Episode 2: Mark Buckley - The Art of Mixing: Insights from a Monitor Engineer

In this conversation Me'sha Bryan interviews Mark Buckley, a seasoned monitor engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in the music industry. Mark shares his journey from being a drummer to specializing in sound engineering, particularly in mixing monitor systems for high-profile artists. He discusses the technical aspects of his role, the importance of sound quality, and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. Mark also provides insights into the tools and techniques he uses, as well as the unique experiences that come with touring.

Mark's Social Links:

@markbuckley4646

Takeaways

Mark Buckley has nearly 30 years of experience as a monitor engineer.
He transitioned from being a drummer to focusing on sound engineering.
Investing in a sound course helped him specialize in in-ear monitors.
Musicians today are more knowledgeable about their sound preferences.
Mark's success is reflected in being fully booked for the next 12 months.
Understanding the venue's acoustics is crucial for sound quality.
The noise floor is an important factor in achieving clarity in sound.
Mark emphasizes the importance of family time despite a busy touring schedule.
He enjoys exploring new places while on tour.
Every experience on the road contributes to his growth as an engineer.

Sound Bites

"You can't change the venue, it is what it is."
"Every day's a school day."
"It's a fun job, isn't it?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Buckley and His Career
00:57 The Journey from Musician to Monitor Engineer
04:32 Understanding the Role of a Monitor Engineer
06:27 Techniques and Tools of the Trade
11:52 The Importance of Sound Quality and Noise Floor
14:31 Balancing Work and Family Life
16:01 Experiences on Tour and Personal Time
17:05 Managing Large Bands and Sound Checks