POSITION OVERVIEW

The Head of Audio / A1 is responsible for the overall operation, performance, maintenance, and technical development of the venue’s audio systems, as well as serving as the primary A1 fo productions and events as assigned.

This is a senior technical position requiring substantial professional experience in live soun reinforcement, digital audio systems, system optimization, and the operation of large-format line-array systems. The successful candidate will have the technical knowledge and practical judgment to take ownership of a sophisticated audio infrastructure while also delivering excellent results in a live production environment.

The venue operates a new, state-of-the-art L-Acoustics sound reinforcement system. Significant hands-on experience with L-Acoustics systems is therefore highly desirable.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

AUDIO SYSTEM OPERATION & ENGINEERING

• Serve as A1 / Head of Audio for performances, concerts, theatrical productions, corporate events, and other productions as required
• Take overall responsibility for the technical performance and reliability of the venue's audio systems
• Design, configure, deploy, operate, and optimize sound reinforcement systems appropriate to each production
• Configure and optimize the venue's L-Acoustics loudspeaker system and associated amplification, processing, networking, and control systems
• Perform system tuning, measurement, alignment, and troubleshooting
• Route mixes as required to various venue and artist-required locations
• Maintain accurate system documentation, including signal-flow diagrams, system configurations, patch information, equipment inventories, and technical documentation, as required
• Maintain confidentiality regarding confidential in-house systems
• Diagnose and resolve problems involving audio equipment, digital signal processing, amplifiers, loudspeakers, control systems, and audio networks
• Maintain and update system presets, configurations, and show files as appropriate
• Evaluate equipment needs and make recommendations regarding maintenance, upgrades, rentals, and future system development

L-ACOUSTICS EXPERTISE

Strong familiarity with the L-Acoustics ecosystem is preferred, including, as applicable:

• Soundvision
• LA Network Manager
• M1 / P1 measurement and system optimization
• L-Acoustics loudspeaker and subwoofer systems
• LA-Series amplified controllers
• L-Acoustics networking and control architecture
• Line-array deployment, coverage prediction, system optimization, and alignment

Candidates with substantial experience designing, deploying, tuning, or operating L-Acoustics systems will be given strong consideration.

Formal L-Acoustics certification is desirable but not necessarily required if the candidate can demonstrate equivalent professional experience.

PRODUCTION & SHOW RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advance productions with visiting A1s, sound designers, production managers, and touring personnel
• Review and interpret input lists, stage plots, system diagrams, technical riders, and other production documentation
• Prepare the house system and venue infrastructure to accommodate visiting productions
• Operate digital mixing consoles and associated control systems
• Provide excellent front-of-house mixing when serving as A1
• Coordinate effectively with A2s, local audio technicians, stage management, production management, and visiting production personnel
• Supervise and direct audio crews during load-ins, rehearsals, performances, and load-outs
• Ensure efficient turnover between productions
• Provide technical support to visiting engineers and productions while maintaining responsibility for the venue's equipment and infrastructure

MAINTENANCE & SYSTEM STEWARDSHIP 

• Establish and maintain preventative maintenance procedures for all audio equipment
• Keep audio equipment clean, organized, inventoried, and in reliable operating condition
• Coordinate repairs and outside service when necessary
• Maintain appropriate spare parts, cables, adapters, consumables, and emergency equipment
• Test and verify systems regularly and before critical events
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized audio work area
• Assist with planning and implementation of future audio-system improvements

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION

The Head of Audio must be able to work effectively with a wide range of people and personalities, including touring engineers, sound designers, performers, stage managers, production managers, venue management, IATSE personnel, and other members of the production team.

The successful candidate will:

• Remain calm and effective under pressure
• Exercise sound technical judgment when troubleshooting problems in real time
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a production team.• Provide clear direction to assistant audio personnel and local crews
• Maintain a high standard of professionalism and customer service
• Be proactive in identifying potential technical problems before they affect a production

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five years of professional experience as an A1, Head of Audio, Systems Engineer, or comparable senior live-audio position
• Extensive experience with professional live sound reinforcement systems
• Demonstrated proficiency with digital mixing consoles and digital audio signal processing
• Strong understanding of audio signal flow, gain structure, system alignment, acoustics, and loudspeaker system design
• Working knowledge of audio networking and IP-based audio/control systems
• Ability to read and interpret stage plots, input lists, technical riders, system diagrams, and other production documentation
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
• Experience supervising or directing audio personnel
• Ability to work effectively within demanding production schedules and tight show turnovers
• Ability to safely lift and move audio equipment and work in a production environment
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular production hours as required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant L-Acoustics experience
• Experience with Soundvision, LA Network Manager, and M1/P1
• L-Acoustics training or certification
• Experience with large-format line-array systems
• Experience with touring productions, concerts, Broadway/theatrical productions, opera, or other large-scale live events
• Experience with Yamaha, DiGiCo, Avid, Allen & Heath, or other professional digital console platforms
• Experience with Dante and other professional audio networking protocols
• Experience with RF systems and wireless microphone coordination
• OSHA, ETCP, First Aid/CPR, or other relevant safety certifications

UNION / LOCAL 19

This position will work within the applicable IATSE Local 19 labor environment and in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and venue policies.

Local 19 has a broad membership covering stage and production-related disciplines, and provides crews for concerts, Broadway productions, conferences, opera, and other live events. (IATSE Local 19). Pay and benefits for this role will be consistent with the Local 19 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Specific requirements concerning Local 19 membership, referral, classification, wages, benefits, jurisdiction, and employment status should be established in consultation with Local 19 and the employer.

HOW TO APPLY

This role will be hired by The Lyric with the consent and permission of IATSE Local 19, and the role must be filled either by an IATSE member in good standing, or by an individual willing to join Local 19 who meets their criteria and secures their approval.

Inquiries regarding Local 19 should be sent to: businessagent19@gmail.com

Inquiries about the position, or applications for the position should be sent to: jobs@thelyricbaltimore.com with businessagent19.com on cc, or submitted in person to The Lyric, 140 West Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21201.

Submissions are welcome beginning Wednesday, September 23 and will continue to be accepted until this role is filled.