SSL Releases MX4, the New 128 Channel MADI I/O with DSP Powered SSL Software Mixer

FRANKFURT, GERMANY—Solid State Logic, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional digital and analogue consoles, proudly announced the release of MX4 at Musikmesse 2009. more

Standing room only crowds attend two days of master-classes, performances, and panels featuring industry heavy-hitters

Miami Beach, FL – Auraleo Advanced Learning and FaderPro.com, producers of pioneering video training products, and SAE Miami of the SAE Institute, a global leader in pro audio education, presented the Remix It Like A Record Workshops at Winter Music Conference and Remix Hotel Miami 2009 featuring hit-makers Vincent DiPasquale, Jimmy Douglas, Dirty Vegas, Nadia Ali, Steven Lee, George Acosta and Charles Dye.

The workshops were based upon Auraleo and FaderPro’s soon to be released Remix It Like A Record interactive remixing course that teaches the inside secrets of remixing. Taught by multi-platinum remixer and producer Vincent DiPasquale (Madonna, Nelly Furtado, Mariah Carey, Timbaland), together with world-renowned DJ, producer and remixer Steven Lee (Lee-Cabrera, Ministry of Sound, Pacha, Strictly Rhythm), and created in collaboration with pioneering educator and Grammy-winning mixer Charles Dye (Shakira, Lauryn Hill, Ricky Maritn, Jon Bon Jovi). The course features Nadia Ali’s Billboard Top 10 club smash “Crash and Burn.”

“The workshops exceeded our expectations in a big way,” says Xander Snell, Director of SAE Institute in Miami. “Many attendees told us that Remix It Like A Record was their favorite part of this year’s WMC, and they learned more there than they did anywhere else. What Vincent and Steven are teaching is something we’ve really never seen before.”

An exclusive sneak peak of the Remix it Like A Record video course was presented in seven standing room only master-classes. DiPasquale’s “Starting a Remix” covered tempo mapping, beat creation, and layering sounds; and “Finishing a Remix” discussed the master buss, printing mixes, and archiving. Dye’s “How to Get a Massive Sounding Remix” taught techniques to increase a remix’s depth, width and frequency spectrum for an expansive sound.

A highlight of day one was “The Sounding Board” panel featuring legendary producer, engineer and mixer Jimmy Douglass (Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Missy Elliot), DiPasquale, Lee, Dye, engineer/producer Franklin Rodriguez, and expertly moderated by SAE’s Richard Milholmme. The audience drove the conversation with intuitive questions about mixing techniques, new business models, studio monitoring and acoustics, and breaking into the industry. And panelists didn’t disappoint with illuminating answers and engaging debate to uncover all sides of these complex issues.

“Vincent is a producer, teacher and master of the studio craft,” says Douglass. “And he always continues to learn more and teach others around him how he’s mastered these skills. Whether it’s a remix or additional production on a current project, I know I can turn to him for anything to get the job done.”

The energetic live performances of the SAE Sunset Sessions featured Grammy-winners Dirty Vegas playing a rousing set, including their number one hit “Days Gone By”; Nadia Ali performing with her band, including DiPasquale on bass, finished her set with a live version of DiPasquale and Lee’s remix of “Crash and Burn;” and DJ / producer George Acosta closed out the sessions with a truly slamming set.

“For Dirty Vegas to be part of such an insightful project as ‘Remix it like a Record’ is an honor,” says lead singer Steve Smith. “You’re doing great work helping musicians and producers explore the art form we know as… The Remix.â€?

At Remix Hotel on the second day of the workshops crowds crammed into DiPasquale’s four richly interactive sessions covering vocal production, beat production, bass lines, and mixing with subgroups where he dissected every step of his remix approach while the audience mirrored each moves on the provided Apple Logic 8 workstations.

“That was amazing,” says Dr. Gerhard Lengeling, chief developer of Logic and Sr. Director, Software Engineering Music Apps for Apple. “Vince goes really one point to another, so it’s easy to understand. I was very impressed, it’s really hands on. I liked the fact that all the computers are there and you can try it out and ask questions.”

The workshops were sponsored by Apple, Apogee, Euphonix, Red Bull and Svedka Vodka. Currently in production with a May 2009 targeted release date, Remix It Like A Record covers every aspect of remixing, from creating infectiously powerful grooves, developing trademark sonic treatments, constructing attention grabbing vocal edits, all the way through to the finished mix, and can be pre-ordered for a limited time at a 20% discount.

