Video Game Post-Production, Electric Guitar Science/Ritual, Cell Phone Sound

SAN FRANCISCO: “AES Conventions are focal points for the exchange of technical knowledge,” states Convention Co-Chair John Strawn. “While a bustling Exhibition Hall may represent the most palpable sign of a successful event, it is the Tutorials, Workshops and Papers sessions where some of the most meaningful and lasting benefits are accrued. Tutorial Co-Chairs Jim McTigue and Conrad Cooke have developed a particularly worthwhile program for the 125th Convention, Oct. 2-5 at the Moscone Center.”

Cornerstones of the “AES University,” Tutorials provide enlightening, introductory level insights into topics with broad appeal. No previous knowledge in the area is presumed, and Q&A sessions often inspire invaluable dialogues among committed attendees. All twenty Tutorials are detailed by comprehensive abstracts on the Calendar of Events at www.aes.org. Program highlights include:

Thursday, October 2, 9:00 am – 10:45 am

ELECTROACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS: Presenter - Christopher Struck, CJS Labs, SF – A focus on applications of electroacoustic measurement methods, instrumentation, and data interpretation and practical information on how to perform appropriate tests, and correctly interpret the results.

Thursday, October 2, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

STANDARDS-BASED AUDIO NETWORKS USING IEEE 802.1 AVB:

Presenters - Michael Johas Teener, Broadcom Corporation; Robert Boatright, Harman Int’l; Matthew Xavier Mora, Apple. Recent work by IEEE 802 working groups will allow vendors to build a standards-based network with high-quality service for professional audio performance and production. These new standards provide three major enhancements for 802-based networks: 1. Precise timing to support low-jitter media clocks and accurate synchronization of multiple streams; 2. A simple reservation protocol; 3. Queuing and forwarding rules. This Tutorial will detail these developments.

Friday, October 3, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

A POST-PRODUCTION MODEL FOR VIDEO GAME AUDIO; SOUND DESIGN, MIXING & STUDIO TECHNIQUES: Presenters - Rob Bridgett, Radical Entertainment, Vancouver; Lin Gardiner (need credit). Video game audio post-production remains a misunderstood process. Successful models of cinema sound post production including mixing, balancing and realistic deadlines will be addressed. Key issues include: the fallacy in stopping sound design simultaneously with art and game design; preparing for audio post-production; real-time sound replacement and mixing interactive mixing strategies; creating a game audio studio facility.

Friday, October 3, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

SOUND IN THE UI: Presenter - Jeff Essex, Audiosyncrasy. Many computer and consumer electronics products use sound as part of their UI, both to communicate actions and to create a personality.” This session will explore sounds created for music players set-top boxes and operating systems from design to implementation. Topics will include how people respond to audio cues and how those reactions can convey information on device navigation through menus etc.

Saturday, October 4, 9:00 am – 10:45 am

HOW I DOES FILTERS, AN UNEDUCATED PERSON’S WAY TO DESIGN HIGHLY REGARDED DIGITAL EQUALIZERS AND FILTERS: Presenter -

Peter Eastty, Oxford Digital, Oxfordshire, UK: Many learned papers have been written on the design of audio filters and equalizers, this is NOT one of those. This presenter has reduced the subject of digital filtering into bite sized lumps. The tutorial is designed for the complete novice. Light on mathematics, heavy on explanation and visualization, the provided code works and can be put to practical use.

Saturday, October 4, 9:00 am – 10:30 am

NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR UP TO 7.1 CHANNEL PLAYBACK IN ANY GAME CONSOLE FORMAT: Presenters - Geir Skaaden, Neural Audio Corporation, Kirkland, WA; Rob Bridgett, Radical Entertainment, Vancouver:

The audio engine within a game is capable of creating a 360 ∞ environment, however, the console hardware uses only a few channels to represent this world. If home playback systems can reproduce up to 7.1 channels, how do game developers increase the number of playback channels for a platform that is limited to 2 or 5 outputs? New encoding technologies will be explored.

