Jack Randall – The Early Years!
Like a lot of people in this industry, when I was younger I wanted to be a Rock Star.
I play Bass so it was never going to happen…
Along the way, through my late teens at college studying Performing Arts as a Musician I found myself drawn to doing the Sound on the shows rather than performing in them and my love for the mix was born.
For the Love of Sound
I’ve always loved the immediacy of the live environment over the studio, even as a Musician; I’d rather be on stage than in a studio playing the same phrase over and over.
There’s something about the moment before it all begins and the rush of keeping all the plates spinning during the show that I just love; when you get handed a running order 5 minutes before the start and you have to do mic allocation and get your stings in order!
Taking Life (more) Seriously
I took a chunk of time out from doing sound in the mid part of my working life as I took some advice and pursued a degree in Liverpool to get a “proper” job, as they say, but I couldn’t stay away from the live world.
Before long I found myself back involved, albeit tangentially as a Cinema Projectionist doing Q&A sessions with people like Quentin Tarantino for his movie Death Proof and the cast of independent film Once.
A short stint with a Liverpool based AV company and some local crew work eventually saw me return to my London roots to pursue it more robustly.
London Calling!
A couple of full-on years rigging and running out of a van with London Audio Visual got me right back into the thick of it; some high profile clients, long days and a wide variety of kit to learn.
I then spent 2.5 years working at the QEII Centre in Westminster as a General AV Tech but mainly doing Sound. Good grounding in Video for Breakout Rooms, basic switching etc…
As superb training ground in dealing with New Tech (learned Digital Desks and Smart PA Systems there) and working with seasoned Freelancers and very high profile speakers and presenters
Since 2017 I’ve been Freelance and loving it!
City vector created by freepik – www.freepik.com
Experience
I’ve worked Sound in main rooms with 1000+ people and Breakout Rooms as a one man operation doing Sound, LX and Data.
Each come with their own challenges but they’re all enjoyable.
Always Be Learning
The Present
I’m comfortable using Yamaha and Allen & Heath Qu Series desks, Sennheiser RF systems and the basics (if not the importance) of RF Co-ordination, d&b and Nexo PA systems, video switching with Barco & Kramer switchers and more besides.
Visit the Jack Randall Sound Engineer and Jack Randall AV Technician for more details.
The Future
The industry is constantly evolving and I love new gadgets and tech so I am committed to continuing to learn new equipment and techniques as and when the chances arise.
Over the years I’ve been in the Conference Sound arena I’ve learned a lot from some very talented and generous Engineers and Technicians. I owe them a lot and look forward to being in a position to pass on some wisdom as I go.
Other Stuff About Me…
Apart from the Live Sound and Music I am a WordPress website builder (I built this site), Photographic dabbler, Film/TV/Music nerd and a recovering Biscuit addict (who makes a world class cup of tea).
I have a calm manner, a very broad sense of humour that helps me work with everyone from global business leaders and politicians to the venue’s cleaning crew and I get on with everyone involved with a show.
I am London Based, Zone 2 South East London to be precise so very well placed for venues in the Central area, good transport links to and from most places at all hours too.
Contact Me…
Drop me a line if you want to learn more and see if I’m a good fit for your gig…