{"id":5026,"date":"2025-11-18T00:55:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T00:55:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qsc.com\/live-sound\/?p=5026"},"modified":"2025-11-18T17:30:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T17:30:51","slug":"bryan-prusiensky-tape-heads-audio-building-community-through-live-sound-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qsc.com\/live-sound\/fr\/bryan-prusiensky-tape-heads-audio-building-community-through-live-sound-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Bryan Prusiensky – Tape Heads Audio: Building Community Through Live Sound Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2014the jam band scene, the Grateful Dead, Patchouli, and skate and surf culture\u2014elements that continue to inspire him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s robust placement network led him to Southern California, where the local music, skate, and reggae scene felt like a natural fit. Bryan\u2019s 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\u2014one that could support artists and foster community through live events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tape Heads Audio<\/a><\/strong> 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<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We recently caught up with Bryan and asked him about his business and his QSC gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What QSC products are you using?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, we use the QSC LA112 line array system<\/a> as our A-rig, paired with QSC KS118 subwoofers<\/a> and K12.2 speakers<\/a> for monitors. Our B-rig features the QSC KLA line array<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We choose QSC because their gear is innovative, lightweight, and intuitive to set up \u2014 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\u2019s customer service has been exceptional. They\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have any favorite features in your QSC Gear?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What would you say are the key ingredients to producing a successful event?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A successful event starts with clear communication and a solid understanding of the client\u2019s vision. Getting the details and scope right up front sets the foundation for everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, it\u2019s about planning and preparation \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On show day, it\u2019s all about execution and adaptability \u2014 setting yourself up for success, having backup gear, and always keeping a contingency plan in your back pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And finally, don\u2019t forget to have fun and stay RAD! At the end of the day, we\u2019re lucky to be living the dream, living by our craft, and bringing people together through music and events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What advice would you give other production companies that you have learned?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few lessons that have stuck with me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n