Live-Sound Pressure That Is Not Measured In Decibels

Abstract

Audio engineer choice is affected by the influences and pressures within the live sound culture. This study analyzes the data from a 2020 international survey of audio engineers and focuses on live sound interpersonal interactions through the lens of social responsibility. As live sound participants, audio engineers, event organizers, performers, and audiences often have differing expectations due to their knowledge, preference, bias, ego, financial investment, sense of responsibility, proclivity towards risk or safety, and more. At live sound events, the final gatekeeper between the sound source and sound reinforcement is the audio engineer, who consciously or subconsciously weighs these expectations against the pressure they feel, their own motivations, and their knowledge and ability. Within the decision-making process, an audio engineer’s performance benefits not from the absence of interpersonal pressure, but instead from an appropriate balance of influences and pressures. This balance affects audio engineer development, investment, focus, enjoyment, satisfaction, and audio mix choices, which then impacts other live sound participants’ experience, health, well-being, and event viability.