The following was posted by a US engineer (an older fellow that's been in the biz for a long time) and is complete gospel when it comes to what a real professional engineer is expected to know. It's also hilariously funny because he's got a rapier wit. I really couldn't say any of it better myself:
Bunnerab, [i]the Womb Forums[/i] wrote
If one person complains, he's probably a twit.
If two people complain about the same thing, check your mix and walk the room.
If more than three people complain about the same thing, you're stinking up the joint.
Drunk people can't hear highs.
Be. On. Time. Period.
You're not a secretary or a fry cook. Late is all but inexcusable.
Listen to what other people do.
Find out why they suck. Find out why they're brilliant.
Develop an almost religious appreciation for nuance.
Scan the mix constantly. When things change, sometimes you have to change things, too. Sometimes you just let them change. Find out what the artist is doing and if they gave you a cue sheet, use it.
It isn't about you. It's about the music, the artists making it and the people who came to hear it.
If nobody paid one bit of attention to your mix, you did good.
Sometimes you'll get good advice. Sometimes you'll just meet people who wear their ass for a hat and think that two heads are better than one.
Shower whenever you can. Always.
Don't touch a drop when mixing. Ever. Rock sober. Other substances are your call.
Find out what your gear does and WHY it does it and how the room affects it.
Learn how to use a compressor. "On" is usually not the best setting. If you really can't get your head around them, don't use them.
Use compressors.
Effects are just that. They're a dab of frosting, not the cake. If there's something that's supposed to stick out like a sore thumb, make sure it's not the whole hand.
Did I mention using the band's cue sheet? Did I mention nuance?
Sound check every show. Last night's settings are about as useful as titties on a carp and that applies to house gigs AND tours.
Stay the fuck away from the money people. They don't speak your language and you don't speak theirs and they will let you stand there and piss up their rope for as long as you open your mouth.
If the checks don't clear, your band / venue sucks. Quit. Either they value you or they don't.
Develop an astounding sonic memory.
"Feel" the room. I know.. sounds daft but do it anyway.
You're bound to fuck up a cue, hit the knob next to the knob you reached for and shit the bed a few times. Fix it fast, get over it and keep mixing the show.
People love to talk to you while you're trying to listen to the mix. Tell them you're busy.
Do NOT blow shit up. You'll never live it down.
You are never too cool too move gear. Too old, maybe, but not too cool.
Learn to survive on a very narrow assortment of crap foods and eat when you have time, not when you're hungry.
Take care of your health,. Buy an Omron BP meter and a thermometer and carry aspirins, and Advil.
Shut it all off on your internal dialogue after the show for at least an hour before bed. Leave the armchair quarterbacking to the people with time to kill.
If there's a meeting and you're required to attend, fucking well attend and shut up until you're asked something.
Buy a set of handcuffs for your Anvil brief or Hallie case.
Don't dis the band, lighting crew or anybody else because people have NOTHING better to do than talk shit backstage. Make sure they ain't talking any of yours.
Bring a work ethic that defies sensibility. You'll need it.
Be courteous and kind if you can, but the second somebody scribbles the word "WELCOME" on your back, tell them to fuck off. If you're earing your money, kissing ass isn't what you do.
If you're touring, keep your passport on you everywhere but the shower.
Get a waterproof passport case on a lanyard.
R E G I O N A L - M A I N T E N A N C E . Stuff breaks.
NEVER spend your own money on gear for the show / venue. It's not what they pay you for and they won't reimburse you.
Make sure you bloody well know your stuff before you start getting all harrumphy about the room, rig or show. Some people live to prove that they know more than you do. Some of them may.
Good luck.
