Up to 160 channels, 100 microphones and a concert broadcast to more than 140 countries worldwide: when the music starts on stage at the Baloise Session, sound engineer Ron Kurz is in the OB truck, making sure every note is captured at its best. His goal is to make the artists sound and feel just as authentic in the recordings as they do in the concert hall.
For almost 35 years, Ron has been in charge of live recordings for radio, television and streaming. In the latest edition of our Backline Blog, he takes us behind the scenes of a perfect concert mix – from soundcheck to balancing vocals, drums and audience ambience, all the way to the final post-production. Because a live recording should never sound like a studio album. “We create a genuine live documentary,” says Ron – complete with all the tension, atmosphere and audience reactions that make each performance unique.
He explains why the Baloise Session’s intimate club table atmosphere presents particular challenges for the live mix, how he prepares for each act and why no two concerts are ever the same. He also shares the story of an unexpected collaboration with the band Toto and reveals which artist is still on his personal wish list.
Credits
Backline Blog – A production by AVE Agentur van Essel on behalf of the Baloise Session Concept & production: AVE Agentur van Essel, Zurich (Switzerland) Editorial & hosting: Zeno van Essel Camera & postproduction: Anna Psenitsnaja Executive Producer (Baloise Session): Beatrice Stirnimann Producer (Baloise Session): Lena Knoblich © AVE Agentur van Essel & Session Basel AG