For more information, visit www.remixitlikearecord.com

NORTHRIDGE, California – In a house of worship installation that showcases the easy configuration capabilities of JBL VERTEC® line arrays, Nigerian systems integration firm ET Quake Multimedia recently upgraded the audio system at The Refuge in Abuja, Nigeria, a branch of the Lagos-based House on the Rock Church. UK-based independent consultant Roland Hemming provided system design assistance, relying on the superior performance characteristics of VERTEC® DP Series powered line arrays with JBL DrivePack™ technology to provide the facility with a clear, powerful full-bandwidth sound reinforcement system.

Built in 1999, The Refuge is one of 40 House on the Rock worship sites and mission facilities in Nigeria. Pastor GoodHeart Obi C. Ekwueme leads The Refuge, which acts as a springboard for strategic ministry operations in northern Nigeria and beyond. As the evangelical organization has expanded, so has its need for improved, high-performance audio systems for its churches.

The Refuge’s new main PA system features two arrays in a left-right configuration, each containing 10 JBL VT4887ADP-AN powered compact line array elements, and three JBL VT4880A ultra-long excursion, dual 18-inch arrayable subwoofers. Using onboard amplification and digital signal processing technology designed in cooperation with Crown and dbx, each JBL VT4887ADP-AN compact line array loudspeaker contains a DP-2 DrivePack, providing 2,200 watts peak (1,100W continuous) output power. With suspension hardware including quick-release pins and end-mounted metal frames to couple adjacent units together in rigid but flexible arrays, the VERTEC loudspeakers helped simplify the installation process. “The VERTEC line arrays were a very good fit for this project,� Hemming said. “They were easy to configure and the actual installation of the loudspeakers, with all the rigging, took less than a day.�

Complementing the main line array system are eight JBL AC28/95 loudspeakers dispersed throughout the worship space as delay fills. A total of 16 VRX915M stage monitors are available to serve the venue’s performance-based worship services. Crown MA12000i and MA5000i amplifiers power the loudspeaker elements not equipped with JBL DrivePacks, while the system also features a Soundcraft MH3 mixing console at the front of house position. Signal processing is achieved with dbx DriveRack 4800 Loudspeaker Management Systems, and a variety of AKG microphones round out the new system installation.

For more information on ET Quake Multimedia, please visit www.etquakemultimedia.com

~Tactical CAT5e Network Cable Assemblies in Single and Multichannel Versions ~

LAS VEGAS, NV ─ Wireworks, the leading innovator of audio/video cabling systems and custom panels, is on the prowl at NAB 2009 (Booth C4147) with its new super tough TacCat Network Cords and Multi-TacCat Assemblies. TacCat provides CAT5e Ethernet interconnection in a road-ready construction. Available in single channel cords and multichannel assemblies, these new networking cables are ideal for use in the field as well as the studio. more

Las Vegas, NV — Sound Devices is introducing the 788T-SSD Digital Recorder, a new model of its popular 788T recorder, at NAB 2009 (Booth N6129). Based on the 788T, the 788T-SSD includes a factory-supplied 256 GB solid-state hard drive, which allows for superior performance in the field. The new model features enhanced data storage and transfer speed while improving its durability to be nearly impervious to shock. more

New Hybrid Core Processing Engine Takes Duende to V3, New X-Verb Sets Higher Standards for Plug-in Reverb

FRANKFURT, GERMANY—Solid State Logic, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional digital and analogue consoles, proudly announced the release of Duende V3 and new X-Verb plug-in at Musikmesse 2009. more

TORONTO, ONTARIO—Members of Canada’s film industry recently came out to honor its finest for the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s (ACCT) 2009 Genie Awards, which aired on Canada’s Global Television Network and The Independent Film Channel (IFC). Toronto-based sound reinforcement company P.A. Plus Productions used an Aviom Pro16® system to ensure that acceptance speeches and winner announcements, an integral part of the broadcast, were delivered clearly from the numerous microphones used to capture the event. more

— 2009 GRAMMY® nominee for Producer of the Year knows he can turn to GC Pro for everything from pro audio gear to software and musical instruments —

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, April 16, 2009 — Producer/engineer Johnny K’s work with artists such as Disturbed, Staind, Machine Head, Kill Hannah, Soil, Black Tide and other successful acts recently garnered the Chicagoan his first GRAMMY® nomination for Producer of the Year. The place where much of Johnny’s work has been done for the past 14 years is Groovemaster Studios, his personal recording space, now in its fourth incarnation in a six-story, 40,000-square-foot loft, a former brewery near Chicago’s famously musical South Side. The building currently houses four studios, each with its own distinctive character. Helping to keep it at the cutting edge of recording technology is Guitar Center Professional (GC Pro), the outside sales division of Guitar Center that focuses on the needs of professional users. more

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — In a fixed installation that raises the bar for audio signal processing and distribution, The Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall in Philadelphia, one of the premier performing arts centers on the East Coast, commissioned sound integration firm Acme Professional to install a BSS Audio Soundweb London system.