Saturday, October 4, 5:00 pm – 6:45 pm

ELECTRIC GUITAR – THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE RITUAL: Presenter

Alex U. Case, University of Massachusetts, Lowell – It is an unwritten law that recording engineers’ approach the electric guitar amp with a Shure SM57, in close against the grille cloth, a bit off-center of the driver, and angled a little. These recording decisions serve us well, but do they really matter? What changes when you back the microphone away from the amp, move it off center of the driver, and change the angle? Alex Case breaks down the variables that lead to punch, crunch, and other desirables in electric guitar tone.

Sunday, October 5, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

LATEST ADVANCES IN CERAMIC SPEAKERS AND THEIR DRIVERS:

Presenters - Mark Cherry, Maxim, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA and Peter Tiller, Murata, Atlanta, GA. New cell phone designs demand small form factor while maintaining audio sound-pressure level. Speakers have typically been the component that limits the thinness of the design. New developments in ceramic, or piezoelectric, speakers have opened the door for new sleek designs.

“A technology expert whose SF-based Impulsive Audio Consulting firm

specializes in acoustics and broadcast audio, Jim McTigue began his career at NY’s legendary A&R Studios,” John Strawn reports. “Conrad Cooke is an equally accomplished audio professional. He began his career at the BBC in London and has worked with Oxford/Sony Digital, Euphonix and most recently at Apple Computer. Their credentials epitomize the authoritative background of AES Convention Committee Chairs,” Strawn concludes. “We are extremely fortunate to have the benefit of their

knowledge and experience.

Photo: 125th AES Convention Tutorial Co-Chair Jim McTigue. Photo by Alex Storm courtesy of Dolby Labs.

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Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Audio Engineering Society was formed in 1948 by a group of concerned audio engineers. With over 14,000 members throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Japan and the Far East, the AES serves as the pivotal force in the exchange and dissemination of technical information for the industry. For additional information visit http://www.aes.org

Reaffirming its commitment to advance HiQnet System Architect™ as the most progressive, versatile and user-intuitive interface for system configuration and control, Harman Professional today gives System Architect Version 1.8 its European debut at PLASA’08. New advances include the ability to copy HiQnet parameter strings directly to the Windows clipboard for pasting into third-party control interface applications enabling system-wide control from control interfaces such as those manufactured by AMX and Crestron. System-wide events can now also be triggered from device-specific error conditions, such as recalling a preset for a zone based on the conditions of individual amplifiers. A user-definable selection of controls can be automatically readdressed to different devices/parameters on a Custom Control Panel in a few simple steps, and advanced zonal control is now possible. A Fast Meter control has been added for improved meter response and device synchronization has been simplified and improved.

“With System Architect Version 1.8, we’re achieving the twin task of simplifying the operation and improving the functionality,” explained Rick Kreifeldt, Vice President, Harman System Development & Integration Group (SDIG). “In doing so, we’re making the application more useful and more accessible to a broader community of systems integrators and tour sound professionals.”

New to System Architect in Version 1.8 is the new Region Control, which enables systems integrators to draw a planagram of a building and set zone to warn of variable conditions on a Custom Control Panel. Additionally, the control acts as a button, enabling up to 10 system functions to be called – an improvement, which has also been added to the existing System Button control. An automatic login option enables the integrator to provide login-free access to a control-only instance of System Architect left behind for day-to-day operators, continuing to hide away elements of the system design as before, but removing the need for individuals to remember user-names and passwords. Version 1.8 also features improved performance to the multi-parameter fader with larger numbers of parameters capable of now being assigned.

System Architect Version 1.8 comes at a time when Harman SDIG is taking a leadership role in the IEEE Audio Video Bridge (AVB) 802.1 task force (www.ieee802.org) to develop and adopt an open universal audio/video network platform. At the 125th AES Convention in San Francisco in October SDIG’s Robert Boatright will join representatives from Apple and Broadcom Corp. to make a presentation on the development of standards-based network with the appropriate quality of service for high quality audio performance and production. (http://www.aes.org/events/125/tutorials/session.cfm?displayall)

“HiQnet has achieved critical mass in terms of customer deployment, products enabled and feature advancement,” Kreifeldt said today. “With this momentum we are expanding the control capabilities of HiQnet by enabling integration with third-party control systems from manufacturers such as Crestron and AMX.”

