Want to be a Better Broadcast Audio Mixer? 6 Traits of Top Engineers.
What makes a good broadcast audio mixer? Whether you are just starting or a veteran engineer, every mixer asks themselves if they are at the top of their game. It's natural to compare ourselves to our colleagues, but how do you know who the top mixers are? Some mixers went to college for audio, and some did not. So, what makes somebody good? Let's look at common things with top broadcast audio mixers.
Continuing Education
The broadcast audio industry is in constant flux, and those who want to stay ahead of the curve need to be continuously learning. Whether taking online courses, attending workshops, or reading industry publications, it's essential to expand your knowledge constantly. It would be best if you tried to learn as much as possible about your craft. Attend trade shows and conferences, listen to webinars and connect with others in the industry to ensure you're always up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. Committing to lifelong learning will ensure you always have the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the broadcast audio industry.
New Technology
It's also essential to be up-to-date on the latest technology and trends. By keeping abreast of new developments, you can decide better what equipment and software to use in your projects. Trade shows like the National Association of Broadcasters and the Audio Engineering Society (AES) are great places to see what new equipment might be on the horizon. They have good conference presentations with industry professionals and panels. Equip yourself with the latest industry news by subscribing to relevant publications and blogs, attending webinars, and participating in online forums. This way, you will be up-to-date on the latest broadcast audio technologies and trends and get insights from other professionals in the field.
Self Evaluation
In addition to keeping abreast of industry developments, it is also necessary to regularly assess your skills and knowledge. By taking stock of your strengths and weaknesses, you can identify areas where you need to improve. And by setting goals and continuously challenging yourself, you can ensure that you are continually growing as a broadcast audio professional. How do you assess your skills? Listen back to air checks. It's hard to determine how you are doing when you are in the middle of a broadcast. Listening afterward when you have had some space away from the script or the broadcast allows you to be reflective and critical. Also, take notes and compare them to other air checks. Are you noticing a pattern?
Communication Skills
Broadcast audio mixers must have strong communication and interpersonal skills. After all, much of your job will involve working with other people like clients, colleagues, and crew members. Increasing your communication skills is no easy feat. However, there are many resources available that can help you. If you want to improve your communication skills, consider taking a class or workshop in writing or public speaking. There are also many books and articles on the subject, like "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey and "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. By improving your communication skills, you can better equip yourself to handle the challenges of the broadcast audio industry.
Collaboration
The most significant common trait among all successful broadcast audio mixers is the ability to collaborate. Remember that broadcast audio is a team effort. No one can do it all alone, so building strong working relationships with the people you work with is essential. By collaborating closely and being a good team player, you will be able to achieve much more than you could on your own. And when things go wrong, you will have a team of people to support you and help you get back on track. Books on collaboration like "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: An Illustrated Leadership Fable" by Patrick Lencioni can help you learn how to work with people in a meaningful way.
Positive Mental Attitude
Finally, it is crucial to have a positive attitude. As a full-time employee at a regional sports station, I was deep in the full-time broadcasting culture. It wasn't until I got out that I noticed that the culture is predominantly negative and toxic. The broadcast industry can be challenging, and those who succeed approach challenges positively. How do you maintain a positive attitude? The thing that keeps me grounded now is my experience. It's hard to be positive during a highly challenging or stressful show. But every broadcast ends, and every show goes to commercial break. Another is to find a role model or mentor who has a positive attitude and can help you see the glass half full. My biggest mentors and influences in my life have a remarkable ability to let the job stresses go as soon as the broadcast is over. One can tell you to let go, but seeing somebody practice is a different learning experience. By maintaining a positive attitude, you can handle whatever challenges come your way.
Conclusion.
While many things go into making a successful broadcaster, collaborating and communicating effectively with others is key. By keeping up with industry trends and learning, broadcasters can set themselves apart from the competition. And finally, by maintaining a positive attitude, broadcasters can stay focused and motivated even when the going gets tough. With your colleagues, you will be able to achieve much more than you could on your own. And when things go wrong, you will have a team of people to support and help you.
What have you been doing lately to stay ahead of the curve in broadcast audio? Please share your tips and advice in the comments below or on our social media pages.
Dr. Mike Testa
