Attendees Get an In Depth Look into PIX Features, Functionality and Workflow

LOS ANGELES, JANUARY 12, 2012 — Sound Devices, experts in production sound and video products for field production, will host a PIX seminar at the Los Angeles Film School’s LAFS Theater on Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The presentation highlights Sound Devices’ new line of portable production video recorders, PIX 220 and PIX 240, and will explore the benefits of using an external recorder to acquire the highest quality picture and sound in the field.

With the increase in popularity of high-performance, portable external video recorders, along with Sound Devices’ recent introduction into this marketplace, the seminar will delve beyond the typical feature lists to highlight applications and usage of the product, from camera to post.

“We are excited to showcase the benefits and real-world functionality of PIX at the LA Film School,” says Paul Isaacs, technical development manager for Sound Devices. “A broader range of professional and DSLR-type cameras being used today has created a need for portable production video recorders. We are excited to further educate the industry on how to easily integrate our PIX recorders into their workflow.”

Sound Devices’ PIX 220 and PIX 240 connect to cameras with HDMI (plus SDI on the PIX 240) and record directly to QuickTime using Apple’s ProRes or Avid’s DNxHD codec. Since PIX recorders use ProRes and DNxHD, files recorded in the field can be used directly in post production, making the workflow simple and fast. The PIX 240 adds even more flexibility, with its time code and sync generator, simultaneous SDI and HDMI outputs, and hardware scalers. Both the PIX 220 and PIX 240 bring the company’s award-winning audio expertise and performance to their video products.

To RSVP for this event, register at http://www.sounddevices.com/pix-la/.

Sound Devices, LLC designs and manufactures portable audio mixers, digital recorders, portable video recorders and related equipment for feature film, episodic television, documentary, news-gathering and acoustical test and measurement applications. The thirteen-year old company designs and manufactures from their Reedsburg, Wisconsin headquarters with additional offices in Madison, WI and Highland Park, IL. For more information, visit the Sound Devices website, www.sounddevices.com.

Las Vegas, January 10, 2011 – Not prepared to make compromises? For all those who don’t want to decide between perfect sound and cool design, Sennheiser is now taking their star headphones from the club scene onto the streets. Based on the legendary HD 25 DJ headphones, the audio specialist is launching the HD 25 Amperior in an exciting aluminium finish. And to make sure that the headphones are ready for use at any time, they have been optimised for connection to an iPad, iPhone and iPod*, and are equipped with a microphone for easy telephoning. The unique combination offers the best of both worlds in terms of sound and design.

“The Sennheiser HD 25 is already a legend on the DJ scene. It has been one of the most popular monitoring headphones for over 20 years, and has become an essential piece of equipment in the world’s most famous clubs,” said Maurice Quarré, Director Product Lifecycle Management Sennheiser Consumer Electronics. The success story is now being continued. “The HD 25 Amperior lets even the most demanding music fans experience club sound wherever they go. And the luxurious aluminium finish proves that professional sound and elegant design can absolutely go together,” Maurice Quarré continued.

Inspired by DJs
The rugged headphones can cope with an extremely high sound pressure level and offer professional-level sound. Powerful neodymium magnets provide natural, lifelike sound reproduction with a frequency response of 16 to 22,000 Hertz. The closed design reliably keeps out background noise, while the adjustable headband and low weight ensure a comfortable fit. The ear cups can be rotated for the classic DJ monitoring style: one-sided listening.

Designed for the street
The star of the club scene is now hitting the streets in its attractive new outfit. With its luxurious aluminium finish in silver or blue, it will become just as much a part of your life style as your music or your favourite shirt. The DJ headphones are equipped with a 3.5 millimetre stereo jack plug and the nominal impedance has been reduced to allow optimum connection to portable players. For those who want to control Apple products such as an iPad, iPhone or iPod directly, an additional cable with an integrated smart remote is included. This can be used not only to regulate the volume and select tracks but also to take phone calls and activate the voice control feature. “The HD 25 Amperior offers everything you need for a unique sound experience when you’re out and about. It’s the perfect combination of sound, style and functionality – without compromises,” Maurice Quarré explained.

The new HD 25 Amperior will be available in shops beginning in March at a price of $349.95.

Technical Data:
Transducer principle Dynamic, closed
Ear coupling Supra-aural
Frequency response: 16 – 22,000 Hz
Impedance: 18 ohms
Max. sound pressure level: 120 dB (1kHz)
Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.3% (1kHz / 100dB)
Weight (without cable): 190 g
Cable length: 1.2 m headphone cable and 0.9 m additional detachable cable with integrated remote control

Las Vegas, January 10, 2012 – Sennheiser’s high-end world has plenty of excitement to offer. At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the audio specialist is unveiling a set of new premium headphones, the HD 700. These fully open dynamic stereo headphones combine high-end sound with an innovative headphone design.

