Sean This is no joke, this is really what it's called, okay :-\ So we're using a new 24 channel Mackie mixing desk and I'm still going through the user manual trying to familiarize myself with everything. So there is a knob labelled "SUCK". I find it in the manual and there is a paragraph which is supposed to be an explanation as to what this thing does...well, I don't consider it to be an explanation at all. Actually, this is what it says : "If the band performing asks you if you can make them sound better, reply with a resounding 'yes, indeed I can make you sound better...I will turn down the Suck Knob [47] which will do wonders for your band!" As seen, it is broken down in percentages, from 0% suck (turned fully counter-clockwise) to 100% suck (turned fully clockwise). This way you get to determine the 'Suck Factor Percentage' (SFP) of the band. If they follow instructions, buy you beers, and are a swell bunch, turn the knob counter-clockwise. If the drummer hits the snare drum or the guitarist does a screaming harmonic dive-bomb while you're setting up mics on their respective equipment (and thusly helping to ruin your hearing...huh?), feel free to crank the knob clockwise." ??? ??? Rather humourous, yes, but that's it. So, I try Google the thing, and all I get is lots more amusing jokes, stories, yarns about these SUCK knobs, still no actual information about the thing. Seriously, I'm done looking. Is this some sort of industry joke or something? ???
AlanRatcliffe Yeah, it's an engineer's in-joke. Basically a knob that does nothing but make idiots happy (producers or band members who think they know better than you). There is also the opposite "vibe" (or similar) knob. Someone's annoying you telling you to make it "suck less" or asking for "more vibe", give them the job of adjusting the two until they are happy with the sound (which isn't affected ?).
Banditman Gary Larson (The Far Side) took a dig at this one once. http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/19591-raymonds-last-day-as-the-bands-sound-technician/
