FOH engineer Conni Ettinger highlights evolving role of the live sound console

Background and context

Table of Contents

Front-of-house (FOH) engineer Conni Ettinger has built her career in live sound by treating the mixing console as a performance tool rather than simply a technical interface. Her work on tour and in fixed venues reflects a broader shift in how audio professionals approach real-time mixing for concerts and live events.

Ettinger’s perspective offers insight into daily workflows at FOH, from system prep and showfile management to artist communication. It also illustrates how modern digital consoles, wireless systems and in-ear monitoring setups shape the audience and artist experience on today’s tours.

Key announcement

In a recent profile published by manufacturer Sennheiser, Ettinger outlines how she builds and operates her FOH setups, emphasizing that she treats the console as her primary instrument. For her, the desk is not just a control surface but a creative tool that must respond instantly to changes on stage.

She describes a workflow that blends structured preparation with flexibility. Showfiles, snapshots and routing are carefully planned in advance, but she keeps room in the system design for improvisation, guest appearances and unexpected musical changes. EQ and dynamics are used sparingly, with a stated preference for capturing an authentic, natural sound from the stage rather than heavily processing every channel.

Ettinger also points to the value of consistent RF and monitoring infrastructure, noting that wireless microphones and in-ear systems must be stable and predictable across venues of very different sizes and acoustic conditions. While the article originates from Sennheiser, her comments are broadly relevant to engineers working with any of the major wireless platforms. More details on the manufacturer’s touring solutions are available on Sennheiser’s official website.

Industry impact

Ettinger’s approach reflects a trend within live audio towards more musical, performance-led mixing. As digital consoles continue to add processing power and features, some engineers are choosing to simplify signal paths and focus on gain structure, mic choice and stage sound rather than relying on extensive plug-ins and corrective EQ.

Her focus on consistency from venue to venue highlights ongoing challenges in touring production. Engineers must adapt to changing PAs, acoustics and local regulations while maintaining a recognizable sound for artists and audiences. This often means relying heavily on virtual soundcheck, pre-built console layouts and robust RF coordination to reduce variables when arriving at a new venue.

Ettinger’s comments also underscore the increasing visibility of women in technical roles in live production. While the profile is centered on workflow and craft rather than biography, it adds to a growing body of coverage featuring female FOH engineers on major tours and festivals.

Why this matters

For event professionals, Ettinger’s perspective is a reminder that the FOH position is both technical and performative. The way an engineer “plays” the console in real time influences not only sound quality but also artist confidence and audience engagement.

Her emphasis on preparation, clear communication with artists and restraint in processing aligns with current best practices in live sound. As touring productions scale up and expectations for audio clarity increase, workflows that prioritize reliability and musical intent become more important.

For rental houses and production companies, it reinforces the need for consistent, well-maintained RF and monitor inventories.
For venues, it highlights the value of flexible infrastructure that allows guest engineers to quickly adapt their showfiles.
For engineers, it illustrates a practical balance between using modern console features and maintaining a straightforward, musical mix approach.

Ettinger’s description of the console as her instrument encapsulates a wider industry view: in contemporary live events, technology is most effective when it supports performance rather than overshadowing it.