“The HD 700 features a perfect combination of outstanding acoustic properties and sophisticated product design,” said Maurice Quarré, Director Product Lifecycle Management Sennheiser Consumer Electronics. “Its styling and material selection have been thought through down to the finest detail in order to fully exploit the sound potential of the acoustic unit.”

The ear cups are designed in such a way that the sound waves are directed to the ears at a slight angle. This results in an impressively natural listening experience. The ear cups themselves have a completely open design. This not only ensures a highly transparent sound but also clearly displays the “heart” of these exciting headphones: the 40 mm Duofol transducer. Its powerful neodymium magnet systems guarantee detailed, lifelike audio reproduction from 10 to 42,000 Hz.

Small details for a great sound
“To ensure that the acoustic properties of the headphones are not impaired by any partial vibrations, the transducer is mounted in a high-precision gauze made of stainless steel, as is the case in the HD 800 reference headphones,” explained Axel Grell, Senior Acoustic Engineer at Sennheiser. A new patent-pending feature is the special shape of the gauze, which continues the curved lines of the diaphragm. The resulting curvature reduces the volume of air beneath the diaphragm, thus guaranteeing even more precise control of the diaphragm motion and significantly lowering total harmonic distortion.

The endeavour to fully exploit the sound potential of the premium headphones led to a further small but effective innovation: a ventilated magnet system. The idea is actually quite simple. “The up and down motion of the diaphragm produces an air flow in the magnet system housing that causes the diaphragm to wobble slightly,” explained Axel Grell. “By positioning precisely defined holes in the housing directly under the magnets, we can cause the air to flow in a specific direction. This minimises the wobbling motion of the diaphragm.” And the result is impressive: with total harmonic distortion of less than 0.03 percent (at 1 kHz and 105 dB sound pressure level), the HD 700 offers brilliant trebles, precise bass reproduction and a crystal-clear sound. Dips in the bass level are effectively suppressed by the patent-pending multilayer design of the headband.

Designed to meet the highest demands
A sleek shape and the black-and-silver finish give the high-end headphones not only a luxuriously elegant but also a high-tech appearance. The ear cushions made of high-quality microfibre fabric guarantee excellent wearing comfort. “The HD 700 fulfils all the wishes of the most demanding music lovers, both in its visual appearance and its outstanding sound quality,” said Maurice Quarré. “Its warm, balanced and detailed sound turns classical music, jazz, rock or soul into a fascinating listening experience. High-end fans are bound to be delighted by these exciting new premium headphones.”

The new HD 700 will be available in shops from March and carries a street price of $999.95.

Technical Data:
Transducer principle: dynamic, open
Ear coupling: circumaural
Frequency response: 10 – 42,000 Hz
Nominal impedance: 150 ohms
Sound pressure level (SPL): 105 dB (1 kHz, 1 V)
Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.03 % (1 kHz, 1 V)
Jack plug:
straight ¼”(6.3 mm) stereo
Weight without cable: approx. 273 g
Cable length: 3 m

Collaboration With Diverse Artists for “Love On a Real Train”

Talented percussionist and composer Joachim Cooder has completed his first solo album with mastering engineer Bernie Grundman. Entitled “Love on a Real Train,” the collaborative project includes work recorded in Los Angeles and in numerous other locales via the Internet.

“‘Love on a Real Train’ is the name of the album and the project,” explains Cooder. “I am not going by my name. Basically, I made instrumental tracks and then sent them out to artists I am friends with. They write and then sing or perform over the tracks and then send them back to me if they live in another city, or I book studio time and have them record here in LA. We’ve been working at a very leisurely pace, no hurry, and it ended up complete with this amazing cast of characters.”

Included on “Love on a Real Train are Inara George (Bird and the Bee), composer/trumpeter Jon Hassell, singer/songwriter Robert Francis, Cooder’s wife singer/songwriter Juliette Commagere, singer/songwriter and former skateboard pro Matt Costa, DJ Frank Lyon of the band Keepaway, and gifted violinist/vocalist Petra Haden.

“The record is ambient, but there are also some catchy tunes,” remarks Cooder. “It’s been amazing here during mastering when Bernie puts it up on his speakers and starts dialing it in. You start to hear it in a way you haven’t heard it before. To hear it grand like this is pretty special.”

