Distributed in 94 countries, Mix is the world's leading magazine for the professional recording and sound production technology industry. Mix covers a wide range of topics including: recording, live sound and production, broadcast production, audio for film and video, and music technology.
Marin County, CA – May 17, 2008 — Sonic Studio, LLC, the leader in ultra–fidelity production tools for audio engineers, announced the release of a completely new version of their low cost premastering application, PreMaster CD™. The 3.0 release provides native support for both Intel and PowerPC hosts.
With essential, high end features that Sonic Studio is known for, PreMaster CD provides key premastering functionality not found in most digital audio workstations. In addition, available options allow savvy engineers to customize the application’s already strong collection of functions based on client need. This new, Universal Binary release consolidates all the maintenance changes incorporated into the code base while improving both ease of use, speed and stability on all Intel and PowerPC Macs.
PreMaster CD opens up a portable treasure chest of expert premastering features, including completely manual, automatic and semi–automatic PQ generation. Sonic Studio’s exclusive Smart Fade Tool and background CD writing, along with easy drag and drop resequencing makes quick work of CD refs. The new version, which includes enhanced dither choices, adds iZotope’s proprietary MBIT+™ redithering algorithm to Sonic Studio’s spectrally shaped TPDF redithering. Both choices are psychoacoustically–optimized redithering schemes, each with a different sonic “color,” so you can match your redithering choice to your material.
With a feature set that’s unique for its price, PreMaster CD 3.0 enters distribution in June, with a starting price of US$495. Available on the web at store.sonicstudio.com, PreMaster CD is also sold through Sonic Studio’s international network of pro audio distributors and channel partners. For more information, a demo copy or, to arrange a full trial run in your own studio, visit www.sonicstudio.com.
About Sonic StudioSonic Studio is the premier manufacturer of ultra–fidelity DSD post and PCM content creation systems. Sonic Studio’s Emmy award–winning NoNOISE II suite is the leading audio restoration toolset for archivists, record labels, videographers and forensic engineers while their product lines for Red and Scarlet Book premastering define the state of the art. Sonic Studio’s digital audio workstations and software are in use at major studios, record labels, broadcast and post production facilities worldwide. Based in Marin County, California, Sonic Studio has an international network of distributors and channel partners who share their commitment to quality and service.
PreMaster CD, PMCD, Smart Fade Tool, Manual DeClick II, DDP File Open, sonicstudio.com and the Sonic Studio logo and type are trademarks of Sonic Studio, LLC in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.
WEST CHESTER, PA, MAY 16, 2008—Aviom is proud to announce the promotion of Jeff Lange from Consultant Liaison to Consultant Liaison Training Manager. In his prior position, Lange used his technical expertise and background as a systems contractor to provide applications support to contractors and systems designers around the world. In his new role, Lange will make use of his broad range of knowledge to provide expert training as part of Aviom’s newly expanded partner support program. more…
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA, MAY 16, 2008—Clear-Com® Communication Systems has announced that it is now shipping its newly enhanced CellCom10® digital wireless system. The upgraded version of its popular wireless intercommunication system, which is being showcased at this year’s InfoComm (Booth C3583), brings broad connectivity and mobility to enable users to have beltpack-to-beltpack conversations or small group conferences, linking them via the basestation to Party-line and Digital Matrix systems. more…
Ontario, Canada (May 16, 2008) – ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, has released Garageband’08, one of the most ambitious DVD tutorials on the ubiquitous music software to date with more than 4 hours of video covering 41 chapters of material. To celebrate its release, the company is offering a 20% discount on all pre-orders at www.askvideo.com.
With thousands of hours of educational experience to his credit, GarageBand expert Tony Wallace reveals how to get the most out of GarageBand´08 in a step by step, easy to follow style. New GarageBand users will be up and running quickly, while power users will benefit from advanced instruction on creating, arranging and mixing songs, podcasts and movie soundtracks using this simple and powerful application.
“GarageBand offers what is probably the best combination of power and simplicity available in a music application. However, even the easiest applications have hidden features that can help you work smarter and faster,” says Wallace. “Our goal was to help people get the most out of GarageBand, whether they are sketching out new songs, getting their message out in a podcast or putting the finishing touches on their vacation videos.”
