Live sound engineer Conni Ettinger on treating the console as an instrument
Background and context
Live sound engineer Conni Ettinger has built a career working on major tours and high-profile shows, approaching the mixing console as if it were a musical instrument in its own right.
She has worked in a variety of roles, from front-of-house mixing to system engineering, often supporting demanding productions where consistency and sound quality are critical.
Ettinger’s experience reflects a broader shift in touring audio, where engineers combine technical skills with a performance mindset.
In an environment of increasingly complex shows, her approach offers insight into how engineers manage advanced tools while remaining focused on the musical result.
Key announcement
In a recent profile published by Sennheiser, Ettinger outlines how she treats the console as her primary instrument and describes the workflows she relies on in modern touring.
Rather than framing the role as purely technical, she emphasizes the interpretive aspect of live mixing and the responsibility to translate the artist’s intentions to the audience.
Ettinger explains that preparation starts long before doors open.
She studies setlists, arrangements, dynamics, and possible changes in advance, then builds show files and console layouts that allow her to react quickly during a performance.
The goal is to create an environment where most routine decisions are pre-planned, leaving space to respond musically in the moment.
On the technology side, she highlights how current digital consoles and wireless systems allow detailed control over every source on stage.
Features such as snapshot automation, flexible routing, and integrated processing tools are central to her daily workflow.
According to Ettinger, these capabilities are crucial when moving between venues of different sizes and acoustic conditions while trying to deliver a consistent sound.
Sennheiser’s role in Ettinger’s work is primarily in wireless and microphone deployment, which she uses as part of her touring setups.
Further information on the company’s live sound solutions is available on its official website, sennheiser.com.
Industry impact
Ettinger’s comments reflect current realities in live event production, where audio engineers are expected to operate at a high technical level while also functioning as part of the creative process.
Her description of the console as an instrument mirrors how many engineers now talk about their work, particularly on larger tours.
Her focus on repeatable workflows, detailed show preparation, and reliance on robust RF and console infrastructures is typical of modern production practices.
As more artists tour globally and rely on tight schedules, engineers need systems that are both predictable and flexible enough to handle last-minute changes.
The profile also underscores the growing visibility of engineers working behind the scenes.
As audiences and artists pay closer attention to sound quality, the people operating the technology are increasingly recognized as key contributors to a show’s success.
Why this matters
For event professionals, Ettinger’s perspective illustrates how critical audio roles have become in contemporary live production.
Her methodical preparation and performance-oriented use of technology highlight best practices that are relevant to venues, rental companies, and touring crews.
The emphasis on viewing the console as an instrument suggests that training and experience need to go beyond basic operation.
Engineers who can interpret music, anticipate changes, and use digital tools creatively are well positioned to meet the demands of high-level touring and corporate events alike.
As live events continue to rely on sophisticated audio infrastructures, the combination of musical sensitivity and technical fluency described by Ettinger is likely to remain a key differentiator in the market.
Her approach offers a useful reference point for engineers looking to refine their craft and for organizers seeking to understand the skills required behind the console.