Joachim Cooder was born in 1978 in Santa Monica, California. Inspired by drummer Jim Keltner, he began playing the drums at the age of five, and later studied world percussion at the California Institute of the Arts. Since then he has participated in live performances and film scores (often with his father Ry), and numerous recordings, notably Buena Vista Social Club in 1996 and BVSC presents Ibrahim Ferrer in 1998.

Cooder has also participated in the albums “John Lee Hooker, The Best of Friends” (1998), “Dead Man Walking — Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture (1995), “Mavis Staples – We’ll Never Turn Back” (2007), and “Buena Vista Social Club At Carnegie Hall” (2008).
To view a short video interview with Joachim Cooder at Bernie Grundman Mastering, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT-r3zluSdE

“Love on a Real Train” will be released on Aeronaut Records, April 3, 2012.
For more information about Bernie Grundman Mastering, visit: http://www.bgmastering.com

Anaheim, Calif., – January 9, 2012 – Audio specialist Sennheiser (booth 6579) announced that its booth stage at NAMM will once again feature an impressive roster of emerging musical talent. The performances — all of which will feature the latest audio equipment from Sennheiser and its family of distributed brands — will begin on Thursday, January 19th at noon and will continue through Sunday, January 22nd.

Scheduled performances are as follows and may be subject to change (click here to download complete biographical information):

Thursday, January 19th

• 12:00 p.m. of Verona

• 12:45 p.m. King Washington

• 1:30 p.m. The wellspring

• 2:15 p.m. Border Radio

• 3:00 p.m. of Verona

• 3:45 p.m. King Washington

• 4:30 p.m. Border Radio

Friday, January 20th

• 12:00 p.m. So and so

• 12:45 p.m. Magnolia Memoir

• 1:30 p.m. Chantelle Barry

• 2:15 p.m. Katelyn Benton

• 3:00 p.m. So and so

• 3:45 p.m. Magnolia Memoir

• 4:30 p.m. Marina V

• 5:00 p.m. Katelyn Benton

Saturday, January 21st

• 12:00 p.m. Debby Holiday

• 12:45 p.m. Blame Shift

• 1:30 p.m. Raining Jane

• 2:15 p.m. The Material

• 3:00 p.m. Debby Holiday

• 3:45 p.m. Raining Jane

• 4:30 p.m. Kate Kilbane

Sunday, January 22nd

• 12:00 p.m. Honeymoon

• 12:45 p.m. Chlöe Lear

• 1:30 p.m. Marcus Eaton

• 2:15 p.m. Honeymoon

• 3:00 p.m. The Baron Sisters

• 3:45 p.m. Chlöe Lear

• 4:30 p.m. Marcus Eaton

Each year, the Sennheiser booth stage provides a high-quality, entertaining platform for emerging talent to heard by the over 80,000 people attending NAMM. For more information on artist performances, or to learn more about Sennheiser, please stop by booth 6579 or visit www.sennheiserusa.com.

Top Drummer Uses British Audio Engineering Gear for Signature Sound

British Audio Engineering (BAE) will introduce the new Matt Sorum 312B microphone pre-amplifier at Winter NAMM. The 312B, based on the popular 312A model, carries the same excellent dynamic range, frequency response and noise performance the BAE 312 series is known for. The new Matt Sorum 312B features a modified gain structure that utilizes an alternative Jensen input transformer designed to complement louder sources before needing the pad.

Matt Sorum remarked, “l’ve always loved the 312A, but in certain situations I found them a little too hot. After talks with BAE, they came up with the solution, which I’m proud to say is now the Matt Sorum signature preamp.” Sorum is most famous for his seven-year stint in Guns N’ Roses (1990-1997) and supergroup Velvet Revolver (2002-present), which is comprised in part of former Guns N’ Roses members Duff McKagan (bass) and Slash (lead guitar).

Due to its high gain structure, the 312A occasionally required the pad to be used with louder sources, such as a hot microphone on drums. BAE designed an option, adding an alternative Jensen transformer to create the Matt Sorum 312B. The new model provides equal performance and 7dB less gain to assist recordings with a more adequate level for louder sources without losing the unique dynamic characteristics of the 312A. This allows engineers the option of owning the 312A as a pre-amp geared toward higher gain and the 312B for lower gain.

The 312B, as with the 312A, features the Avedis(r) 1122 Discrete Op-Amp with Jensen input and output transformers, which use direct-coupled circuitry with no capacitors in the signal path. The input impedance of the 312B has been enhanced to remain consistent, even after the pad is engaged, providing a steady load to the microphone. The characteristics of the 312B offer excellent dynamic range, frequency response, and headroom before clipping. The result is noise performance for a punchy sound that works well with a broad range of microphones.

