“It can all be accomplished as long as we don’t confine ourselves to the self-imposed limitations inherent in viewing one technique as ‘right’ and all others as ‘wrong’.”—James Cadwallader, mix engineer

“One of my most important roles is to ensure that even if every instrument in the band is frozen solid, a block of ice, that there’s still ceremonial music.”—Karl Jackson, chief audio technician, United States Marine Band

“Two hard-earned observations: 1) No matter how much I yell at the crew, it never makes it sound better; 2) If I act like there’s a huge problem, people will know there’s a huge problem.”—Dave Rat, FOH engineer, Rat Sound

“This business is not for the squeamish. You can get squashed like a bug, but if you can survive it, you can make a comfortable living, you can work half the year. You’ve just got to pay attention and stay out of jail.”—Jim “Redford” Sanders, mix engineer

“What is the most important thing in the band to amplify? OK, put that up. What is the next most important thing? Now put that up. Continue in that mode until – and this is very important – things start sounding cluttered and unclear. Then back up, to the point when it was still clear, and stop right there.”—The Old Soundman

“I like things people say you can’t do.” – Tom Danley, Danley Sound Labs

“Young guys ask me ‘what do I need to do to do what you do?’ And I tell them ‘first, learn to listen’.” – Stan Miller, FOH engineer

“Some people see every other company in the world as competition, as in, ‘they’re my enemy.’ But I see them as trying to live their dreams like I’m living mine.” – Mike Bourne, owner, All-Star Audio Systems

“The rules of touring are simple. Show up, do your job well, and don’t be a jerk. You’re living in a submarine with a bunch of other people. You’ve got to be enjoyable to be around.” – Jamie Anderson, Rational Acoustics

“The shows are a bitch, and then you coil cables.”—The Old Soundman

“That’s how we all learned in those days – on the road. We were definitely making it up as we went along.”—Mike Scarfe, MHA Audio

“If you’re not going to jump in the swimming pool, you’re not going to find the best way to swim. And if you’re not on the road, people think you’re not necessarily designing solutions for their situations.”—Mick Whelan, long-time audio professional

“Whatever sounds good on a particular instrument on a particular day, we move forward with that.”—George Cowan, FOH engineer

“If something happens on stage and you’re working for the president of the United States, you want to walk calmly, with authority, and go up and fix it. You don’t want to run, because the Secret Service will shoot you in the ass.”—Mike Bourne, All-Star Audio Systems

“I’ve done everything from schlepping gear, to setting it up, to designing it, to mixing on it. I like it all. It’s a good day’s work.”—Phil Scobee, mix engineer/system consultant

“You only get one shot to give them a positive experience.”—David Scheirman, mix engineer/system consultant

“When you turn up the kick in a large arena with a massive PA, it’s something you never forget. Once you’ve mixed, you always want to mix.”—Dave Natale, FOH engineer

“To me the greatest compliment a band can pay you is to rehire you.” – Deb Hutchins, monitor engineer

“I look at it this way. There’s 24 hours in the day, and sometimes 22 of them can suck pretty good. However, when the lights go down, and the people stand up and start screaming, I get two hours that make it all worth it.” – Jim “Redford” Sanders, FOH engineer

Keith Clark is editor in chief of Live Sound International and ProSoundWeb.