San Francisco Rockers Cut Rootsy New Album

San Francisco’s Coo Coo Birds have cut their new album, “Mexican Cowboys,” at Ardent Studios in Memphis with recording engineer Adam Hill. Known for their colorful rock ‘n’ roll attitude and an era-spanning sound drawing from garage, psychedelic, and 50_s rock, the Birds came to Tennessee to record with Hill, known for his work with The White Stripes and others at the venerable studio.

“Chuck Gonzales had run into Adam,” explained fellow Coo Coo, Ryan Zweng. “We love his rootsy, raw sound and coming to Memphis brought us to the heart of Americana music. Elvis, Johnny Cash, and one of our favorite groups, Big Star came from Ardent. It was great hanging out with their former drummer Jody Stephens, who is the general manager at Ardent.”

Previous recordings by the Birds include “Don’t Bring Your Boyfriends” and “Psychedelic Warriors.” The new album was funded by the band with a Kickstarter campaign while touring and playing festivals like SXSW.

“This new album has a more robust drum sound and is definitely tighter all around,” continued Ryan Zweng. “Our earlier work had more of a garage band sound — this is a more cleaned up approach, but still has a lot of guts and is a good progression for us. We have a strong beat and an attitude in the lyrics and a playing style that speaks to the audience in a freeing way. We’re a little controversial but definitely uplifting, not self-loathing like a lot of the music these days.”

The band tours together with a posse of 12 Bohemian rock and rollers and partied at Ardent when the work was done. “We brought a keg into the atrium,” added Zweng, “and our ladies fixed up some sandwiches for everyone at the studio. What a great atmosphere here at Ardent, and they treated us great, like ragged royalty.”

See the Coo Coo birds at Ardent in this YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1az6pjo5xI

For information about Ardent Studios, visit:
http://www.ardentstudios.com

International Forum Design Honors Plug-In Module Version of RTW’s TM7 TouchMonitor

COLOGNE, GERMANY, 22, APRIL, 2013 – RTW, a leading vendor of visual audio meters and monitoring devices for professional broadcast, production, post production and quality control, is happy to announce that the half 19-inch 20700VID plug-in module version of RTW’s TM7 TouchMonitor has won an iF Product Design Award. The iF (International Forum Design) jury, judging on behalf of a global organization dedicated to strengthening public awareness of design through awards, publications and exhibitions, chose the 19-inch model as a standout product in the audio and video category. This is the second iF Product Design Award for RTW. The company also won in 2011 for the TM7 and TM9 TouchMonitor series.

Known the world over as a “seal of outstanding design,” the iF product design award honors outstanding achievements in design. It covers all areas of product design and serves as a platform for design-relevant innovations around the globe. All of the 2013 iF product design award winners are available at www.ifdesign.de.

The half 19-inch 20700VID plug-in module version of RTW’s TM7 TouchMonitor is specifically designed for installation in waveform-monitor racks typically used in video studios, which are often difficult to fit. This version of the TM7 is technologically identical to the original TM7 model, providing ports for eight analog, eight digital (AES3 or AES3id) and 3G-SDI signals in different combinations (I/O options). Both versions feature a USB port that allows for preset import and export, license updates, and firmware upgrades. Featuring a 7-inch touch screen combined with unprecedented flexibility and modularity with an intuitive user interface, the TM7 is part of RTW’s innovative range of products that marks the next generation in professional audio-signal metering.

The operating concept behind the entire line of TouchMonitor audio meters, based on 16:9 touch-sensitive screens, is unique. It offers not only a built-in online help function, but also allows for monitoring separate signal groups and using multiple instruments at the same time. This way, up to 16 analog or digital signals (with 3G-SDI interface up to 32) can all be displayed. In addition, the clear-cut surface layout of the product’s housing gives it a distinctive look, which can be consistently transferred to other RTW ranges of products and also allows for variations.

“We are very proud that the International Forum Design has once again chosen RTW, this time for the design of the half 19-inch plug-in module version of our TM7 TouchMonitor,” says Andreas Tweitmann, CEO, RTW. “RTW is committed to providing the professional audio industry with the solutions it needs: devices that are both technologically advanced and well-designed. A lot of time and effort went into the design of this version of our TM7 and we are very proud our efforts have been recognized.”

3G Productions Inc., a multifaceted audio company based in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, recently acquired a Martin Audio MLA system to provide greater sound control at electronic dance music festivals, and expand the company’s touring capabilities.