The 312B comes in a 500 Series module format or as a fully loaded lunchbox. It includes a custom pull-on switch tailored to accentuate higher frequencies, a DI for instruments, a Phase Reverse switch, 48V for phantom power, and a PAD switch.

In 1999, BAE carved out a premium niche in the vintage Neve/API market as the first company to remanufacture the 1073 mic-pre/equalizer since its discontinuation by Neve in the 70s. After years of repurposing and racking up mic-pre’s and EQ from classic Neve and API consoles, BAE now faithfully recreates new versions using original sources, including Jensen transformers, Carnhill transformers, and Elma gold-plated switches from Switzerland.

“Our gear is all discrete and completely hand-wired,” explains Mark Loughman (pronounced Lofman), who after serving as chief engineer for many years is now CEO and owner of BAE. “The original Neve 1073 mic pre/EQs are known as the Holy Grail of outboard gear, but manufacturing was discontinued in the 70s. Eventually that supply has dried up, so we have gone to the original component suppliers to continue the legacy.”

To learn more about British Audio Engineering visit: http://baeaudio.com

Hear the entire line of British Audio Engineering gear at Winter NAMM Booth # 1769

About BAE
BAE (British Audio Engineering; formerly Brent Averill Enterprises) manufactures high-end microphone pre-amplifiers, equalizers, and compressors. Faithful to the designs and fabrication of vintage gear from the 60s and 70s, BAE uses the highest quality components from the original suppliers, such as Carnhill (previously St. Ives) and Jensen. All BAE products are entirely hand-wired and soldered using discrete electronics with no circuit boards. All products come with a full 1-year warranty, with a 5-year option.
BAE is not affiliated with Neve(r) or API(r)

Long-time SADiE user David Bowles has been nominated for a GRAMMY Award in the Best Orchestral Performance category for his recording of Haydn’s symphonies 104, 88 and 101.

The recordings are part of a series of projects undertaken by David Bowles for the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas McGegan, OBE. The Haydn symphonies were recorded live at the First Congregational Church in Berkeley, California using a SADiE LRX2 location recorder. They were subsequently edited, mixed at mastered at Swineshead Productions LLC on a SADiE H64 system incorporating a Dream DA-2 converter, a Bryston BP20 pre-amplifier and PMC AML1 monitors.

Since 1995, Bowles has been the driving force behind California-based Swineshead Productions LLC, a classical recording production company that specialises in high-resolution surround sound recording. The two-studio facility offers a range of services including audio production, engineering, editing, mastering and location recording.

Bowles, who is also a member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Board of Governors, has been using SADiE equipment for many years and is particularly impressed with the flexibility the LRX2 has brought to his work.

He explains: “What really attracted me to the LRX2 was the ability to record to an external “mirror” hard drive, thus giving me a safety copy right at the sessions. After buying an LRX2 and a Dell Precision M65 laptop, I retired my multitrack recorder, which meant that I had less gear to haul around. The integrated architecture of the analogue mic/line slither also eliminated an output stage and an input stage but I can still use outboard mic pres when they are needed.”

Bowles has also acquired a Prism Sound Orpheus, which he uses as a second remote rig for projects requiring no more than 8 channels. “The Orpheus is the best external interface available, therefore I’m able to guarantee clients the same level of quality whether using the H64, LRX2 or Orpheus,” he says.

Since founding Swineshead Productions LLC, David Bowles has produced and engineered over 80 projects for commercial release, recorded 500 live concert performances, and produced live recording broadcasts.

The Haydn symphonies, for which Bowles has received his GRAMMY nomination, are described by the New York Times as “really fine performances.” The New York Times critic goes on to say: “Seldom have his (Haydn’s) elemental dynamic contrasts sounded so properly in proportion or so mercurial, with the 50 or so players able to play out lustily in fortes and pull back quickly to quieter modes, whether playful, subtle or mysterious…beautifully produced and engineered.”

-ends-

About Prism Sound
Founded in 1987, Prism Sound manufacture high-quality professional digital audio equipment for the International broadcast, film, music production, manufacturing and telecommunications sectors. The range now includes SADiE digital audio workstations and location recorders. Prism Sound also manufactures audio test and measurement products such as the DSA-1 and the dScope Series III audio analyzer.

