AES News

— New AES event to cover the basics and beyond for all manner of house-of-worship facilities and operators —

The AES has announced program details for the upcoming AES Worship Sound Academy, taking place March 10 – 11, 2020, at the Johnson Center on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville, TN. This first-of-its-kind Audio Engineering Society event will examine the specific elements of audio for houses of worship and related productions, offering insights on everything from fundamentals of sound, to mixing for services and events, outreach through streaming media, and featured gear exhibits showcasing the latest technologies. Program details and schedule are now available online at aesworship.org, and early registration pricing is available for as low as $150.

Exemplifying one of the unique challenges often associated with worship sound, day one of the AES Worship Sound Academy will begin with a session defining roles and goals of a worship sound engineer and team, discussing attitude and focus, identifying core knowledge and the boundaries of responsibility. Presentations continue, including “How Sound Moves – Physics Without Math” (covering concepts such as sound transmission, acoustics and system optimization), followed by separate sessions on FOH and monitor mixing for houses of worship. The afternoon continues with the session “Reaching Outward – Streaming and Podcasts,” and attendees are invited to the Producing Worship special event taking place that evening, which will utilize a live performance by touring artists with a veteran production team as the platform for addressing the concepts of worship sound production.

On day two, the AES Worship Sound Academy will begin with a pair of sessions outlining microphone basics, wireless, and in-ear monitoring, detailing readily-applicable information on available technologies and techniques to achieve clear and consistent sound. Afternoon sessions continue with the often-unexplored topic of “Productive Rehearsals and Sound Checks,” followed by a session on AoIP audio networking and management fundamentals, and the newly available possibilities afforded by these technologies for any size production and facility. “Anatomy of a Tech Team” follows, providing an overview of workflow and illustrating the planning and prep required by tech team leaders, as well as maintenance, training and assignment of responsibilities, job descriptions and other details. The day will conclude with an “Unanswered Questions Town Hall,” providing a chance for attendees to ask questions about AES Worship Sound Academy topics and raise specific issues they may be facing in their own productions.

Both days will also feature several dedicated times for onsite lunch (included with registration) and to browse and network in the exhibition area, as well as opportunities to find out more about AES membership benefits and resources and to join the AES or renew a membership.

Early Bird online registration for the AES Worship Sound Academy is open at a special rate of $150 (includes lunch both days) at aesworship.org.  

More Information