Whispers to Crescendos - Inside Jason Batuyong’s mix for live television

Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, amid the vibrant backlots of FOX, CBS and ABC, Jason Batuyong, head of audio for iHeartRadio Theater and mixer for broadcast shows, is a masterful artist orchestrating the multi-track soundtrack for global televised experiences. With his discerning ear and meticulous attention to detail, Jason has carved a niche mixing in the realm of live broadcasting and audio, where every note, whisper, and crescendo must seamlessly meld with the next.

Reflecting on his journey, Jason reminisces about his humble beginnings at a music store, which eventually led to a serendipitous gig at Disneyland, where he crossed paths with television industry professionals. Since then, he's lent his expertise to some of TV’s most thrilling live shows, including America's Got Talent, American Gold and The X Factor.

“The touch screen is so reactive, and it sound so good.”

Crafting Immersive Experiences On set and when mixing live sound, Jason uses the DM3, Yamaha’s 22-channel ultra-compact digital mixing console with Dante. “It’s going to get used at iHeart radio as the new production console.” Additionally, for the broadcast productions Jason mixes, sometimes the contestant acts are so big that they set up a new PA area outside. “This is going to be the primary console for that outside area. It’s exactly the right size and the right amount of channels. The touch screen is so reactive, and it sounds so good.”

Whether working on high-energy talent shows or emotionally charged dramas, the DM3's versatility empowers mixers to adapt to various production requirements without compromising on quality. "It's like having a versatile contestant who can nail any genre," Jason analogizes, drawing inspiration from the versatility of performers on America's Got Talent. In other words, sometimes the DM3 feels like you’ve been handed a golden buzzer by Simon.

…the DM3 feels like you’ve been handed a golden buzzer by Simon.

Be a good hang For aspiring audio mixers, Jason offers pragmatic advice rooted in his own experiences. He stresses the importance of perseverance, humility, and a continuous thirst for knowledge. "Go for it and learn everything you can. You know, get that job at that Church. If you're a good hang, they'll teach you everything you need to know, and I think that's really important. You don't have to know everything to get into this world, but you do have to be a good person.” Jason advises, "It's a challenging journey, but one that's immensely rewarding."

Embracing the Depth of Sound Jason's expertise transcends technical proficiency; he delves into the emotional depth of sound, recognizing its ability to evoke feelings and memories, thus shaping the narrative.

Jason's dedication to his profession is not just a job; it's a calling—a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. In his hands, sound is a principal performer, showcasing the transformative power of audio to enrich our experiences and add profound depth to our lives.