Twenty Thousand Hertz: "He's Mixed SNL for 40 Years"

Host: Dallas Taylor
Date: October 8, 2025

Overview

This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz takes listeners on an unprecedented journey behind the scenes of Saturday Night Live (SNL) at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, focusing on the incredible work of Bob "Bobby" Palladino, SNL's legendary production mixer (A1), who is retiring after 40 seasons. Host Dallas Taylor interviews Bobby and members of SNL’s audio team, exploring the unique challenges, memorable moments, and technical artistry behind the live sound of one of television's longest-running and most iconic shows, culminating in Bobby’s emotional final episode and the transition to new A1 mixer Fred Hedemark.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Bobby Palladino’s Path to SNL (03:51–08:42)

• Bobby started as a musician and studio engineer, facing uncertainty after being laid off.
• Through networking and persistence, he landed a temporary “vacation relief” (VR) job at NBC during a year with intense programming: the World Series, conventions, and the bicentennial.
  • Quote: "So I flooded the New York area with resumes... and I was one of the people who was hired as a VR, and they said this was only gonna be for three months and then you're outta here." – Bob Palladino (05:10)
• Instead of being laid off after three months, Bobby stayed, moving through various roles, including The Tomorrow Show and Nightly News.
• The return of SNL creator Lorne Michaels in 1985 sparked technical upgrades, including the introduction of full-time stereo sound and dedicated music mixing.
  • Bobby’s expertise with music acts made him a natural fit for the new role.

2. Mixing SNL: The Art and the Chaos (08:42–18:43)

• Bobby describes SNL’s live sound as a blend of old and new technology: analog boards to digital, stereo to 5.1 surround, and increasing use of wireless mics.

• His lifeblood is the paper script, tracking boom vs. RF mic assignments, and last-minute script changes—still all done by hand for tactile efficiency.

  • Quote: “My script is my lifeblood. I really depend on it. I tried several years ago to try to use a computer... and it didn’t work.” – Bob Palladino (09:37)
  • Quote: “It's always been kind of chaotic only because there are constant script rewrites... That changes the whole sound design, basically.” (10:05)

• Week at SNL:

  • Monday: Pitch meeting.
  • Tuesday: Writers work.
  • Wednesday: Department heads table read, Bobby takes notes.
  • Thursday: Scribe sheet of audio needs distributed.
  • Friday: Sketch blocking, rehearsals.
  • Saturday: Dress rehearsal and live show, with Bobby orchestrating a flurry of last-minute changes.

• Bobby likens the process to “hours of relative calm punctuated by moments of sheer terror.” (11:13)

• Managing Communication:

  • Bobby directs boom ops actively via footswitch radio, as “they’re not following the script book.”
  • Audience mics are controlled via a gas pedal: “It's just too much to turn pages and mix and then worry about riding the applause.” (17:47)

• Memorable Music Moments:

  • Paul McCartney's 1992 set, where "it was electrifying. It was really quite something hearing him do those songs." (13:49)

3. Traditions, Tools, and Personality (18:57–20:41)

• Bobby stamps scripts and documents with a Bugs Bunny mascot—his signature touch.
• On retirement: “Bittersweet... Some things I will not miss... like all those last-minute changes... I figured 40 seasons was enough.” (19:57)
• His philosophy: “When you know in your heart that it's time to leave, move on, that's when you move on.” (20:31)

4. SNL’s 50th Season Finale – The Last Mix (26:12–36:08)

• On show day, Bobby wears a shirt reading, “You say goodbye and I say hello, hello, hello, retirement.” On the back: “SNL audio production mixer established 1985,” Looney Tunes rings, and “Live from New York, I’m retired.”
• Mixing room is buzzing with hugs and tributes. Bobby is cool, focused, and ready.

Fred Hedemark’s Succession Journey (27:23–33:40)

• Fred’s background: Joined NBC/MSNBC in 2009, always aspired to work on SNL or late-night shows.
• Serendipity and networking led him to late-night with Seth Meyers and eventually back to NYC for this opportunity.
  • “I thought I was walking away from this building and never gonna see it again.” (29:51)
• Training was hands-on, mixing shows next to Bobby, learning “to make it sound like Bobby mixes.” (30:59)
• Fred reflects: “I'm still pinching myself. ...Life is weird and fun and strange and you just have to enjoy the ride and take chances. ... Sometimes it happens.” (32:06)

The Final Show

• Dallas describes the mixing as “the pinnacle of live studio television... so much spontaneity that it requires an incredible amount of skill and focus.” (34:19)
• The cast and crew congratulate Bobby post-show with sincere gratitude and affection.
  • Quote: “I am blessed. Thank you. Good Lord, you are my man. People are wonderful. Now, let's go to a party.” – Bob Palladino (35:44)
• Fred pledges: “I'm just very grateful for the opportunity to try and take the torch from Bobby and continue to carry it and just try and do as great as Bobby has done for the last 40 years. And I hope I make him proud.” (36:52)

5. A Triumphant Send-off (36:52–37:25)

• Bobby and his team win an Emmy for SNL’s 50th anniversary special.
  • Quote: “Every sound engineer, the A2s boom operators working on this show dedicated themselves to perfection. We are deeply honored to be recognized for our contribution to one of the longest running, most respected comedy institutions of all time, Saturday Night Live. Thank you.” – Bob Palladino (36:59)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the chaos and energy:
  “I think adrenaline plays a part because the activity is such a high level... You really don't have time to be complacent about it.” – Bob Palladino (10:57)

• On SNL’s perpetual changes:
  “There were changes right up until air.” (10:25)

• On how mixing is more than just mechanics:
  “You're not just mixing the show, you're also directing a team, you're directing your booms, you're reading a script, you're using your foot for an audience mix. ...It was nice to put it all together and prove to myself and also to others that I could do the job.” – Fred Hedemark (30:59–31:51)

• On legacy:
  “I met Bobby 15 years ago and he is the nicest gentleman in the world... I have the utmost respect for him and I just really want to do good by him going forward.” – Fred Hedemark (36:11)

Noteworthy Segment Timestamps

• 03:51: Bobby explains his entry to audio and early career
• 07:10: SNL's return—stereo upgrades and new technical standards
• 09:37: The importance of paper scripts
• 11:13: “Hours of relative calm punctuated by moments of sheer terror”
• 13:02–13:49: Paul McCartney’s memorable SNL performance
• 17:47: Audience mic “gas pedal” explained
• 19:57–20:41: Bobby reflects on retirement
• 26:12: Finale day—Bobby’s retirement shirt
• 27:23–33:40: Fred’s journey to the A1 seat
• 34:19: On the art and pressure of SNL’s live mix
• 36:59: Emmy acceptance remarks

Tone and Style

The episode is warm, reverent, and teeming with behind-the-scenes anecdotes rarely heard outside the industry. Dallas Taylor’s narrative is accessible and inquisitive, mirroring the energy and camaraderie of the SNL audio team. Both Bobby and Fred speak with humility and gratitude, reflecting the deep respect and legacy built in Studio 8H.

Summary

This episode is both a technical masterclass and a heartfelt tribute. It unveils the untold story of SNL’s live audio production, the invisible heroics of Bobby Palladino, and the thoughtful transition to a new era under Fred Hedemark. Listeners leave with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and pressure behind “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”—and for the dedicated people whose mix makes it all possible.