For more information please visit www.sadie.com or www.prismsound.com

Universal Dynamic Microphone Version of Industrywide Popular M80

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik of South Windsor, CT is introducing the new M81 universal dynamic cardioid microphone at Winter NAMM 2012. The new M81 has a more linear frequency response than the company’s popular M80, resulting in a microphone with the distinct clarity TELEFUNKEN has become famous for, but with a different depth and body to the tone of the microphone, and less of the M80′s characteristic high-end response.

Over the past few years the performance of TELEFUNKEN’s M80 has been likened to that of a condenser microphone and has become a staple for vocal and snare drum applications, especially in the world of touring and live performance. As an alternative to the extended top end capabilities of the TELEFUNKEN M80, the new M81 is a tool that is a bit less specialized, giving the microphone more universal application ability.

As with the M80, the new M81 features superior feedback rejection, detailed and balanced frequency response, and a smooth present sound that is never boomy. The TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik M81′s frequency response attenuates the high end, making the mic exceptional on electric guitars, percussion instruments, rack and floor toms, as well as horns, especially the trumpet. It is also a great fit for vocals that do not benefit from the high-end response of the M80.

Finished in the same gray and “tri-chrome” styling as the R-F-T AR-51, the M81 is easily distinguishable from the black M80. Designed with the AR-51 in mind, the M81′s overall response is complementary to the AR-51 when recording electric guitars. The TELEFUNKEN M81 adds to the new standard for live performance microphones as the second offering in the company’s dynamic range lineup.

Designed for stage and studio use, the M81 offers exceptional performance in a rugged package capable of withstanding the rigors of the road. The package, including the microphone, mic clip and leather carrying bag, sells for $249.

Hear the entire line of TELEFUNKEN mics at WINTER NAMM Booth #1868
To learn more about TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, visit: http://www.t-funk.com

Bon Jovi Producer Luke Ebbin Helms Ambitious Project

Bon Jovi lead guitarist and producer, singer/songwriter Richie Sambora is recording his third solo album at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood. Luke Ebbin, producer of the Bon Jovi albums “Crush” and “Bounce,” is helming the new project.

“Richie and I have worked on and off together for years,” explained Ebbin. “Richie came off the Bon Jovi tour energized and we got together to write a couple of songs. The results were very good, so we kept writing more and decided to go in and record them. The recordings came out great, so Richie decided why not make this a solo record? There are eight songs in the can now, including a co-write with Bernie Taupin. We’ve started round two of sessions and hope to have a full album done by early spring.”

Sambora’s first solo outing was “Stranger in This Town” (1991), a critically acclaimed blues-influenced album that featured Eric Clapton playing lead guitar on the song “Mr Bluesman,” backed by Sambora on acoustic guitars. “Undiscovered Soul” was Sambora’s second solo album, released in 1998 and produced by Don Was.

For information about Ocean Way & Record One, visit:
http://www.oceanwayrecording.com

Contact Robin Goodchild for all booking requests.
Email: rob@oceanwayrecording.com or call 323-467-9375.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – December 12, 2011- Audio specialist Sennheiser announced that the Sennheiser Live Production Sound Academy (LPSA) will once again be held this year in Anaheim and will take place prior to the NAMM show. Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s event, the live sound workshop has been extended to two days and will take place at the Anaheim Marriott.

The workshop will cover the skills needed to successfully engineer both large and small live productions — including required elements for planning, configuring and operating a large-scale P.A. system. The course content is designed for a wide range of attendees including venue engineers, musicians, promoters, production managers, employees of audio manufacturers,, service providers, students interested in sound and acoustics, or anyone else interested in live production.

Learn from a “Who’s Who” in Live Sound
Once again, Sennheiser will feature special guest instructor Robert Scovill — an industry veteran who has mixed over 3,000 events during his 30-year live sound and recording career. Sennheiser is also pleased to add Kevin Madigan (Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Smashing Pumpkins, Lucinda Williams), Marty Garcia (U2, Kelly Clarkson, Shakira, Zac Brown) and Raphael Alkins aka Raffie (Ricky Martin, Lionel Richie, Kenny G) to its esteemed list of guest presenters. Sennheiser’s own cast of audio veterans, including Chris Spahr, Kent Margraves, Eric Reese and Joe Ciaudelli, will also be on hand.

Event details:

When: Tuesday, January 17 and Wednesday, January 18, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Anaheim Marriott, 700 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, Calif.

Cost: $299 per day or $498 for both days. Registration rate includes a continental breakfast, lunch and workshop materials and a special group dinner on Tuesday, January 17. Register by December 30 for $50 discount; call 860-434-9190, ext. 141 for student and group discounts or for more information on the workshop.