Verizon Hall is a 2,800-seat grand performance hall that serves as the home of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, Philly Pops, and also hosts many high-profile music artists spanning all spectrums of music. Many technical systems including automated acoustical elements accommodate a wide range of events, including major performances, HD television program production and awards shows.

The aging audio signal processing and distribution system in Verizon Hall was replaced with a BSS Audio Soundweb London system as a means to significantly improve audio performance for a modest cost. “We wanted to deploy a system that would significantly improve audio quality in the hall, and provide a more robust network,� remarked Pete Cosmos, president of Acme Professional. The new BSS Audio system consists of three Soundweb London BLU-80 and two BLU-32 devices, and one BLU-10 touch-screen programmable controller. The house audio system consists of multiple house mix drive-line inputs and (32) output stems to drive the installed loudspeaker systems and many fill loudspeakers located throughout the four tiers of seating areas. Working with David Conner, director of house audio at the Kimmel Center, Acme developed a design that allowed a seamless switchover to the new Soundweb London system. “The upgrade to Soundweb London exceeded our expectations and is highly recommended where multiple, aligned speaker systems are required in a critical audio environment. A big improvement in fidelity was achieved at a modest cost,� stated Conner.

Flexibility was another primary reason to choose Soundweb London. A BLU-10 programmable controller provides many modes of audio system operation required for the various types of events produced by the Kimmel Center. “Since the hall is used for unamplified major orchestral concerts, the motorized loudspeaker cluster can disappear, raising up into the tech attic via motorized doors located in the main acoustical canopy over the stage. A concealed announcement system is still required for such events, which involves complete re-timing of all concealed loudspeakers. This was easily achieved with the Soundweb London system and the BLU-10 touch-screen controller,� added Cosmos.

“Even the timing and phase improvements of the new processing and audio network were immediately noticeable,� added Conner.

“With announcements, musicians in the Philadelphia Orchestra commented they thought a completely new audio system was installed, even while sitting on the stage behind the systems,� stated Cosmos.

“The new Soundweb London devices provide us a new degree of flexibility and reliability in what is a demanding performance environment,� said David Thiele, vice president at the Kimmel Center.

Guitar Center Professional sponsors music and sound industry charity event at Malibu C.C.

Walnut Creek, CA – April 15, 2009- Some of the world’s most renowned music producers and engineers, along with professionals from the pro audio industry’s leading production facilities, manufacturers and distributors will converge for the 14th Annual TEC L.A. Open, to be held Monday, May 11 at the Malibu Country Club. This year’s Honorary Chairman is famed recording engineer Al Schmitt, the winner of 19 Grammys (r), as well as the Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Presented by the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio, the popular charity event will be sponsored for the second consecutive year by Guitar Center Professional. Proceeds of the tournament support the Foundation’s numerous programs, including the Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards, the world’s foremost recognition of technical and artistic achievement in audio production and product design.

“Over the past thirteen years the TEC L.A. Open has established a tradition of friendly competition and generous support of the Mix Foundation’s programs,” says tournament director Karen Dunn. “We are really excited about this year’s tournament, and grateful to the many companies who are sponsoring the event in this time of economic uncertainty.”

Besides the traditional Longest Drive, Closest-to-the Pin and Putting contests, there will be a chipping contest alongside the various competitions managed by the ever-popular Pin-Up Golf. They will also supply a Pin-Up Golf Lady Pro driver for the Long Drive ‘Eagle Hole’ par 5 contest. The day concludes with a dinner and awards presentation, along with a raffle and silent auction featuring an assortment of donated audio equipment, musical instruments and gift packages from sponsors and other supporters.

2009 Sponsors as of this date include:

• Presenting Sponsor: Guitar Center Professional
• Hat: Shure Incorporated
• Box Lunch: The Pass Studios
• Golf Cart: Recording Academy/Producers & Engineers Wing
• Hole: Lurssen Mastering, Sennheiser
• Beverage Cart: Design FX
• Beverage Cart : Sound Design Corporation

Some highlights of the silent auction items include: a Les Paul electric guitar, a Shure Beta 58 signed by Clint Black, two Rode M2 mics, as well as additional gear from Audio-Technica, Mojave Audio, IK Multimedia and Brauner Microphones, fine wine and gift baskets.

Sponsorships, foursomes and individual tickets are still available. For more information about these and the silent auction or raffle, please visit www.mixfoundation.org or contact Karen Dunn at (925) 939-6149 or via e-mail at KarenTEC@aol.com.

The Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio, is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization headquartered in Walnut Creek, California. In addition to encouraging and honoring audio excellence, the Foundation supports hearing health in the music environment and gives annual scholarships for students of the audio arts and sciences. The Foundation is an independent public charity and is not related to Mix magazine or any other entity.