Superbowl Part 3
After some discussions on the Prosoundweb forums about the Superbowl there is considerable disagreement among the posters as to the issues surrounding the audio mix for the half time show. I find myself wanting to know more about the process of how the production is put together. Its important to understand the process and the management of that process in order to find the source of the problem and fix it. I offer then the following questions:
1. Was there a planning meeting for the show?
2. Did the show producer or rep meet with representatives of the technical vendors, including the on field audio and the broadcast audio?
3. During the planning session(s) were the technical needs of the performers discussed, inputs planned, and channel assignments made?
4. Were the physical logistics of the audio system discussed, including mic placement, cable runs, quick disconnect placements, etc.
5. Was there a separate, remote mix facility for audio going to broadcast that had a full split of all channels?
6. Does the remote facility have quality reference monitors, a console with full recall and the appropriate auxiliary equipment?
7. Were there rehearsals for the show?
8. Did the broadcast audio team during the rehearsal(s) verify all inputs, set gain structure, EQ, and fader positions for all channels in accordance with accepted standards for an audio mix?
9. Were the settings created during the rehearsals recorded in some fashion?
10. Was the audio mix of the rehearsals recorded and checked on other systems to be sure it was translating?
11. Were all physical inputs left in place after rehearsals and only quick disconnects used?
12. On performance day were all inputs verified to be working and in the correct channels?
Now if the answer to any of the above questions is no, then someone didn't do their job. From a management perspective the above questions should be a minimum for the planning and execution process. I'm willing to pass along some grace if I learn of the technical reasons for the audio being so poor, but I have yet to come up with a scenario where the reasons could justify the outcome. These guys are supposed to be the best. If a goofball geek like me can come up with those questions and think about the process so could those who are far smarter and talented than I.
Am I missing the boat here?
1. Was there a planning meeting for the show?
2. Did the show producer or rep meet with representatives of the technical vendors, including the on field audio and the broadcast audio?
3. During the planning session(s) were the technical needs of the performers discussed, inputs planned, and channel assignments made?
4. Were the physical logistics of the audio system discussed, including mic placement, cable runs, quick disconnect placements, etc.
5. Was there a separate, remote mix facility for audio going to broadcast that had a full split of all channels?
6. Does the remote facility have quality reference monitors, a console with full recall and the appropriate auxiliary equipment?
7. Were there rehearsals for the show?
8. Did the broadcast audio team during the rehearsal(s) verify all inputs, set gain structure, EQ, and fader positions for all channels in accordance with accepted standards for an audio mix?
9. Were the settings created during the rehearsals recorded in some fashion?
10. Was the audio mix of the rehearsals recorded and checked on other systems to be sure it was translating?
11. Were all physical inputs left in place after rehearsals and only quick disconnects used?
12. On performance day were all inputs verified to be working and in the correct channels?
Now if the answer to any of the above questions is no, then someone didn't do their job. From a management perspective the above questions should be a minimum for the planning and execution process. I'm willing to pass along some grace if I learn of the technical reasons for the audio being so poor, but I have yet to come up with a scenario where the reasons could justify the outcome. These guys are supposed to be the best. If a goofball geek like me can come up with those questions and think about the process so could those who are far smarter and talented than I.
Am I missing the boat here?
posted by Jason at 8:11 PM
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