Founded by Eli Stearns and Jay Curiel in 2004, 3G Productions has evolved over the years from live audio production to include full service sales and installation staffed with certified engineers and experienced installers.

3G’s extensive corporate clientele includes a vast array of Fortune 100 companies and very close relationships with the major hotel and casino groups along the Las Vegas Strip, among others. The company also specializes in touring and events such as the Beyond Wonderland Festival for INSOMNIAC at San Bernardino’s San Manuel Amphitheater, which served as the test drive for the system.

Always on the lookout for the latest technologies, 3G had been researching MLA since its inception. Response to the system from audio providers who’ve been using it was uniformly positive in terms of coverage, loudness, accuracy, and control, so 3G decided to initially acquire 32 MLA, 4 MLD (downfill), 24 MLX subs and 24 MLA Compact enclosures.

As it turns out, an intrinsic part of MLA’s appeal for 3G was based on its ability to control SPLs at festivals where noise is becoming an issue within the cities and communities where the events are held.

Asked about MLA’s trial run at the festival, 3G Vice President/Owner Jay Curiel, said, “The system was surprisingly easy to set up and our engineers were really happy with the way MLA performed. It did everything it’s supposed to do, especially in terms of controlling the sound. We were able to easily manage the SPL levels and cut off the coverage where we wanted while providing all the power and impact the audience expects. MLA passed with flying colors.”

Eli Stearns, President/Owner of 3G added, “We’re excited to be a partner in the prestigious MLA Network which includes so many leading audio companies. It’s great to be part of the next wave of innovation and technology, especially in terms of controlling SPL. Our primary application for MLA will be festivals and special events in city environments, but we expect the system to grow our touring market as well.”

For more about Martin Audio, please click to www.martin-audio.com.

Maple Grove, MN, April 23, 2013 – Kevin Crow, Vice President of Audio Video Electronics announced that their firm has utilized 8 Earthworks ChoirMics™ in the sanctuary of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. Mr. Crow says that their firm specializes in acoustics, sound, video & stage lighting systems primarily in the house of worship market, but also works in the hospitality, corporate and education markets. “Earthworks is one of our very top choices for choir microphones in many of our church installations,” states Crow. “Earthworks is one of our strong preferences because they fit a really good niche for us.”

“Along with the customer Brad Nelson, Front of House Engineer for St. Andrews, we chose the Earthworks ChoirMics™ for the St. Andrews Church installation because they have a massive choir,” explains Crow. “Their sanctuary seats over 1200 people. Even though their choir may project well into the room, we still like to mic the choir because it really fills the room. We positioned the ChoirMics on the various sections of the choir (soprano, alto, tenor & bass). In this large sanctuary, the ChoirMics are virtually invisible from the congregation,” says Crow. “Even when photographed with a telephoto lens the ChoirMics are hard to see.”

“The main reason we prefer the Earthworks microphones, is because of their sound quality and gain-before-feedback. The sound quality that we obtain from the Earthworks sound element is just unbelievable,” says Crow. “There is also a giant organ very close to the ChoirMics, which is the largest organ in the state of Minnesota. It is a miracle that we can get as much sound from the choir with the organ and mics placed where they are. It is a real testimony to the exceptional quality of the Earthworks microphones.”

“After this installation was completed, church leaders and members comment on the improvement of the choir sound quality on nearly a weekly basis. These comments are typically: ‘The music sounded good before, but sounds so much better now.’ The improvement in sound quality is due to the use of quality microphones and a quality sound system working together. There are Earthworks ChoirMics into a Midas Legend mixer through an L-Acoustics Kiva/Kilo loudspeaker system. It’s like having all the best ingredients, you only need good music and this church has that for days,” says Crow.

“We end up recommending Earthworks microphones all the time, because they are the only high definition microphones in the industry. In addition they also offer more gain-before-feedback than any other microphones that I have ever seen. We use the Earthworks FlexMic™ podium microphones all the time, which is hand-down the best podium microphone in the world. I would also like to add that St. Andrews church also has an Earthworks PianoMic™, and they really love it.”

Crow concludes, “The use of Earthworks High Definition Microphones™ enables us to design and install very impressive sound installations. Needless to say, we are great fans of Earthworks microphones.”

For information on the Earthworks ChoirMics or other High Definition Microphones please contact Earthworks at 603-654-2433 ext. 114 or by email at sales@earthworksaudio.com.

audiovideoelectronics.com

earthworksaudio.com

Popular Composer/Arranger/Conductor Sets Up Composition Suite

Popular Hollywood composer, arranger, and conductor Chris Walden has taken up residence in Ocean Way’s new Studio C production suite. Walden, who has worked often in Ocean Way’s big Studio’s A and B tracking/mixing rooms is now at work in the new adjacent writing room.

