In our space we have the ability to run our sound console from either in the back of the house, or a booth at the complete rear of the auditorium (behind 2 lecture halls with airwalls that open). For plays, I have found it to be FAR easier to mix from the back of house space, as you know for a fact that you are hearing EXACTLY what the audience is hearing. Being in that location also allows for much greater organization, because there is nothing irrelevant that needs to be stored anywhere near the console.
Another thing worth mentioning is that as sound designer I planned to install 2 speakers in the rear of house to play around with surround sound for a few effects. I was going to put the amps underneath the mixing table, then just run direct to the speakers. With the board in the booth, I really would not be able to do this easily, I would need to either run all the cabling for each rehearsal/show, or put the cabling out the door into the ceiling in the hall, then in the door of the house (meaning it could not close all the way), and then actually into the speakers.
I planned that we would move the console into the house again for the show this year and set everything up the other day. The stage manager (who does have audio experience) proceeded to flip out the next day, saying that having the board there "ruins the magic" of the show, and that the op can just use headphones "like a professional." What do you guys think? Personally, I'm a big fan of the house location, but I understand his argument to an extent.
Another thing worth mentioning is that as sound designer I planned to install 2 speakers in the rear of house to play around with surround sound for a few effects. I was going to put the amps underneath the mixing table, then just run direct to the speakers. With the board in the booth, I really would not be able to do this easily, I would need to either run all the cabling for each rehearsal/show, or put the cabling out the door into the ceiling in the hall, then in the door of the house (meaning it could not close all the way), and then actually into the speakers.
I planned that we would move the console into the house again for the show this year and set everything up the other day. The stage manager (who does have audio experience) proceeded to flip out the next day, saying that having the board there "ruins the magic" of the show, and that the op can just use headphones "like a professional." What do you guys think? Personally, I'm a big fan of the house location, but I understand his argument to an extent.
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