This Mac and PC compatible DVD Tutorial covers a lot of ground, beginning with introductory chapters such as First Run, Guided Tour 1 and 2, and chapters on Projects, Tracks, and Loops. He then moves through the nuts and bolts of Garageband’08 with topics ranging from Arranging and Editing, to Effects and Mixing. Garageband’08 finishes with chapters on diverse subjects such as Sharing Your Music, Podcast Tracks, Voiceovers, and Movie Soundtracks.
“The range of people using Garageband is astonishing; hobbyists and pros alike use it for music and podcasting as well as video and movie soundtracks,” said Steve Kostrey, President of ASK Video. “The sheer volume of information contained in this DVD makes it the perfect companion for anyone using the software. No matter what your experience is or what kind of music you’re making, it’s all in this DVD!”
Throughout its 41 chapters, Garageband’08 features the professional quality video, easy to use interface, and personal introductions and narration that ASK has become known for with their Tutorial DVDs. Building on their extensive experience with professional music software titles such as Pro Tools, Cubase, and Live, ASK Video now brings the same level of expertise to the masses with Garageband’08.
Pricing and Availability:
Garageband’08 Tutorial DVD is available May19 for $49.99 USD. Pre-order before May 19 for $39.99 USD - a savings of 20%. Ordering information and video examples are available at http://www.askvideo.com.
System Compatibility:
This product includes QuickTime 7.x Mac/PC which is required for video playback. DVD-Rom drive required for Mac/PC DVD-ROM. Minimum screen resolution for DVD-ROM 1024 x 768.
PC: Windows XP Home or Professional, Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon 800 MHz or faster, 256 MB RAM. Windows MME or DirectSound Sound Card.
MAC: Requires Mac OS X v10.2 or higher, Power Mac G4 867 MHz, 256 MB RAM, Sound Card.
About Tony Wallace
Composer and guitarist Tony Wallace possesses an extensive background in music education and digital audio consulting, both as a private instructor and clinician. Tony is a graduate of Canada’s renowned Humber College jazz program and has served as musical director for several organizations.
About ASK Video
ASK Video Interactive Media is a professional audio/video company based in Ontario, Canada. Well versed in today’s cutting edge technology, ASK Video uses high quality video and audio to bring a rich and inviting learning experience to digital audio and video customers around the world through interactive video DVD’s. ASK Video also provides professional audio services from their state-of-the-art studio facility as well as professional video services complete with on-site shooting, editing, and post-production.
Launches new web community featuring video tutorials, new support options, and more
Los Angeles, CA (May 15, 2008) – OBEDIA, a leading provider of technology training and support, is celebrating the launch of their new improved website by providing 15 minutes of free training or support on May 31, 2008. On this day, after registering, new customers can call toll-free and speak to an OBEDIA consultant free of charge for the first 15 minutes.
“OBEDIA was born out of the need for a more effective way to service complex technology and has evolved into an educational and training resource for those making and producing music with computer hardware and software,” said co-founder Jayce Murphy. “On May 31, we would like to introduce our customers to our new web community, flexible point bundles, online service, and training tools designed to help them get the most from their systems.”
OBEDIA provides 24/7 training, technical support, and consultancy services to anyone using computers to record music and audio. Covering everything from installation of software and hardware, system optimization and customization, to in-depth “how-to” training, OBEDIA is a one-stop solution for any computer recording system, regardless of the size, equipment, or brands involved.
The launch of OBEDIA’s new web community will not only offer resources such as industry news, tips & tracks and blogs, in addition to invaluable technical support services, but exclusive online training focused resources to help customers get the most out of their technology.
On May 31, 2008, customers can get to know OBEDIA free of charge. Between 10am and 10pm (PST) a customer can qualify for a free 15 minute session with an OBEDIA tech for training, technical support, or help with any number of topics from choosing new system components to optimizing a computer for the best performance. Pre-registration starts today at www.obedia.com/freetrial. Once registered, call toll free 866 847 4586.
About OBEDIA
Derived by combining the words “Obedient Media”, OBEDIA’s promise is technology that obeys your every command. Founded and supported by music industry professionals, OBEDIA provides round the clock training, technical support, and consultancy services via phone, the web, and in person. OBEDIA services individuals as well as corporate clients such as AMD, Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Euphonix, and Sony Digital Authoring Center with a network of knowledgeable technicians who are also working audio professionals.
Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan…. Military operations such as those conducted by our US forces in Afghanistan require extensive planning, highly specialized training, and a host of additional considerations in order to maximize safety and efficiency. Documenting activities is a crucial part of this process, as it enables others to learn from previous situations and be better prepared for the realities of life in a hostile environment. The process of documenting these activities is one job of Jack Pagano, and included in his equipment arsenal is a wireless system from Lectrosonics. more…
Demonstrating the global acceptance, premium sound and maximum output capabilities of JBL Professional VERTEC® line arrays, Buenos Aires Live Show (B.A.L.S.) deployed a large VERTEC system for Rod Stewart’s recent concert at Velez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The show was part of Rod Stewart’s current world tour supporting his latest release, “Still The Same…Great Rock Classics of our Time.”
The April 11th concert at Velez Sarsfield Stadium drew a sell-out crowd of 40,000 people. To meet Stewart’s concert rider specifications, B.A.L.S. used a total of 52 VERTEC line array enclosures. The main left/right arrays featured 14 VT4889-1 full-size line array elements per side, with 12 VT4889-1 elements per side for out fill arrays. For additional low-frequency output, B.A.L.S. used both stacked and flown subwoofers—a total of 32 enclosures—to complement the full-range VERTEC system. JBL’s new VERTEC V4 DSP presets were used.
JBL’s new VT4889-1 full-size line array loudspeaker offers all of the performance and high-output advantages of the original VT4889, in a more affordable enclosure constructed from JBL’s exclusive PlyMax® engineered-wood material. It is acoustically and mechanically compatible with JBL’s VT4889 full-size line array loudspeaker.
“The system provided very clear sound, with a good, punchy presence,” noted Federico Sainz, Chief Engineer for B.A.L.S. “Both of Rod Stewart’s engineers, the FOH mixer and the system engineer, were very satisfied. I think the VERTEC rig gave us a great performance. We had good intelligibility all the way to the very last rows of the stadium seating [more than 100 meters from the stage]. We did have signal-delayed arrays set up in the rear as requested by the touring production, but those ended up being used at only 50 percent of the anticipated level.”
David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound for JBL Professional, notes that B.A.L.S. has proven its ability to serve the most high-profile and demanding international touring acts. “Stadium rock shows can place great demands on a concert sound team, and Buenos Aires Live Show has established both the audio system inventory and the technical processes and practices needed to succeed in this environment.”
Buenos Aires Live Show is Argentina’s most successful sound and lighting engineering and rental service company, and can be reached at www.baliveshow.com
About JBL Professional:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of professional loudspeakers for recording and broadcast, musician, cinema, touring sound, commercial sound and contracting applications. JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com.
About the Harman Pro Group:
Headquartered in Northridge, California, the Harman Pro Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com), a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets. The Company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. Harman Pro Group companies include AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, dbx, Crown International, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer.
Louisville, Kentucky, May 15, 2008 – Heavy rain did not dampen WAVE-TV’s live weekend coverage of the 134th Kentucky Oaks and Derby coverage, which reaped unforeseen benefits using Nucomm’s CamPac 2 wireless transmitter and Newcaster DR diversity receiver. more…
Allen Sides Provides Vintage Neve Desk and Gear Package
Pictured at SoundQuest Recording are (L-R) artist/engineer Brett Nolan, Frankie Valli of The Four Seasons, and songwriter/producer Kenny Nolan.
Los Angeles, CA, May, 2008 - When songwriter/producer Kenny Nolan’s career took a sudden upturn with the worldwide success of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys,” he decided to create his new SoundQuest Recording studios. With the help of Ocean Way’s Allen Sides, Nolan acquired a vintage 1988 Neve 8248 console, with EQ package and Crown power amps.
“After we put in the equipment, Allen came here and tuned the room to perfection,” explained Kenny Nolan. “We also have a beautiful pair of vintage UREI Time Align monitors which we had re-coned with the help of Ocean Way. The studio was previously known for years as Westworld and was the home of many hits during the 80s and 90s. It’s a great sounding place for a wide variety of musical styles. We are fully digitally equipped, but if you are looking for that classic analog sound, we have that as well.”