“The advantage of having my own writing room here at Ocean Way is that when I am done with the writing, the recordings can be done right here, as well,” explained Walden. “When the musicians arrive, I can just walk across the hall to conduct the big bands or orchestras.”

Walden previously worked at Ocean Way on such projects as the Paul Anka Christmas album “Songs of December”, which was recorded by Al Schmitt in Studio A, and for the NBC series, “The Playboy Club”, produced by Richard Marx in Studio B.

“I won’t be doing much recording or mixing in Studio C,” added Walden, “but I do have a little Pro Tools HD rig to maybe record a single instrument, listen to a rough mix, or do some editing. I have Finale notation software, which is like pencil and paper for me, and my Yamaha KX-88 is an old master keyboard, but the action feels really nice, like a real piano.”

“We couldn’t have a better client to launch Studio C, the first of a number of our planned production suites,” remarked studio manager Robin Goodchild. “And with our new affiliation with the film/TV Sunset Gower Studios next door, it makes for an even better creative fit.”

Walden is a four-time Grammy nominee, has scored more than 40 feature and TV films, and has written more than a thousand orchestral and big band arrangements for artists including Christina Aguilera, Michael Bublé, Faith Hill, Aretha Franklin, David Foster, Paul Anka, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Christopher Cross, and for orchestras like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops, among many more. He has orchestrated for Barbra Streisand, Diana Krall, and Natalie Cole.

Walden’s recent film credits include the feature film “Monster Mutt”, TV movies “Alien Siege”, “Crimson Force”, Gene Wilder’s “The Lady in Question”, and the CBS mini series “Blonde”. Since 2007 Walden has also been a principal arranger for “American Idol” and now works as arranger for “The tonight Show with Jay Leno”. He has been musical director on many TV shows and series, and has worked on more than 100 CDs. As an arranger and bandleader he has worked with jazz artists including Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine, Ernie Watts, Tierney Sutton, Bobby Shew, Pete Christlieb, amongst others.

For more info about Chris Walden, visit:
http://www.chriswalden.com

For information about Ocean Way, visit:
http://www.oceanwayrecording.com
Contact Robin Goodchild for all booking requests.
Email: rob@oceanwayrecording.com or call 323-467-9375.

 

DPA Microphones d:facto™ II Vocal Microphone has been awarded a prestigious mipa (Musikmesse International Press Award) in the Live Microphone/IEM category.

The award was presented to DPA’s CEO Christian Poulsen at a special mipa Awards Ceremony held during Musikmesse/Prolight + Sound on Thursday, April 11th 2013.

Widely regarded as the “Grammys” of the Musical Instrument/Pro Audio industry, the mipa Awards are voted for by editors of over 100 magazines from around the world. The 2012/2013 Awards had over 40 categories covering musical instruments and audio equipment.

Commenting on the Award, Christian Poulsen says: “We are absolutely delighted that our d:facto II Vocal Microphone has been recognised as a ground-breaking product, and that we were able to beat off stiff competition from other well-known and respected microphone brands. We spent three years developing this microphone and we are very proud of our achievement. We always knew we were onto a winner and it is very satisfying to see that the cream of the world’s pro audio and musical instrument press agrees with us.”

DPA’s d:facto II Vocal Microphone brings true studio sound to the live stage by offering an extraordinarily natural sound, superior gain before feedback and extreme SPL handling. In addition to use with the new wired DPA handle, the d:facto II provides singers and engineers with the added benefit of a state-of-the-art adapter system that allows for seamless integration with many professional wireless systems such as Sony, Lectrosonics, Shure, Wisycom and Sennheiser.

Equally at home in sound reinforcement and recording applications, the d:facto II is the vocal microphone that the music industry has been waiting for. Its simple plug-and-play features allow it to reproduce an extraordinary natural sound, which reaches the extreme sound level handling of 160 dB. As with all DPA mics, the d:facto II is superbly linear in frequency and phase, both on- and off-axis, while its impressive definition and accuracy reproduces a singer’s voice effortlessly. It also sets new standards its robust three-stage pop protection grid that ensures the removal of unwanted noise.

During Prolight + Sound, folk pop band SHEL performed on the DPA booth using the new d:facto II Vocal Microphones in several wireless configurations. Already fans of DPA’s d:vote™ 4099 Instrument Mics, which they use, SHEL recently took the d:facto II Vocal Microphone on the road for concerts in Denver, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles and are now on tour in Europe visiting Ireland and the UK.