Harman HiQnet™ is the world’s first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

To read more or to download images, please click here or here.

The 8100 Series features 4-inch and 8-inch models, providing cost-effective solutions for commercial applications.

Offering cost-effective solutions combined with ease of installation and elegant styling, JBL Professional is introducing the new 8100 Series ceiling speakers at PLASA08. The 8100 Series are full-range in-ceiling loudspeakers with high sensitivity, low distortion, and smooth frequency response.

The 8100 Series lineup includes two models: the 8124, a 4-inch loudspeaker with extremely wide coverage; and the 8128, an 8-inch loudspeaker that offers extended bass response and higher SPL output. Both speakers feature high sensitivity for maximum system efficiency and excellent full-range response, making them ideal for small to medium background music systems. Low-saturation transformers with taps as low as 0.75 Watts allow the use of many speakers on 70V/100V distributed loudspeaker system lines. The 8100 Series are “open-back” ceiling speakers with pre-attached dog-ears, offering an affordable solution for commercial applications that do not require backcans. An elegant design featuring a sculpted grille provides a stylish look that fits into a wide variety of decors.

The new JBL Professional 8100 Series in-ceiling loudspeakers offer high sensitivity, low distortion and smooth frequency response. “The JBL 8100 Series in-ceiling loudspeakers provide an optimal combination of affordability and quality,” said Rick Kamlet, Senior Market Director, Commercial Sound, JBL Professional. “Their ease of installation and wide coverage makes them a great fit for cost-effective installations in a variety of environments.”

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New York, NY – September 2008… When the B-52s hit the road, their unique, slightly wacky, party band sound—most of which is set to a danceable New Wave beat—creates an atmosphere of fun and revelry few can resist. Such has been the case during the band’s recent string of performances. The current touring schedule commenced in April, included five weeks as part of this year’s True Colors Tour, and recently included opening for what is (supposedly) to be the final concert appearance of the Police this past August 7th at Madison Square Garden. Throughout the entire tour, guitarist Keith Strickland has been performing with a wireless instrument setup—and the system of choice is… Lectrosonics. more

A Point and Shoot 5.1 Surround Recording at an Aggressive Price Point

AMSTERDAM, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 — Holophone®, the leading manufacturer of surround microphones, is introducing the revolutionary PortaMic 5.1 camera-mountable surround microphone, an easy-to-use and cost-effective means of recording surround sound, to the European market at IBC 2008 (Stand 8.C10). more

With a full semester of hands-on education complete, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) gives top grades to the recently installed Solid State Logic Duality and AWS 900+ consoles servicing the course work for the Recording Industry Department. The two consoles offer a unique pathway for MTSU allowing students to begin mixing on the AWS 900+ then move onto more advanced recording production on the Duality console. Students enjoy the benefits of working on mixing consoles with similar ergonomic architecture while addressing the needs of DAW control functions. more

LONDON, ENGLAND, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008—Aviom (PLASA Booth G11), exclusive developer of the world’s most powerful audio transport protocol, A-Net®, is pleased to be exhibiting with its new UK distributor Polar Audio at PLASA 08. Polar Audio represents several major industry brands including beyerdynamic, Biamp, Dynacord, XTA, and Renkus-Heinz. The company has a long history in the pro audio industry with widespread system design expertise, product knowledge, and relationships with systems integrators and consultants. more

In a microphone introduction that brings stadium quality performance to smaller venues at a lower price, AKG Acoustics displays the professional qualities of the D7 vocal microphone at PLASA08 in London. Similarly to its predecessor, the D5, AKG’s D7 is a dynamic microphone that delivers incredibly clear sound for lead and backing vocals for live sound applications. The D7 additionally features an improved capsule design that contains a humbucking coil and a high-pass filter along with a sleek redesigned look.

