On Aug. 26, Eddie Mapp, a 1997 CRAS Graduate and Pantera’s Front of House Engineer, Invited Multiple CRAS Students to the Band’s Concert at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater in Phoenix, Ariz.
Gilbert, Ariz., Sept. 30, 2025 – Students from the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences once again had the opportunity to learn live mix techniques from professional audio engineers in real time before and during a concert.
On Aug. 26, Pantera FOH engineer and a 1997 CRAS graduate Eddie Mapp invited CRAS students to witness his set up and how he performed the live sound mix during the band’s recent concert at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater in Phoenix, Ariz.
“During this terrific all day experience, our students had the opportunity to visit with Eddie’s entire crew, learning on-the-job tips, tricks, and techniques from his systems engineer, monitor engineer, and more,” explained Jason Losett, CRAS IT Director. “They were able to and encouraged to tour the stage to examine Eddie’s microphone setup and placement while he talked wireless frequencies, and got a master class in speaker alignment and phase. Additionally, students had the opportunity to spend time with FOH engineer Weston Blaha, who mixes Amon Amarth (Pantera’s opening act). Everyone on the crew was exceedingly gracious with their time and knowledge.”
Even Arizona’s notorious monsoon storms couldn’t stop the show, which hit the pavilion during the performance. When the concert began, students had the opportunity to set up at the Front of House position and watch Eddie’s mix. Not long into the show, the massive storm arrived.
“As the rains poured into the Front of House pit, it soaked cables causing everyone to jump into action with tarps covering gear,” Losett continued. “Eddie’s calm demeanor was truly demonstrated as to why he is at the top level of this industry. The rains turned out to be a blessing in disguise because students got to witness the head engineer of this event show zero panic or stress. While the wind and rain continued for more than half an hour, under the tarp students got a one-on-one mixing tutorial from Eddie. His calm resonated to everyone else in the crew and was one of those moments that our students will never forget. Hopefully Eddie’s calm, happy, and kind attitude in that moment of adversity will inspire them to conduct themselves similarly in stressful situations.”
Added Mapp on having the CRAS students with him at the Pantera concert, “Getting to show them the potential and possibilities in this industry is what it’s all about! CRAS provides you with all the audio fundamentals to achieve your goals….. then it’s up to you! Dream big!”
CRAS student Lyssa Lynn said watching a pro FOH mixer made her realize mixing isn’t just about sound, it’s about reading the room and controlling the energy. “Being behind the console showed me how much trust is placed in the FOH engineer to make the artist sound their absolute best. I got to see how a great FOH engineer thinks ahead, always anticipating what’s coming next on stage.”
Concluded CRAS student Anthony Jaroscak, “Eddie! Thank you for the incredible opportunity to give back to the CRAS community. I really enjoyed seeing your process and correlating everything we have learned from CRAS. It’s very encouraging seeing how much you enjoy working in this field after the many years you have been involved. I greatly appreciate the knowledge you and the crew shared with us.”
The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences is composed of two nearby campuses in Gilbert and Tempe, Ariz. A CRAS education includes broadcast audio, live sound, film and TV audio, music, and video game audio, all taught by award-winning instructors who have all excelled in their individual fields, including sound reinforcement, audio recording and production, digital recording, troubleshooting/maintenance, and music business.
CRAS structured programs and highly qualified teaching staff provide a professional and supportive atmosphere, which is complemented by its small class sizes allowing for individual instruction and assistance for students in engineering audio recordings. CRAS has been providing quality vocational training in audio recording for more than three decades. The curriculum and equipment are constantly being updated to keep pace with the rapid advancements in the music and sound recording industries. CRAS’ course offerings and subject matter have always centered around the skills and knowledge necessary for students’ success in the audio recording industries.
Article originally posted on MixOnline.com