Nolan’s career spans three decades as a songwriter and recording artist with huge successes in the pop, R&B, country, disco and AC fields. Among his biggest hits are: “Lady Marmalade” (originally a #1 hit by LaBelle, then recently a #1 worldwide cover hit by Christina, Mya, Pink & Lil’ Kim for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack); “My Eyes Adored You” (#1 for Frankie Valli); “Masterpiece” (#1 for Atlantic Starr), “Get Dancing” (Disco Tex); and “Penny For Your Thoughts” (Tavares).
“I have always wanted a totally professional studio of my own,” says Nolan. “We’ll be using it for my publishing, as well as some new projects with Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio of the Four Seasons. But the studio is also commercially available for artists, producers and engineers who need a top notch facility with lots of versatility, nice in-house instruments and distinctive acoustics.”
In addition to his early songwriting hits with artists like the Grass Roots, the Osmond Brothers, and Dobie Gray, Nolan had a burgeoning career as a solo artist with songs such as “I Like Dreaming” and picked up the Billboard Award for New Pop Vocalist, among numerous other plaudits. But early on, he decided to focus on writing and producing, an endeavor which keeps him busy today.
Nolan’s son Brett is manning the console for a number of projects, one of which features him as vocalist for dad’s compositions, which is described as a funky New Orleans Mardi Gras collection of tunes aimed at the Broadway theatrical marketplace he has done so well in.
“The studio is excellent for live recording and for mixing,” says Brett Nolan. It’s very accurate, so what you hear is what you get in the outside world. It’s a very creative ‘old school’ room, very easy to work in, and Allen Sides found us this incredible console with great EQ.”
“When Allen finished the installation and tuned the room, he liked it so much that he told us he could mix here anytime,” added Kenny Nolan. “You can’t get a better review than that.”
Eventide’s Anthology II TDM plug-in bundle has allowed prominent film sound designer, Peter Zinda, to transition from his trusted Eventide DSP4000 and other outboard processors to a plug-in bundle that provides him with a panoply of sounds unavailable anywhere else.
“My DSP4000 is one of the few outboard pieces I still reach for,” said Zinda. “But now, the Anthology II plug-in bundle gives me that great Eventide sound, along with programmability and the power to automate parameters on any track. Anthology II also allows me to use multiple instances of plug-ins in the same session which I couldn’t do with my outboard gear.”
Zinda has also found that, when the processing chain is saved inside the session, it becomes easier to go back to a project at a later date. It also enables him to collaborate with another sound editor – all useful tools when working on a major feature film release.
Such command of a broad array of sonic tools serves Zinda well in his many well-known projects. He has served as sound designer and sound effects editor on a vast number of major Hollywood releases such as The Express, Mission: Impossible III, Blade 2, and Chronicles of Riddick. His efforts in the studio have garnered him the Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing for Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, and he has been nominated for awards on many other projects.
Anthology II contains:
E-Channel™ - configurable channel strip with gate, compressor/limiter with sidechain, and 5-band 48-bit double precision parametric equalization
EQ45 Parametric Equalizer - vintage 48-bit double precision 4-band equalization with high and low cut 12dB/octave filters
EQ65 Filter Set - vintage 48-bit double precision high and low cut 18dB/octave filters, plus 2-band reject or band pass filters
Eventide® Reverb - nine room types from the H8000 with 3-band parametric EQ (pre- and post-reverberator), a compressor (pre or post-reverberator) and stereo delays
H3000 Band Delays™ - eight voices of delay with modulating filters; includes the Function Generator with 19 waveshapes
H3000 Factory™ - patch together any combination of 18 effects; includes the Function Generator with 19 waveshapes
H910 - the original Harmonizer® pitch shifter with delay
H949 - deglitched pitch shifting with delay, reverse, flanging, and randomizer
Instant Phaser™ - recreation of the world’s first phaser
Instant Flanger™ - dedicated flanger with bounce
Omnipressor™ - dynamics processor with an attitude!
Attention game sound developers: We're guessing you didn't always work in videogames; we know a lot of you have roots in music and post. Tell us why you made the switch to the game world, and the name of the first title you worked on by e-mailing mixeditorial@mixonline.com.
