Bryan Prusiensky is a musician, audio engineer, production manager, skateboarder, and business owner who grew up in Charlotte, NC. His passion for music began early as a musician, though he initially struggled to envision turning that interest into a career. While studying at Appalachian State University, Bryan earned a degree in Electronic Media & Broadcasting, which opened the door to the audio department and provided his first substantial experience with recording and live sound. His time in the Appalachian Mountains also exposed him to counterculture influences—the jam band scene, the Grateful Dead, Patchouli, and skate and surf culture—elements that continue to inspire him.
After college, Bryan pursued audio studies more seriously at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Arizona, specializing in analog tape recording and studio production, while also training in live sound reinforcement. He did not initially realize that live sound would become his career path. The program’s robust placement network led him to Southern California, where the local music, skate, and reggae scene felt like a natural fit. Bryan’s professional journey began in recording studios and with production companies, but he soon found his niche in live sound. He eventually toured as a front-of-house engineer with the reggae band Iya Terra, traveling across the country for two years. These experiences inspired him to establish his own company—one that could support artists and foster community through live events.
Tape Heads Audio was founded during the pandemic in 2020. Having collected gear over the years, Bryan started out with a home studio setup and gradually expanded his inventory, making his first significant investment with a pair of QSC K12.2 speakers. As his live sound equipment inventory grew, so did his vision. Today, Tape Heads Audio offers sound, lighting, staging, and audio tech staffing for concerts, festivals, community events, and private functions.
Tape Heads Audio stands out as a musician-owned company, built from the ground up with passion, love, and practicality. Bryan and his team understand what it takes to run a successful show, not just from the production side but also from the performer’s perspective.
We recently caught up with Bryan and asked him about his business and his QSC gear.
What QSC products are you using?
Currently, we use the QSC LA112 line array system as our A-rig, paired with QSC KS118 subwoofers y K12.2 speakers for monitors. Our B-rig features the QSC KLA line array.
We choose QSC because their gear is innovative, lightweight, and intuitive to set up — often manageable as a one-person job. The systems are powerful, compact, and extremely reliable, which makes them perfect for the fast-paced demands of live production. Just as important, QSC’s customer service has been exceptional. They’ve consistently treated me like family, offering support and insight that goes beyond the equipment itself. That combination of cutting-edge technology, dependable performance, and genuine care makes QSC the backbone of our rigs.
Do you have any favorite features in your QSC Gear?
My favorite feature has to be the QSC LA112 with its RapidDeploy design. The system is so light and easy to rig that I can set it up as a single operator. One of the biggest advantages is scalability — if we need to add more, we can expand quickly and efficiently. That flexibility makes load-in and load-out much faster, which is a huge benefit in live production.
What would you say are the key ingredients to producing a successful event?
A successful event starts with clear communication and a solid understanding of the client’s vision. Getting the details and scope right up front sets the foundation for everything else.
From there, it’s about planning and preparation — studying the input list and stage plot, knowing what gear will work best, and applying lessons from past gigs. Logistics are equally important: transportation, setup flow, and a run of show that actually makes sense.
The next piece is teamwork. I believe taking care of your crew is rule number one, because they carry your success. I make sure to hire the best FOH engineers and surround myself with people I can trust.
On show day, it’s all about execution and adaptability — setting yourself up for success, having backup gear, and always keeping a contingency plan in your back pocket.
And finally, don’t forget to have fun and stay RAD! At the end of the day, we’re lucky to be living the dream, living by our craft, and bringing people together through music and events.
What advice would you give other production companies that you have learned?
A few lessons that have stuck with me:
- Don’t ever buy gear you don’t need. Start small, grow at a manageable pace, and count your small wins along the way. Keep a journal of what worked and what didn’t — it’ll save you a lot of time and money down the road. Thank you, Kevin Babies, from Guitar Center Pro for sharing this with me I’ll never forget.
- The show must go on. No matter what challenges come up, adaptability and problem-solving are everything in this business.
- Take care of your employees. Your crew is your greatest asset. My brother Justin taught me this one, and it’s true — your team carries your success.
- Have PHUN. At the end of the day, that’s why we do this. Don’t lose sight of the joy that comes with creating unforgettable events. Thank you, Jerry Garcia, for these wise words!
- “If I act like there’s a huge problem, people will know there’s a huge problem.” – Dave Rat. Try not to show a technical problem on your face. That energy will leak out to everyone else including the client.
Visit Tape Heads Audio website
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