The world of a touring sound engineer is filled with exhilarating experiences, technical challenges, and the relentless pursuit of delivering the perfect sound for every show. Today, we have the unique opportunity to dive into the life of Ryan Weaver, the front-of-house (FOH) sound engineer for renowned Christian rapper Lecrae. From his early beginnings to the intricacies of managing sound for a dynamic, genre-blending artist, Ryan shares insights into the life of a sound engineer on the road.
Ryan's path into the realm of live audio is a testament to the unexpected turns life can take. At the age of 13 or 14, he found himself at a contemporary church service, handed an iPad connected to a Yamaha LS9 mixing console by his youth pastor, and was encouraged to mix the service. This initial foray into live audio, despite his lack of experience, ignited a passion that still burns brightly today. As a musician proficient in drums, guitar, and piano, Ryan quickly grasped the intricacies involved in crafting the perfect mix.
Ryan's thoughtful management of sound levels ensures that the performance is not just heard but listened to, facilitating a more meaningful connection between the artist and the audience.
Before joining Lecrae's team, Ryan played drums for a band called Rush of Fools, where he first crossed paths with some of his future colleagues. His introduction to Lecrae's crew came through a recommendation to be the playback engineer, leading to his current role as FOH. Over six years, Ryan transitioned from playback to monitors and finally to his current position, mastering the art of Lecrae’s signature live sound.
Ryan's life on the road is a delicate balance between meticulously planned shows and adapting to new environments on the spot. Lecrae and his team embark on approximately two tours a year, in addition to numerous one-off shows, necessitating constant travel. This nomadic existence presents its own set of unique challenges, from acclimating to different consoles and setups to ensuring the artist's vision is flawlessly executed on stage. Ryan and his team rely on a core set of preferred consoles that they request through Lecrae’s rider when he is booked. Working creatively, though, with the available resources underscores the importance of versatility and adaptability in this field.
I found Ryan to be a treasure trove of insights into mix engineering. His go-to desk for working on is the Avid S6L console, which has a Pro Tools-like workflow. This integration is critical for Ryan, whose experience spans live sound and studio production. The similarities between the console's interface and Pro Tools software allow for a seamless transition from studio to stage, enabling a more fluid process for Ryan.
One of Ryan's most steadfast principles is his strong aversion to over-compression.
One of Ryan's most steadfast principles is his strong aversion to over-compression. In a live setting, the tendency to over-compress can lead to a flattened, lifeless sound that robs the performance of its dynamic range and emotional impact. He champions the belief that live sound should be vibrant, with the ebb and flow of intensity that comes naturally from a live performance. To achieve this, he employs a strategy of selective compression, carefully applying it in a way that supports rather than suppresses the dynamics of the music.
Another area where Ryan's expertise shines is his selection of microphones and placements. For instance, his preference for using a Beyerdynamic M201 on the snare drum over more traditional choices like the SM57 is driven by his pursuit of a tighter polar pattern and superior isolation, which enable a more controlled and distinct snare sound in the live mix. This choice reflects his broader philosophy of favoring tools and techniques that enhance the source's natural qualities rather than overshadowing them with heavy processing.
This approach not only underpins the live energy and authenticity of Lecrae's shows but also emphasizes Ryan's commitment to a mix that serves the music. By spotlighting the natural punch and clarity of the drums, he ensures they effectively drive the rhythm and energy of the performance, engaging the audience in a visceral and immersive musical experience.
Another unique aspect of his approach to live mixing lies in his adaptiveness, particularly in response to Lecrae's distinct microphone technique. Lecrae, like many hip-hop artists, has a tendency to cup the microphone—a technique that can dramatically alter the sound by boosting low frequencies and muddying the vocals. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, Ryan views it as an integral part of the artist's style and expression. To account for this, Ryan employs a meticulous approach, utilizing dynamic EQ and compression specifically tailored to accommodate the changes in sound caused by cupping.
…. sound engineers are pivotal in fostering a profound, emotional bond between the music and the audience.
In songs where Lecrae moves from cupping the mic closely to holding it farther away, Ryan has developed snapshot changes within the console to dynamically adjust EQ settings. This ensures that whether Lecrae is delivering intense bars with the mic cupped or transitioning to a more open, melodic delivery, the vocal clarity and quality are maintained throughout the performance. For the closing song, "I'll Find You," where Lecrae consistently holds the microphone further from his mouth, Ryan even reintroduces some of the low-mid frequencies back into the mix, adjusting for the distance and achieving a fuller sound.
This level of customization and adaptability in Ryan's mixing philosophy not only showcases his technical expertise but also his dedication to preserving the artist's authenticity on stage. By thoughtfully balancing the equipment and techniques at his disposal, Ryan ensures that Lecrae's message and music are delivered to the audience with clarity and impact, making each performance a robust experience of sound and storytelling.
In an era where louder often means better in the minds of concert-goers, Ryan chooses a path less traveled. He approaches live mixing with a mindfulness that respects both the artist's message and the audience's experience. This philosophy was vividly illustrated during the Winter Jam tour, a venue known for its diverse audience and lengthy performances. Understanding the perceptions around hip-hop as "bassy" and "loud," Ryan set deliberate limits on his mix levels, maintaining an average of 99 decibels (DB) over 15 minutes, peaking only at 101 DB. His goal was to avoid overwhelming the audience with sheer volume, which can become fatiguing during a long show.
More significantly, Ryan’s careful control of sound levels served a higher purpose. It allowed the subtleties and nuances of Lecrae’s performance to shine through, granting concert-goers the chance to engage deeply with the lyrics and the message. For an artist like Lecrae, whose work often tackles complex themes and seeks to communicate profound truths, this respectful approach to mixing is crucial. Ryan's thoughtful management of sound levels ensures that the performance is not just heard but listened to, facilitating a more meaningful connection between the artist and the audience. Through his mix strategy, Ryan empowers attendees to appreciate the intricacies of the music and the importance of the message being conveyed, reinforcing the vital role that sound engineers play in the overall concert experience.
Ryan imparts invaluable wisdom for those in live sound, particularly in a church capacity. He underscores the significance of connection – how sound engineers are pivotal in fostering a profound, emotional bond between the music and the audience. Whether in a church or a concert setting, the aim is to bridge the gap, enabling every attendee to fully immerse themselves in what is happening.
Ryan Weaver's journey from a teenager mixing church services to the FOH for Lecrae is a testament to the passion and dedication required to succeed in the live sound industry. Through constant learning, adaptability, and a deep respect for the art of performance, Ryan showcases what it means to be at the forefront of live sound engineering.