Which term is commonly used to refer to the seats closest to the stage?

Orchestra Signup and view all the answers

In the context of theater terminology, what does the term 'auditorium' refer to?

The place where the audience sits Signup and view all the answers

Which seating area is typically found directly behind the orchestra?

Parquet Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of highlighting areas in the ground plan during a presentation?

To provide clarity on different theater sections Signup and view all the answers

What is a common name for the first balcony in a theater?

Dress Circle Signup and view all the answers

What area of the theater is referred to as the 'green room'?

The backstage waiting room for actors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be considered a synonym for 'parterre' in theater seating?

Orchestra Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes mechanical feedback in an audio mixer setup?

Vibrations from an open microphone stand Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of acoustic feedback when it occurs?

A continuous screeching sound Signup and view all the answers

Which type of feedback is more common at higher frequencies?

Acoustic feedback Signup and view all the answers

What component of a microphone transforms vibrations in the air into electrical energy?

The diaphragm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following situations is NOT a cause of feedback?

Microphone picking up ambient sounds Signup and view all the answers

What happens when sound vibrations reach the diaphragm of a microphone?

They cause the diaphragm to vibrate Signup and view all the answers

What response should an audio engineer have to acoustic feedback?

Run out of the building Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the phenomenon of sound getting re-amplified in a loop?

Acoustic feedback Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the A2D converter in digital mixing?

To convert analog signals into digital signals Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to convert a digital signal back to an analog signal?

To allow amps to recognize the signal and produce sound Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does a digital mixer provide regarding signal routing?

Flexibility in routing, allowing for programming into various scenes Signup and view all the answers

What feature of digital consoles simplifies the mixing for auxiliary sends?

Integration of sends within the main faders Signup and view all the answers

How can the setup of a digital mixing console be beneficial in educational performance spaces?

Setup configurations can be saved and loaded for various events Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'smartened up digital signal' refer to?

A digital signal that has been processed for better clarity Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the amplifier in the audio signal process?

To boost the electrical signal for transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What is one notable feature of using a digital mixer compared to an analog mixer?

Digital mixers can store and recall different scenes easily Signup and view all the answers

Why is the selection of audio sources important for an audio road trip?

Each source requires specific transportation methods. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a radio sound effect in a show be sent to a specific effect speaker?

To ensure it does not interfere with dialogue Signup and view all the answers

Which type of microphone is most commonly used to capture the voice of a single actor?

Wireless microphone. Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of making an actor's voice audible typically involve?

Employing a wireless microphone set up. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a suitable audio source on the audio highway for sound effects?

Playback devices for sound effects. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of microphone setup would be most appropriate for a theater production with multiple actors on stage?

Multiple wireless microphones for each actor. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of audio devices for theater, what does the term 'muscled up signal' refer to?

A signal that has been amplified significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor when picking audio equipment for a performance?

The specific type of audio source being used. Signup and view all the answers

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.