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From Russia, with Cher, Part II

The 12-hour time difference between Moscow and Los Angeles definitely caused gaps in communication. Upon hearing the news that the Avid VENUE Profile consoles were unavailable, monitor mixer Brian Hendry and I cobbled together a modified equipment spec for the rehearsal day in Moscow. Both of us decided to go with small analog consoles, as neither of us would have time to program an unfamiliar digital desk. However, when we arrived at work for the last day of rehearsal in Los Angeles, we were greeted with the news that the Avid consoles were now going to be in place on the Moscow rehearsal day. The upward trend was definitely continuing.

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Time Bombs: An Era of Aging Superstars

Pollstar’s annual end-of-year summary of the concert touring business is looked forward to with equal parts anticipation and anxiety these days. A decade ago, as it was becoming apparent that the CD’s decline was going to be irreversible, the shift in revenue emphasis to live music was exhilarating. Shed and arena shows were slipping, but theater and clubs shows were accelerating. Festivals were establishing themselves as brands as much as events.

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A small brush and drop of contact cleaner/enhancer simplify the renewal of XLR connectors

Winter Gear Maintenance Tips

In the early days of my freelance audio career (circa late-1800s) I’d have a bit of a panic attack each year during the winter months, which were always very slow. I didn’t have the experience to know that my schedule would pick up again after the holiday season ended, so I’d get a little freaked out — until I survived the cycle a few times. In recent years, I’ve embraced the pattern, typically using it to do things I haven’t had the chance to do all year. Planning a vacation is certainly an idea, although I’m usually so disgusted with traveling that I’m happy to stay home for a few weeks.

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Neumann KK 205 capsule on a Sennheiser SK2000 transmitter

Tips for a Wireless Worship World

One day I would like to do a historical research piece on the first church and preacher to use a wireless microphone. We know it started a long time ago, but who was first, and what obstacles did they encounter? I think that it would be a very interesting subject. That said, I won’t dive into that research project this month, but I will be writing about wireless mics, lavs and headsets and my experience with them over the years. So, here we go.

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Illustration by Andy Au

Religion, Faith and Touring Life

Back in the early 1980s, I was attempting to make a living in Manhattan playing guitar and I got hooked up with an R&B band by the name of Henderson and Whitfield. Their producer, Jack Levi, thought the group needed to add a “rock” flavor to their dance beats, and that’s how I ended up as the only white Jewish guy in the band. There was never an awkward moment, and as long as I was able to hang with the music and the musicians, then religion and color had no play in the situation. Also, my theological affiliation is more cultural than it is religious and, back in the day, I was young, ambitious and just thrilled to be playing with any good act with a record deal.

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Go to FOHonline.com/tv for George Petersen's video introduction to the Jan. 2013 issue of FOH

New Year’s (Audio) Resolutions!

Welcome to 2013! If you’ve made it this far already, you’re gonna make it all the way, so this is a good time to start thinking about the days, weeks and months ahead. Here at FRONT of HOUSE we’ve already got off to a good start, with our amazing art staff coming up with a sharp new graphic design that makes  articles easier to read, with faster access to what you need and a cool new look. Hope you like it!

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