For more information about the 2013 MIPA Awards, please visit www.mipa-award.de/nominations_2013.php

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Editors’ information:
DPA Microphones is the leading Danish Professional Audio manufacturer of high quality condenser microphones and microphone solutions for professional applications in studio, broadcast, theatre, video/film and sound reinforcement environments. All DPA microphones and components are manufactured at the company’s purpose-built factory in Denmark.
For more information on DPA Microphones, please visit www.dpamicrophones.com

Prism Sound’s popular Mic to Monitor educational tour is back with new dates and new venues confirmed to 2013.

Targeted primarily at music production students, hobbyists and professionals, Mic to Monitor aims to dispel the many myths surrounding the recording process. Each seminar will feature presentations from recording professionals who will answer audience questions on recording techniques. There will also be the opportunity to demo equipment and win recording equipment from Prism Sound and SADiE – and from PMC and DPA Microphones, which are supporting the tour.

Mic to Monitor 2013 begins on April 23rd at Pulse College, Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin. During May and June it will visit the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol; Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge; SAE, Glasgow; Alchemea College, London; LIPA, Liverpool; Futureworks, Manchester and City University, Birmingham.

Acclaimed mastering engineer Aidan Foley (Foo Fighters, Van Morrison, U2) will speak at the first session in Dublin, where he will reveal the tricks and techniques he used on the hugely successful Dead Can Dance album, Anastasis – a European No.1 hit that achieved over 250,000 in sales last year. Aidan will discuss his approach to the Vinyl, CD and other digital releases during the project and the challenges he had to overcome in and out of the studio.

Other confirmed speakers include Simon Little (Jessie Jay, Quantic), Jake Gosling, (Ed Sheeran, Paloma Faith, One Direction) and Award-winning mastering engineer Many Parnell, whose recent projects include Bjork, Feist and Frightened Rabbit.

Graham Boswell, Prism Sound’s Sales Director, says: “As a company, Prism Sound is dedicated to providing training initiatives to the producers and engineers of tomorrow. Music recording students need the opportunity to learn skills that are applicable to the industries in which they will ultimately work. They also need to know about the equipment they will regularly come into contact with. These seminars are all taking place at educational establishments that offer courses in music recording and broadcast engineering because we recognise that this is where the producers and engineers of the future are currently getting their grounding. The aim is to give them – and any industry professional who wants to brush up on their skills – the chance to discuss new techniques, demo cutting-edge equipment and software and learn first-hand from the experiences of our guest speakers.”

Full details of dates, venues and guest speakers will be posted on the Prism Sound website. Anyone wishing to attend Mic to Monitor can do so by registering their interest online at www.prismsound.com.

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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.prismsound.com

Jazz singer Claire Martin OBE says she can’t believe the clarity DPA’s d:facto II has given her voice, nor the benefits it has brought to her performance

OSLO, NORWAY, APRIL 12, 2013 – DPA Microphones’ new d:facto™ II Vocal Microphone has made internationally acclaimed jazz singer Claire Martin OBE very happy indeed. Since switching to the new microphone, Martin says she has never heard so much clarity in her voice and that the difference is so noticeable even her sound engineers are making positive comments.

“This is definitely the right microphone for me,” she says. “It picks up all the colors in my voice and I can hear every breath, which makes it easier to control phrasing. It almost makes singing easier as I can try out vocal ideas and actually hear myself changing the timber of my sound – something I felt was lost with other microphones. It also delivers great sound without my having to be right close to the mic. So, I can definitely play around with lower end notes by coming in a little closer for a bassier response. This works really well in ballads, I feel.”

Martin, who has been singing professionally for over 25 years, has garnered numerous awards and rave reviews for her work, including winning the BBC Jazz Award for Best Vocalist and six British Jazz Awards. She has released a total of sixteen albums, all on the Linn label, and has collaborated with various prominent musicians, including Martin Taylor, John Martyn, Stephane Grappelli, Kenny Barron, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Jim Mullen and Nigel Hitchcock. In addition to her singing career, she is also a co-presenter for Jazz Line Up on BBC Radio 3 which is now in its thirteenth year.

Martin’s decision to try DPA’s d:facto II Vocal Microphone was inspired by a sound engineer who was working with her at the Pizza Express Jazz club in London’s Soho.

