WORKSHOP SESSIONS
Friday, September 24, 1999
Sessions W1-W4

W1: LOW-BUDGET AUDIO
RESTORATION: IS IT
POSSIBLE?

Friday, September 24, 9:00 AM
Chair: Christoph Musialik, algorithmix GmbH,
Waldshut-Tiengen, Germany

Participants: Harry Kulzer, Woopee Studios, Munich, Germany; Stefan Lindstrom, Swedish Sound Reference, Asa, Sweden; Andrew Walter, Abbey Road Studios, London, UK; Joseph Patrych, Patrych Enterprises, New York, NY, USA; Seth B. Winner, Seth Winner Sound Studios, New York, NY, USA

This workshop demonstrated the progress in new generations of audio processing software for restoring old or damaged recordings. Up to now, professional restoration of historical, poor quality, or damaged recordings has been the domain of a very few specialized, very expensive systems. Today, a new generation of more cost-effective software is becoming available for this application. How good are these new devices? Through discussion, audible demonstrations, and comparison of a variety of traditional and next-generation systems, this workshop investigated whether high-quality, low-budget audio restoration is indeed possible.

W2: ADVANCEMENTS IN
FORENSIC ANALYSIS
AND TECHNIQUES

Friday, September 24, 9:00 AM
Chair: Tom Owen, Owl Investigations, Inc., Colonia, NJ, USA

Participants: James B. Reames (former head of FBI Audio Lab), JBR Technology, Springfield, VA, USA; Anthony Pellicano, Forensic Audio Labs, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Michael McDermott, Frank McDermott Ltd., Great Falls, VA, USA

The basic methodology for forensic analysis has been in place since the Watergate tape examination of 1972. The procedures utilized in 1972, such as evidence handling, critical listening, magnetic development, waveform analysis, spectrum analysis, tape enhancement, speed correction, and voice identification or spectrographic analysis, have evolved into a very accurate scientific methodology involving the use of today's sophisticated software and hardware. This panel addressed the application of today's technology and software to current forensic tape issues. High visibility cases and the tape issues involved were discussed in detail.

W3: WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES
FOR LIVE SOUND

Friday, September 24, 2:00 PM
Chair: Tim Vear, Shure Brothers, Inc., Evanston, IL, USA

This workshop focused on wireless technologies that are employable for artists and engineers with regard to house sound reinforcement and on-stage monitoring for live concert sound.

W4: CURRENT STATUS OF
DIGITAL INTERFACES

Friday, September 24, 2:00 PM
Chair: Rich Zwiebel, Peak Audio, Boulder, CO, USA

The timely topic of audio via Ethernet/ATM/firewire was explored in this workshop, which aimed to explain the pros and cons of this dense and confusing new area of digital audio. Can the needs of the live sound, recording, mastering, and high-resolution consumer applications be met with these technologies? This workshop discussed the answers.