Sound Engineer - some XP required!
This role involves working closely with our crew’s Lead Sound Engineer in order to run the board & provide our Performers with the best sound experience possible. Our Lead is there to serve as your backup - they will help if you have any questions about our setup or experience any technical difficulties beyond your control, but otherwise, you’ll be pulling the reins.
This role requires:
Being reasonably comfortable with setting levels & mixing acts from up to twelve inputs, and understanding what mixing monitors from FOH is
Having a familiarity with small-scale mixers and a few outboard devices
Being willing to work within Center Camp guidelines when establishing overall sound levels (i.e. high-SPL freaks will get frustrated, fast!)
Vacuuming both of the sound boards after each shift, and MOOPing around the booth
Being willing to help out with the board at the Spoken Word Stage, or jumping backstage to help set up a band if we’re low on Gear Wranglers
"Hurry up + wait"-ing - things bounce back & forth between utter chaos + periods of downtime, so come prepared with that mindset
Answering questions from participants who wander by (or directing them to the Stage Manager or Playa Info)
Most importantly, showing up on time! The show can’t go on without you!
We currently have a digital setup (Behringer x32) that runs from a set of iPads and a desktop in our booth; we also still have our analog system on standby, ready to tap in at a moment’s notice, should the situation call for it. If you are new to this board, or to a digital board in general, let us know & we will work with you to get you up to speed.
All volunteer shifts are 4 hours long, starting at midnight and running around-the-clock through event week. As our Performance Stage is open 24/7, we have shifts to fit every personality, from early bird to night owl. There are typically 6-10 acts per shift, that range from acoustic singer/songwriters to metal bands, and from puppet-themed sing-a-longs to Marching Band March Offs...the magic of our open stage is that we see a little bit of everything the participants have to offer!
If you are interested in volunteering with Center Camp Sound, please fill out our Center Camp Sound & Performance Volunteer Questionnaire, then email Sound Byte (Cricket@burningman.org).