I have been mixing live sound for 30 years.  Things are changing almost daily.  The newest styles of PA systems seems to have leveled the soundfield, to the point that the soundmen and system techs are making the largest difference in what we can get happening in the room.  The newest measurement systems help to align and tune the sound systems.   Just keeping up with the newest technology takes many hours a week reading. 

 

                    Making an event sound great is the duty of the soundman.   There are more than a few factors that will effect the sound in any venue.   The source must be good, that is to say the quality of the sounds.  A great band will sound great.  Musicians knowing how, and when to play is a good start.