By: BD Marie Hughes
For the past several years, I have enjoyed the best of “indie” at Clinton’s Tavern, on Bloor West at Christie, in Toronto.  One of the main components of any band’s performance is the competency of the audio engineer working their gig.  They are the “unsung heroes” behind-the-scenes..  A bad one can wreck havoc with a band’s show.  A good one gets the job done.  Without question, a great one is one that creates a phenomenal platform for a phenomenal sound.  He or she can make or break a band’s night.

Recently I got to know Sarah Herburger, one of Clinton’s interning audio engineers.  I was always impressed by how well the bands sound when she’s on duty.  She’s professional, patient, and takes attention to detail with bands when doing her work.  Naturally, I wanted to find out more!

BD:  Sarah, where did you get your technical training to become a sound engineer?

Sarah:  I went to The Harris Institute for the Arts College for producing and engineering from July 2007 to July 2008.  It’s at the corner of Queen St. East and Sherbourne in downtown Toronto. A lot of hard work! But I did graduate with honors!

BD:  How did you get your hands-on training?

Sarah:  The moment I graduated from Harris, I began my apprenticeship with one of Toronto’s live sound engineers.  At the same time, I began several internships at different venues around the city of Toronto.

BD:  How did you find these apprenticeships – did Harris help you or did you have to make the contacts on your own?

Sarah:  Well, I got introduced to a few engineers by the Live Sound teacher, Mr. Bo Cairo, at Harris. After that, it is was up to me to keep the contact up and go work with them every chance I could get. Bo Cairo used to be the house tech for Clinton’s. Then the job was handed down to Fletch. Fletch trained me. The man who I am in an apprenticeship with right now is a sub-in at Clinton’s.  Since I am also an intern with Fletch at Clinton’s, it was a natural fit! (laughs)

BD:  How often do you work?

Sarah:  Roughly 3 to 4 days a week.  I’m trying to get more days in my calendar.  Right now I’m on-call with Clinton’s.  Whenever they need me, I’m there.  (smiles)

BD:  And how long have you been working?

Sarah:  A bit over a year now.

BD:  How long do you have to apprentice before you are “legit”?  (laughs)

Sarah:  Depends on the person. Once the head engineers believe you’re ready, you’ll start getting gigs.

BD:  Sound or audio?

Sarah:  Sound tech or audio engineer – both one and the same!  (laughs)  One is just more professional.  I use “Audio Engineer” on my business card!  Yes!  I have a business card!  (we both laugh)

BD:  What are the steps you use to get a band ready to perform?  What does that board thingy do?  (laughing)

Sarah:  Well, the band needs to set up their gear which I then mic up. A feed gets sent from the microphones to the board which then sends the feed to the amplifiers and makes things very loud!

BD:  What advice can you give bands so that they can get the best out of you for a top-notch sounding performance?

Sarah:  Tune EVERYTHING! Including drums! Be accommodating and understanding. Don’t choke mic! (laughs)

BD:  You are a rare breed being a female audio engineer.  (smiles)  What challenges do you face in a male-dominated field?

Sarah:  Not many so far!  But there is always the odd person who’s a tad too old-fashioned.  Really, the main challenge is having to lift insanely heavy things from time to time.  But I’ve learned how to lift correctly.  In every situation you are working with different people with different personalities and viewpoints. You have to be confident. You have to be able to stand up for yourself and stand behind your knowledge, training and experience. Also, I had to figure out that it’s ok to ask for help.  (laughs)  I’m stubborn!

BD:  How can you interest other women to get involved in audio engineering?

Sarah:  I honestly don’t really care!  (laughs)  Either you want it or you don’t.  It’s not easy.  But, if you can handle it, it’s crazy fun!

BD:  Do you do any continuing education or just do “School of Life”?

Sarah:  (laughing)  Unless you’re counting my apprenticeship or internship – No!  I can’t stand classroom applications!  Away from work, I sleep! Does the offer still stand to go sailing with you this summer??

BD: Yes! All work and no play, you know? (laughing)

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