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Waves C4 is a multiband compressor plug-in that divides the frequency spectrum into four bands, providing control over Attack, Release, Range and Makeup Gain per band.

Secrets of Multiband Compression

Contrary to popular belief, multiband compression is not the art of fitting a headliner, three support acts and their gear into a VW van. Multiband compression is a somewhat different manner of applying gain reduction to an audio signal. Understanding multiband compression requires understanding compression in general, so if you are rusty on the topic, revisit “Theory and Practice” from the February and March 2015 issues of FRONT of HOUSE. I’ll hang out here until you return…

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Sennheiser's Frequency Finder

Wireless Advice

Roughly a year ago, I started writing this monthly House of Worship column for FRONT of HOUSE. One of the first articles I wrote was about wireless, so it only stands to reason that coincidentally, a year later, I’m revisiting the subject to provide some additional insights that will hopefully improve your wireless operation.

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Illustration by Andy Au

The Gear Gambler

A song started playing in my head while I was trying to decide upon the new gear I should purchase and which pieces of inventoried equipment I would need to sell:

“You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em; know when to fold ‘em.
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealing’s done.”

—“The Gambler,” written by Don Schlitz and made famous by Kenny Rogers

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George Petersen, editor, Front of House Magazine

Theater Sound: The Ultimate Challenge?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’re looking for an easy gig in audio, theater sound is no picnic. In fact, it’s probably the toughest job in audio. On a large musical production, the FOH engineer may have to deal with a 20-piece orchestra/band, another 20 (or more) performers and chorus members on wireless headworn mics, plus dozens of cue playbacks of ambiences, sound effects, etc. That’s a whole lotta input sources, all requiring precision timing.

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Greg Price mixing Black Sabbath. Photo by Steve Jennings

Black Sabbath’s Swan Song

FOH engineer Greg Price states that “The End” tour is “incredible for all Sabbath fans. In my judgment, this is the best the band has ever played on tour. Start to finish, it’s a great show.” Good thing, too, because for the band that exemplifies the heavy-metal aesthetic and sold 75 million albums worldwide, these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are going out one last time.

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Pyramid Audio Productions provided a Martin Audio MLA system for the venue, which reopened in Aug. 2015. Photo by Jamey Shaw

Recent Theater and Performing Arts Center Projects

Years ago, the question of whether theater was dead was constantly brought up by detractors on every front. And if live theater remained trapped in the genre of stodgy parlor dramas, any predictions of its demise would have seemed credible. However, today, quite the opposite is true, and the application of advanced technologies in staging, lighting, visual effects and high performance sound systems have done much to keep theater not only alive but growing.

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