Signal Chain

Notes on audio, video, and live events — from the console to the last cable.

By Jeremy Sneller

  1. What You’re Paying For When You Pay for Rigging

    Rigging is one of the bigger lines on an AV quote, and one of the easiest to question. Here’s what getting gear off the floor actually buys you, and how to keep the cost reasonable.

  2. The Real Cost of “Good Enough” Audio

    Bad audio doesn’t just sound bad. It makes the person talking less believable, and it wears out the people listening. Here’s what “good enough” actually costs, and the cheapest ways to fix it.

  3. Don’t Cut the Lighting First

    When the budget gets tight, lighting is usually the first line to go. It’s also the one the room notices most. Here’s how to think about it, and what to cut instead.