The D7 ensures pure vocal sound by reducing electrical interference and stage feedback. Also featured is an integrated high-pass filter that eliminates low frequencies, reduces handling noise, and provides superior audio clarity. The result is a higher-quality microphone that offers complete control for singers and announcers ensuring a quality audio experience for audiences.

“PLASA is a great opportunity for us to showcase the D7 along with all of its advantages and upgrades. Since the release at InfoComm, the D7 has been featured by famous recording artists and utilized in popular venues and we look forward to showcasing this great product at PLASA,” states Alfred Reinprecht, Vice President of Marketing for AKG.

AKG released the D7 to build upon the success of the D5 microphone. In doing so, the D7 microphone’s performance and reliability is one of the finest in today’s professional sound industry.

The D7’s new Laminated Varimotion diaphragm delivers high-end sonic performance by allowing the diaphragm to be fine-tuned without extra tuning resonators. This represents a competitive advancement in audio quality and performance.

“The D7 microphone is one of the greatest microphones in the industry for vocals, and we are very pleased with the amount of positive attention that it is receiving. We are dedicated to providing an industry leading microphone with superior quality and performance,” added Reinprecht.

The D7’s response evokes the subtle, open sound of a condenser microphone, while maintaining the rugged reliability of a dynamic microphone. It is equipped with a carrying case, mounting clamp, and a replacement windscreen, ensuring long life for the microphone. Two additional models are also available: the D7-S, which features an on/off switch; and the D7-WL1 microphone capsule for use with AKG wireless systems.

To read more or to download images, please click here.

Sirius Showequipment AG provided Audio Analysts with sound reinforcement system for European leg of tour.

Taking advantage of the power and flexibility of Crown’s I-Tech Series amplifiers, Sirius Showequipment AG of Niederdorfelden, Germany provided Audio Analysts with over 100 of Crown’s I-Tech amplifiers for use on the Bruce Springsteen tour throughout Europe, while Audio Analysts also provided Crown I-Tech amplifiers on the North American portion of the tour. The amplifiers powered JBL VerTec VT4889 and VT4887 line array elements and JBL VT4880 arrayable subwoofers. Springsteen’s tour began in Hartford, Connecticut on February 28, making 29 stops throughout North America before a 12-country tour in Europe. The tour returned to Springsteen’s home state of New Jersey for three performances at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford on July 27, 28 and 29, where with the help of his fans, Springsteen belted out classics including “Out In The Street”, “No Surrender”, “Thunder Road”, “Born to Run” and “Glory Days.” The final show took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 30.

Audio Analysts’ FOH Engineer for Bruce Springsteen, John Cooper said, “When Bruce performs, he wants to ensure his fans get the best audio experience possible. We turn to Crown’s I-Tech Series because we know these amps will deliver the power and performance Bruce requires and they will function again and again. My RMS to peak voltage requirements are very wide and the I-Tech amps are able to deliver that dynamic performance that I need.”

PA Tech Todd Hartman noted, “Crown and JBL are truly the best products available and I wouldn’t use anything else since I always know they will perform and sound great.”

“When Bruce performs on the edge of the stage, he likes to feel the power of the PA and wants to make sure that the fans at the barricade get the same impact that those people 10 or 20 rows back experience as well as those fans that are 650 feet away in the top seat of the stadium,” Cooper added. “By using the VerTec line array, we are able to unhinge the last one or two boxes to create downfill.”

The I-Tech amplifiers feature advanced DSP processing which was used for additional adjustment of the JBL arrays. With the built-in LCD screen on the front panel, basic features and amplifier status can be accessed from the amplifier’s location. Additionally, the added convenience of HiQnet networking allows a front of house or monitor engineer to easily monitor an amplifiers status from their location.

To read more or download images, please click here.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 – Building on the success of its widely accepted and innovative Stasis body support system, Anton/Bauer, a brand of The Vitec Group, and the world’s premier provider of professional camera batteries, chargers, lighting and other mobile power systems, is introducing its new Stasis® Flex at IBC 2008 (Stand 9.C40b). more