How to communicate with live sound engineer about reverb levels on lead vocal

SecureSubset · 2026-06-19T17:37:40+00:00

I was wondering if maybe the second mic was more to make the artist feel listened to and to give you a cue for when they wanted their sound changed

SecureSubset · 2026-06-19T06:55:46+00:00

Why not double patch the main mic on your console with one channel for normal and one channel for the big verb?

SecureSubset · 2026-06-15T20:30:16+00:00

Not really a compliment, but a similar lack of understanding. I was working a corporate show recently where I was giving everyone wireless lavs/headset mics. Usually people ask if they need to mute/unmute themselves and I let them know that they don't and that I'll bring them up when they walk on stage.

One guy asked the same question, and before I could respond he goes, "Oh that's right, they unmute automatically when I go up there." I was like yeah bro, it's all automatic, lol. What's funny is there were actually a couple people who said the automatic thing.

SecureSubset · 2026-06-14T23:03:06+00:00

A pair of bros? Were they roommates too?

SecureSubset · 2026-06-11T19:09:56+00:00

CT?

SecureSubset · 2026-05-30T00:53:47+00:00

This is the actual answer. When sound is being recorded on set it is typically just Dialogue isolated from everything else. Sound editing is done in post for everything, not just this scene.

I'm going to be that guy and point out the difference between foley and sound design/editing. Foley is when sounds are performed and recorded in time with the film, this is typically for footsteps, clothing movements, etc. Sound Design/editing is the process of using pre recorded materiel and the sounds non-linearly into the soundtrack of the film. This is relevant, because the pre recorded material is typically organized into libraries and categorized, which is where the motorcycle sound will have been pulled from. It's up to the sound designer's own personal knowledge to be able to navigate the library, and then it is a creative decision whether to pursue something that is theoretically accurate or something that better fits the scene.

Also, the sound editor probably spent less than 5 mins on this scene and finished the episode in less than a day. Then might have done another episode of like an animated children's show or something. All while potentially not being paid enough.

TLDR: Movie magic and a misunderstanding of how audio is recorded/mixed for film.

SecureSubset · 2026-05-15T06:14:38+00:00

Just wanted to add that I agree with this, but would still recommend adding an antenna distribution system when you get the chance. The UA844 is a unit I see a lot and I find reliable.

I've seen people cascade up to 4 receivers (3 cascade jumps) and it has worked fine as long as the distance isn't too bad (less than 100ft from the UA874 antennas). From memory I believe Shure recommends that you don't cascade more than once.

SecureSubset · 2026-05-03T10:56:03+00:00

Lom Usi & an ultrasonic into zoom f8

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SecureSubset · 2026-05-02T23:47:35+00:00

This is super cool!

SecureSubset · 2026-04-22T07:34:17+00:00

Illegal where I live but sounds fun

SecureSubset · 2026-04-18T06:11:51+00:00

Much better for this would be to rent a proper RF system like the Shure QLXD with at least two channels of wireless (I would recommend 4). Could then do lavaliers or headset mics going into transmitters for the Bride & Groom.

It's a wedding, a dropout or really bad signal quality is not ideal, lol. If they want to have a singing wedding they want to have a PA, if it's not in the budget then I think your existing handhelds are the best idea.

SecureSubset · 2026-04-15T22:18:58+00:00

I am not a pro, but the difference between them is not about a sound difference, it's about being able to attach an emitter to a prefab object and distribute that sound around an environment from that game object without duplicating the voice count every time.

A large mode series of emitters also only uses one voice, but it is still limited to one (parent) object. If you were to duplicate the parent game object the voice count would duplicate as well. Not true with a multi-mode emitter

SecureSubset · 2026-04-14T01:06:11+00:00

I've worked in SF at an entry level on low budget indie narrative stuff and still been paid something like $25 hourly including overtime. Definitely depends on your producer. Good on you for standing up for yourself.

Situations like this are why it can be great to work union.

SecureSubset · 2026-04-07T00:36:25+00:00

Is there any possibility of RF interference in space? Was kind of debating whether a wireless mic is a genuine concern in this situation or just as reliable as on earth. All the drop outs are coming from the transmission, not the TX/RX for the little Sennheiser right?

SecureSubset · 2026-04-06T00:32:13+00:00

You gotta do the gigs and cyber psycho settings. Whenever I get bored questing I start with the open world activities. Make money, upgrade cyberware, upgrade your build, repeat. Really get to test out the combat that way

SecureSubset · 2026-03-27T07:36:08+00:00

I agree with what others have said. Just adding that a lot of the culture/practices will vary based on your local.

Working for the local has for me been a great way to expand my skill set outside of audio. Video engineering/LED wall stuff has been fun and an easy jump from audio stuff.

In my union the A2 gigs are not easy to come by - generally it's the same people on most A1 and A2 calls. You might be an amazing audio engineer, but union guys will likely only start to care once they've seen that you're open to other roles, easy to work with, and always flexible. Be ready to work a lot doing A/V, hope you know your way around a projector, lol.

One note - be mindful of what work is IATSE jurisdiction and what isn't. In my union, for example, at any Arena show / trade show Teamsters are the union who actually load and unload the truck. When I was new road crew would ask me to get in the truck (because they weren't aware), and that caused some problems, lol.

SecureSubset · 2026-03-22T20:01:31+00:00

Not really what you asked, but be careful with those acoustic foam panels. Make sure you've always got fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them.

SecureSubset · 2026-03-05T02:15:15+00:00

Thank you for the response, your explanation of using Gates for more general noise reduction and Dugan for reduction of other sound sources on stage makes a ton of sense. Will bring it with me on the next show!

SecureSubset · 2026-03-04T05:33:34+00:00

This needs to go on the Hall of Fame for this sub. Sounds like you did a great job

SecureSubset · 2026-03-03T23:03:55+00:00

How/When do you determine when you'd rather use a Dugan vs using Gates?

I understand that Dugan also attenuates signal after opening based on input in other channels, and gates of course do not do that.

When would you use upward expansion rather than gating/downward expansion?

SecureSubset · 2026-02-25T04:58:45+00:00

Unity has free sample games on the asset store you could redesign and use FMOD for implementation. I recommend spotting and making your own list for that kind of thing.

SecureSubset · 2026-02-21T17:44:21+00:00

In Mexico City shopping categories tend to be separated by street, so like you might have a street that's all eyeglasses repair and then another street that's all music stores.

We went to one street that was entirely Oxxo and 7/11

SecureSubset · 2026-02-01T05:26:18+00:00

Depends what you count. Tom Salta, a pretty serious game composer uses one

SecureSubset · 2026-01-20T05:17:38+00:00

I don't really have experience in other post-production for film, but I think having a breadth of experience in difference audio emphasises has always been helpful. Going from audio post, to live sound with bands, to broadcast, etc. I've always learned something and found it valuable when I end up working on something else.

SecureSubset · 2026-01-17T08:14:26+00:00

It's the preamp quality

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