NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the pro audio community prepares to descend upon Nashville for the upcoming Audio Engineering Society (AES) convention, Waves Audio has announced an exclusive, free-to-attend educational opportunity. Space is strictly limited for the upcoming Waves Audio Better U live sound training and community event, scheduled for Friday, October 30, at the premier Nashville-based facility, Worley Sound.
Tailored specifically for front-of-house (FOH) engineers, system integrators, touring professionals, and house of worship audio technicians, the one-day intensive will place a heavy focus on the powerful and versatile eMotion LV1 Classic console platform.
Organizers emphasize that while registration is complimentary, capacity inside Worley Sound is tightly restricted to ensure hands-on interaction and personalized instruction. Interested audio professionals can secure their spots through the official Eventbrite registration portal.
Main Facts: What, Where, and Who
The "Better U" initiative is far more than a standard product demonstration; it is a full-scale educational masterclass and community-building event designed to elevate the technical and artistic capabilities of modern audio engineers.
- Event: Waves Audio Better U Live Sound Training and Community Event
- Date: Friday, October 30 (Ahead of the AES Convention)
- Location: Worley Sound, Nashville, Tennessee
- Core Focus: The eMotion LV1 Classic console platform, modern live sound workflows, plugin integration, and immersive mixing environments.
- Featured Instructors & Presenters:
- Jeremiah Clever (Waves Product Specialist)
- Jeff Sandstrom (Renowned FOH Engineer for Chris Tomlin, Passion City Church, and Lauren Daigle)
- Lloyd Williams (Acclaimed FOH Engineer for Young the Giant, Against the Current, Pvris, The Pretty Reckless, and Mark Ambor)
- Cost & Perks: Free admission, complimentary lunch provided, and interactive offline editor training (attendees are encouraged to bring laptops).
Chronology of the Event and Pre-Convention Setup
The timing of the Nashville Better U event is strategically planned to bridge the gap between regional touring professionals and the broader engineering community gathering for the AES convention.
The Lead-Up and Announcement
In the weeks leading up to October 30, Waves Audio rolled out targeted digital registration campaigns across pro audio forums and trade publications. Given the high demand for specialized eMotion LV1 Classic training—particularly in major audio hubs like Nashville—slots filled up at an accelerated pace. By late October, organizers issued final calls to action as seating capacities at Worley Sound neared maximum limits.
The Agenda for Friday, October 30
The single-day immersive experience is structured to take participants from foundational signal flow principles to advanced, artistic mixing decisions:
- Morning Session: Arrival, setup, and introductory workflow overviews led by Waves product specialist Jeremiah Clever. Attendees will configure their laptops with the eMotion LV1 offline editor for real-time engagement.
- Mid-Day Masterclass: Collaborative sessions featuring veteran FOH engineers Jeff Sandstrom and Lloyd Williams. These industry heavyweights will break down real-world touring scenarios, multi-genre mixing tactics, and strategies for maintaining sonic clarity across diverse acoustic environments.
- Afternoon Deep Dive: Advanced plugin integration, immersive monitoring setups, and tactical Q&A panels.
- Networking Lunch: Sponsored community time allowing attendees to network directly with peers, artists, and Waves technical representatives.
Supporting Data: The Technology and the Experts
To fully understand the weight of the Better U program, one must examine the hardware platform anchoring the event—the eMotion LV1 Classic—alongside the heavy-hitting roster of engineers guiding the curriculum.
The eMotion LV1 Classic Platform
The eMotion LV1 Classic has rapidly become a talking point in the live sound sector, bridging the gap between hardware ergonomics and software-driven flexibility. Powered by the Waves SoundGrid ecosystem, the console offers uncompromising audio quality, ultra-low latency, and deep plugin integration directly into the mixer’s channel strips. For engineers transitioning from traditional analog desks or bulky digital surfaces, mastering the LV1 workflow yields immense workflow efficiencies.
Meet the Educators
The caliber of the instructional team separates Better U from standard corporate product pitches:
- Jeremiah Clever: As a Waves product specialist, Clever spends his career on the front lines of audio technology education, translating complex digital routing and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) concepts into actionable, real-world steps for working engineers.
- Jeff Sandstrom: A pillar in the contemporary worship and contemporary Christian music (CCM) markets, Sandstrom has spent decades mixing for massive arena tours and permanent installations like Passion City Church, working with top-tier acts such as Chris Tomlin and Lauren Daigle. His mastery of vocal clarity and dynamic range control is legendary in the industry.
- Lloyd Williams: Bringing a massive footprint from the rock, alternative, and indie touring circuits, Williams has managed FOH for acts ranging from Young the Giant and Pvris to The Pretty Reckless. His expertise lies in high-energy, high-volume environments where instrument separation, power, and punch are critical.
Official Responses and Industry Implications
The philosophy behind the Better U program underscores a significant shift in how pro audio manufacturers approach customer relations and market development. Rather than focusing strictly on transactional sales, brands are increasingly investing in the ongoing education of the end-user.
Perspectives from Waves Audio Leadership
Maximilian Williams, Live Sound Marketing Manager for Waves Audio, articulated the core mission of the Better U initiative in a recent statement:
"Better U is really about investing in the people who make live sound happen. It’s not about selling someone a product; it’s about creating an environment where engineers can learn, experiment, ask questions and exchange ideas with people who understand the realities of working behind the console."
Williams further stressed that the curriculum is designed to be universally beneficial, regardless of an engineer’s years on the job:
"Whether someone is just getting started or has been mixing shows for years, we want them to leave with practical knowledge they can put to work immediately, greater confidence in their craft, and new ideas about how they can deliver an even better experience for both the artists onstage and the audiences they serve."
Implications for the Live Sound and Touring Sectors
Events like the Waves Better U at Worley Sound carry profound implications for the broader live production landscape:
- Elevating Production Standards: By demystifying advanced digital consoles and immersive mixing strategies, training programs help raise the baseline acoustic quality of concerts, festivals, and houses of worship nationwide.
- Bridging the Knowledge Gap: As audio technology evolves at a blistering pace—integrating complex network audio protocols (Dante, MADI, SoundGrid) and deep plugin processing—independent engineers often struggle to find safe spaces to test new gear without the pressure of a live show. Better U provides a risk-free sandbox environment.
- Strengthening Professional Communities: Regional meetups in audio hubs like Nashville foster invaluable networking ecosystems, connecting emerging talent with veteran mentors, production companies, and touring acts.
Final Registration Details
For audio professionals eager to sharpen their mixing strategies, explore the eMotion LV1 Classic, and learn directly from industry icons Jeff Sandstrom and Lloyd Williams, immediate action is required. With space at Worley Sound strictly capped, interested participants should visit the official Eventbrite registration page to secure their seat before capacity is reached.
Don’t forget to bring your laptop with the eMotion LV1 offline editor pre-installed for maximum interactive participation.
