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Join us for a fascinating conversation with veteran Front of House (FOH) Sound Engineer, Sean Bout, as he takes us behind the console of major live performances.

With over 30 years in the industry, Sean shares invaluable insights, starting from his roots in college rock bands to his current role managing sound for top artists in the Indian and Tamil music scene.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• FOH vs. Monitors: Sean clearly explains the critical differences between the Front of House mix (what the audience hears) and the Monitor mix (what the musicians hear), detailing the demands of handling both roles simultaneously for smaller acts.
• The Preparation Process: Learn about the rigorous week-long prep involved, from vendor selection and console choices to preparing the custom show file for a flawless gig.
• Troubleshooting & Communication: Sean discusses how he quickly manages technical failures on the fly and his stance on stage communication and the use of individual talkback mics.
• Global Gigs: Discover the surprising contrasts between working with well-stocked vendors in India versus the budget and labor challenges faced when touring internationally.
• The Decibel Debate: A crucial discussion on hearing health, maintaining safe sound levels ($\approx 90-95\text{ dB}$) at live shows, and why he's not a fan of the older, excessively loud mixing norms.
• Professionalism & Expectations: Sean offers candid thoughts on what he expects from band members and, most importantly, the need for honesty and transparency from organizers and vendors.

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