In Malawi, the demand for live performances continues to be on the rise, with artists taking center stage at concerts, festivals, corporate events, and private functions. The quality of sound at these events is known to make or break the experience for both artists and audiences signifying the importance of skilled sound engineers.The role of a sound engineer is vital in ensuring that everything sounds as it should, regardless of the performance or venue.
For sound engineers, proper preparation before a live performance is essential & yet you find the average Malawian event has terrible sound. We have seen an increase in the number of sound engineers & sound providers locally – experience shows us bigger equipment isn’t always better. It’s about having the key components to good sound coupled with skilled sound engineers who understand the nuances of sound in different live event settings.
So, whether you’re working with a solo acoustic artist, a full band, or a DJ, your attention to detail can elevate the event to new heights or ruin it all for everybody. Let’s dive into how aspiring Malawian sound engineers can prepare for different types of artist sets and why this is crucial for improving the quality of sound at local events, benefiting not just the audience but the entire creative ecosystem.
Understanding the Artist’s Needs & Setup
Before the day of the event, sound engineers should always have a conversation with the artist or their team to understand the specific needs of their set. Whether it’s a trapper, R&B singer, an opera singer, a gospel choir, or a rapper, every act will have its own technical requirements.
- For solo acoustic performers: The sound needs to focus on clarity and intimacy. Mic placement is key, as is ensuring the balance between the artist’s vocals and their instrument. Find a good balance of reverb & maybe, a little delay just to make the voice sound even more amazing.
- For full bands: Each instrument needs its own dedicated sound channel, and the engineer must balance multiple sound sources to create a cohesive mix.
- For DJs: The focus is on the mixing console, ensuring that the transitions between tracks are seamless and the bass frequencies hit just right without distortion.
Actionable Tip: Have the artist provide a technical rider in advance, detailing their equipment and sound needs. This helps you anticipate what is needed for soundchecks and live setups.
Plan for the Venue Acoustics
Each venue presents its own unique challenges, especially in Malawi, where outdoor venues, large halls, and intimate spaces are commonly used for events. There are yet to be venues specifically constructed with the sole purpose of entertainment in regards to music, film & other artistic disciplines.
Acoustics vary dramatically based on the venue’s size, materials, and layout.
- Outdoor events: Sound can disperse quickly, so you’ll need to ensure that the equipment you bring can cover large areas without distortion. Wind can also affect sound quality, so mic shields or screens may be necessary.
- Indoor venues: Some indoor spaces may have echo or reverberation issues. This requires additional soundproofing or adjustment to speaker placement to minimise reflections and ensure clarity.
- Cultural festivals or traditional performances: These may require special miking techniques to capture specific instruments that aren’t typically amplified, such as drums, marimbas, or traditional singing styles.
Actionable Tip: Visit the venue ahead of time and take note of its acoustic qualities. Use this information to adjust your setup, ensuring that you bring the right speakers, monitors, and mixers for the job.
Run Comprehensive Soundchecks
A soundcheck isn’t just a box to be ticked—it’s a critical step in artists delivering quality performances. A good sound engineer understands the importance of a thorough soundcheck that addresses both technical needs and artist comfort.
- Test every input: Ensure that every microphone, instrument, and monitor works properly, and that the levels are balanced for each sound source.
- Adjust for real-time dynamics: Artists will often perform differently during soundcheck compared to the actual performance. Make note of how vocalists or musicians might push harder during a live show and adjust accordingly.
- Monitor the artist’s feedback: Artists often rely on stage monitors to hear themselves while performing. Ensuring that these monitors are set up correctly can give the artist confidence, leading to a better overall performance.
Actionable Tip: Soundcheck isn’t just for the artist. It’s your opportunity to test your gear and make adjustments. Arrive early and allocate enough time for a thorough check.
Prepare for Contingencies
Live events rarely go 100% according to plan. As a sound engineer, being prepared for unexpected technical issues can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a complete disaster.
- Have backup equipment: Microphones can fail, cables can get damaged, and speakers can blow out. Always have spares available and ready to swap out.
- Expect the unexpected: Keep an ear out for feedback, buzzing, or distortion. If it occurs during the show, you should be prepared to troubleshoot quickly without disrupting the performance.
- Communicate with the artist: If something goes wrong, calmly communicate with the artist or their team. Keeping them informed helps maintain trust, and they’ll appreciate your ability to remain calm under pressure.
Actionable Tip: Carry a “quick-fix” kit that includes spare cables, batteries, duct tape, extra microphones, and a troubleshooting guide to handle issues on the spot.
Collaborate with the Lighting and Visual Teams
At large-scale events, sound isn’t the only technical element that needs coordination. Collaborating with the lighting and visual effects teams ensures that the performance has a cohesive feel.
- Timing matters: Certain cues in the music may need to align with lighting changes or visual effects. Make sure you’re in sync with the rest of the production team to create a seamless experience.
- Tech rehearsal: For more complex shows involving multimedia, try to attend a tech rehearsal so you can coordinate the sound with the visual components.
Actionable Tip: Hold a quick meeting with the other technical teams before the show starts to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Educate and Advocate for High-Quality Sound
Part of the sound engineer’s responsibility is to advocate for the importance of good sound, not just for the audience but for the broader creative industry. High-quality sound makes performances better, which in turn, increases the reputation of both artists and events.
- Educate event organizers: Sometimes, budgets can be tight, and sound may not be prioritized. Explain the long-term benefits of investing in quality sound equipment and engineering. A great show can lead to repeat business, larger audiences, and better reviews.
- Mentor upcoming sound engineers: By sharing your expertise, you can inspire the next generation of sound engineers in Malawi. As the industry grows, having more qualified sound engineers will only improve the quality of live events.
Actionable Tip: Create open communication with event organizers, artists, and fellow sound engineers to continuously improve the standard of live sound in the country.
So, why all the ruckus about Malawian sound engineers taking their role more seriously? Because it benefits everyone for there to be quality sound at our local events. As a country that attracts tourists who enjoy our nightlife, cuisine, music events & culture; we can add quality sound and events onto the list of reasons why the world should visit Malawi. Specifically, those who benefit immediately are:
- Artists: When the sound is right, artists can perform at their best without worrying about technical issues. This boosts their confidence and helps them connect more effectively with the audience.
- Audiences: Clear, balanced sound creates a more enjoyable experience for the audience. Whether it’s a concert, festival, or corporate event, great sound ensures that the message—whether it’s music or a speech—is delivered effectively.
- Event Organisers: A well-produced event is more likely to be remembered and recommended. High-quality sound can elevate the overall experience and build an organiser’s reputation for delivering successful events. More recommendations mean more money for sound engineers and their sound companies.
- The Creative Industry: As the quality of live sound improves, Malawi’s music and creative industries can attract more attention—locally and internationally. This helps build a thriving entertainment sector that creates jobs, fosters talent, and attracts investment.
Sound engineers play an indispensable role in the success of live performances. By understanding the unique needs of different artist sets, planning for the venue, running thorough soundchecks, preparing for the unexpected, and collaborating with other technical teams, our local sound engineers can significantly improve the quality of sound at local events. This doesn’t just benefit the artists and audiences—it also boosts the entire creative ecosystem, helping to elevate Malawi’s growing live performance industry.
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