okay i see.
I can understand storing the mutes, but didn't they make compressors for sudden changes in audio levels?
Depends, are you talking rock, or
theatre? For
theatre, the goal is general a more subtle reinforcment of the natural sound, so compressors tend to be a no-no, except is special cases (for example, sometimes a tube
comp is used on leads to provide a
bit of warmth, or any sort [at the designer's discretion] with a verrrrrrrry light touch of what amounts more to limiting than compression just to catch really "out there" moments).
Instead, good musical
theatre mixers will keep their fingers on the faders at all times, riding them with the actor to compensate for changes in
level, and bringing them up and down for each
line. Yup,
line, not scene. This is where programmable VCAs come into
play; look
here (look for post #22) for an earlier post of mine with details, that will
shed some light on why this style of mixing is greatly aided by
mute and
VCA assignment automation.
It does require a certain amount of practice and a very strong knowlege of the show, and the performers, but it's not as hard as it sounds to get to the
point where you can ride levels and anticipate an actor's dynamics in a way that almost seems to be psychic. I have a habit, when I go to shows, of "air mixing" on my lap (or against my arm if my arms are crossed). This can be good practice, although it can also lead your companions to question your sanity. This past weekend, I attended Jason Robert Brown's concert as part of the American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center Jazz, and knowing his music as well as I do, I found myself actually able to anticipate most of Jason and his guest performers' dynamics even though (at least in the case of the guests) I'd never heard those particular performers do those songs before. It's all about practice, and it's really cool when you first find yourself getting into that
groove and becoming good at anticipating things like that.
Anyway, this is drifting a
bit off-topic, so I'll stop my rambling for now
--A