“The engineer was raving about the mic and saying how it would suit my voice,” she explains. “Other singers, as well as my record company Linn Records, had often talked about the quality of these microphones, so at last I was able to try one out in an intimate club setting. I was immediately impressed by its lightness and handling.”

The d:facto II Vocal Microphone was supplied by DPA’s UK distributor Sound Network and after that initial try-out, Martin was hooked.

“The d:facto II captures every nuance of my vocal sound and, once I had worked out the direction handling, it actually made me feel very confident about my diction and tone. I also notice that I don’t lose any level when I give my sound more power and pull away from the mic. The sound is still clear, full and more rounded. You can hear the whole breath. As a jazz singer, this is the sound I’m after. This microphone certainly delivers what I want and I definitely feel I’m using the best microphone there is.”

Martin’s d:facto Vocal Microphone is now in use at every one of her concerts. Thanks to its ability to deliver high-quality audio she feels she can cope much better with whatever the PA system throws at her.

“In jazz clubs some PAs are better than others, and this microphone gives me a fighting chance of getting a great sound,” she says. “I also love how light it is.”

In June 2011, Martin was appointed Office of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music. She is currently touring with the Montpellier Cello Quartet, a Brighton-based cello group, showcasing new arrangements for voice and cello quartet by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Mark Anthony Turnage and Djano Bates. She plans to return to the recording studio later this year to begin work on her seventeenth album.

ABOUT DPA:
DPA Microphones A/S is the leading Danish Professional Audio manufacturer of high quality condenser microphones and microphone solutions for professional applications in studio, broadcast, theatre, video/film and sound reinforcement environments. All DPA microphones and components are manufactured at the company’s purpose-built factory in Denmark.

For more information on DPA Microphones, please visit www.dpamicrophones.com.

Buena Park, CA – April 2013… Hosa Technology, the leading innovator of analog and digital connectivity solutions for the modern musician, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kyle Lassegard to the position of Web Marketing Manager. With a background that encompasses the past two years overseeing Hosa’s marketing communications activities, Lassegard is also well versed in studio recording, information technology, and sales—making him an ideal fit for this newly created position. He will continue to be stationed at Hosa’s headquarters in Buena Park. Lassegard‘s new position commenced January 2013. more

WEBSTER, NEW YORK – APRIL 2013: Ashly Audio, maker of powerful, high-performance, cost-effective signal processors and amplifiers, have licensed Dante digital media networking solution from Audinate. With low latency, robust synchronization, I/O scalability, and simplicity of installation via standard IT technology, Dante will significantly enhance the power and value of Ashly’s range of signal processors and amplifiers.

Dante is built on IT standards, and is a complete media networking solution. Dante delivers a low-latency, tightly-synchronized, sample-accurate playback, while simplifying installation and configuration of A/V networks. Dante has become the leading solution of choice for a variety of professional applications as it demystifies audio networking.

“Ashly Audio is known in the industry as a leader in networked power amplification and signal processing, addressing multiple professional audio applications,” says Director of Sales at Audinate, Dave Anderson. “We are pleased that Ashly has recognized Dante as the most interoperable networking solution available, and look forward to a range of products as they come to market.”

Noted President, Ashly Audio, Mark Wentling, “Ashly is excited to be able to offer our customers yet another option in digital connectivity for our DSP processors and DSP enabled power amplifiers. Dante from Audinate currently brings the best in flexible, yet robust digital audio transport, to the pro-audio and commercial-sound installation markets.”

Audinate revolutionizes the way that A/V systems are connected, by transporting high-quality media over standard IT networks. Dante is robust proven solution which is widely deployed in hotels, transportation centers, shopping centers, public address systems, live sound reinforcement, theaters, concert halls, stadiums, athletic venues, corporate boardrooms, universities, broadcast facilities, recording facilities, houses of worship, government facilities, and courtrooms.

ABOUT ASHLY AUDIO Ashly Audio Inc. is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacturing of high quality & high performance signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets. The 37-year old company is headquartered in Webster, New York U.S.A. www.ashly.com

ABOUT AUDINATE Audinate’s patented Dante media networking solution has been adopted by eighty OEM manufacturers in the professional audio/visual industry and is a Promoter Member of the AVnu Alliance™. Audinate offices are located in US, United Kingdom and Australia. Visit www.audinate.com for the latest news and information on the company. Dante is Digital Media Networking Perfected. www.audinate.com

Dante is a trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd. Audinate is a registered trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd.

STOP BY AND SEE ASHLY AT INFOCOMM BOOTH #335