Home  »  Academics  »  Recording Technology  »  Live Sound

Recording Technology

LIVE SOUND

To build the skill set required for mixing live sound you’ll study acoustics along with the challenges and opportunities presented by voice, instrumental combinations, and the rooms in which they are being played.

You’ll work with a Midas Legend 3000 touring console, a 20,000 watt ElectroVoice sound system, and an ETC lighting system in a hands-on learning environment.  Our live sound engineering curriculum teaches basic structure, tools, and techniques, including the basics of sound system installation and methodology for the design and assemblage of live rigs.  

The live sound curriculum includes our Tour Management course for live sound operators who, on the road, will double as tour managers, merchandisers, and chief babysitters.  Essential knowledge includes the ability to understand union rules, enforce contract riders, protect and transport gear, and manage basic accounting.

LIVE SOUND MAJORS
Learn sound reinforcement from experienced professionals, primarily on McNally Smith's 20,000-wat Midas/EV sound system.

Learn to attain the best out of any sound environment and make order out of apparent chaos.

Are given learning opportunities at world class arenas and other live music venues throughout the Twin Cities.
 
KEY CLASSES

Sound Reinforcement
Signal flow theory is wedded to practical application for the live sound engineer. Students learn from experienced professionals, primarily on McNally Smith's 20,000-wat Midas/EV sound system.

Systems and Operations
Students study to attain the best out of any sound environment and make order out of apparent chaos.

Tour Management
Live sound operators on the road will double as tour manager, merchandiser and chief babysitter. Essential knowledge includes the ability to understand union rules, enforce contract riders, protect and transport gear and manage basic accounting.

 

Commonly Searched Phrases: Live Sound Engineering Schools | Sound Engineer School | Sound Engineering University

CAREERS
 

  • Front of House/Monitor Engineer
  • Sound Designer
  • Sound System Installation Engineer
  • Tour Manager

    Chopper Black
    From Paula Abdul to Yanni and Bobby Z, as well as hundreds of artist in between, John “Chopper” Black brings over forty years of experience to McNally-Smith College of Music.
  • Chopper Black
    • Christopher Blood
    At A440 Chris recorded and produced countless albums for top local and major label artists. Christopher has also had the pleasure of working in some of the top music recording studios around the United States.
  • Christopher Blood
    • Tom Day
    Tom has more than 35 years of experience as a musician and an audio engineer.
  • Tom Day
    • Ricardo Ehramjian
    Ricardo has been active as a recording engineer for a variety of bands, commercials, and television spots as well as drummer and band manager for Tim Mahoney and the Blue Meenies.
  • Ricardo Ehramjian
    • Bryan Forrester
    Bryan is the owner of Forrester Audio Networx, a production studio specializing in broadcast audio, including V/O record, music composition, sound design, and mix for radio and TV commercials.
  • Bryan Forrester
    • Peter Greenlund
    Peter has over 20 years experience in the live audio field. He has run live sound for a long list of entertainers including Willie Nelson, the Commodores, and Gladys Knight.
  • Peter Greenlund
    • Sheldon Kessel
    Sheldon's music has been played in clubs, on concert stages, and on college radio stations throughout North and South America.
  • Sheldon Kessel
    • Joseph Mabbott
    Joe’s work with national and international touring artists like Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Cloud Cult, Golden, Heiruspecs, I Self Devine, The Plastic Constellations, 5 Mile Chase, and many others has turned the Hideaway Studio into one of The Twin Cities more reputable and successful studios.
  • Joseph Mabbott
    • Scott Malchow
    Scott has over 30 years of experience as a session musician, arranger, producer, and engineer on national radio and television advertising, film and video scoring, educational materials, church publishing, interactive game music, and corporate communication.
  • Scott Malchow
    • Craig Schlattman
    Craig has over 20 years as a director, filmmaker, DP, production sound mixer, and writer working in film in Los Angeles.
  • Craig Schlattman
    • Rob Schlette
    Interim Chair, Recording Technology
    Rob is a Minneapolis-based recording engineer, musician, and studio owner. His client list includes major artists Chuck Berry and Seth Carlin, as well as indy favorites the Grain, J.P. Hoe, Fort Wilson Riot, and the Morning After.
  • Rob Schlette
    • David Wiens
    David Wiens began freelance session work as a studio guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, and music producer until he was hired as the Chief Engineer/Producer at Forerunner Music, a small ministry related record label in Kansas City, where he recorded and produced over twenty albums.
  • David Wiens
Contact McNally Smith