AES San Francisco 2006
Live Sound Seminar Details
Thursday, October 5, 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm
L1 - BUSINESS OF TOURING SOUND
Chair:
Dave Shadoan, Sound Image
Panelists:
Derek Featherstone, Ultra Sound
David Scheirman, JBL Professional
Jon Monson, Rat Sound
Abstract:
Touring sound companies today face a crunch in which equipment seems to be increasing in cost in inverse proportion to the length of time it remains in demand by clients. This puts financial pressures on sound companies that can lead to strain in relationships, which are key to the business. This panel will explore the complexities in these interconnected issues and the strategies sound companies must adopt in order to survive.
Thursday, October 5, 4:30 pm — 6:30 pm
L2 - WIRELESS MICROPHONE ISSUES
Chair:
James Stoffo, Professional Wireless Systems
Panelists:
Henry Cohen, Production Radio Rentals
Mark Gilbert, Shure
Edgar Reihl, Shure
Volker Schmitt, Sennheiser Electronic KG
Abstract:
The use of wireless microphones has grown tremendously in quantity and, therefore, complexity. Into this puzzle of frequency coordination has come several new moves by the FCC that introduce even more complications. While the advent of DTV will have some effect, much more impact will result from recent frequency reallocation rules. This panel will give an overview of these changes and then discuss their ramifications to spectrum band planning, including topics such as RF filtering, intermodulation RF coordination, frequency “time sharing” concepts, and more.
Friday, October 6, 10:30 am — 12:30 pm
L3 - ELECTROACOUSTIC ENHANCEMENT SYSTEMS: BRINGING REVERBERATION TO A CUBIC VOLUME-CHALLENGED VENUE NEAR YOU
Chair:
Kurt Graffy, ARUP Acoustics
Panelists:
Steve Barbar, LARES Associates
Steve Ellison, Meyer Sound
Michael Jarzabkowski, Acousthetics Inc.
Yasushi Shimizu, Yamaha
Abstract:
Electroacoustic Enhancement Systems (EES) allow venues to vary their reverberant properties via electroacoustics and processing in order to appropriately support the type of performance presented, which can range from dramatic to symphonic. This is in contrast to the "traditional" method of establishing the basic reverberation time by providing the necessary room volume, and varying the T60 by moveable draperies, opening doors to chambers, etc. The challenge to successfully implementing an EES entails attaining a careful balance between a number of physical and acoustical variables. Currently there are several different system approaches to resolving these complex issues, each with its specific system architecture and implementation requirements. Our panel, comprised of representatives from each of the major EES manufacturers and led by a “non-aligned” acoustician, will discuss the history, topologies, system pros and cons, and the subtleties of designing and tuning these systems.
Friday, October 6, 4:00 pm — 6:00 pm
L4 - CASE STUDIES IN DIGITAL AUDIO DISTRIBUTION FOR FIXED INSTALLATIONS
Chair:
Kevin Gross, Cirrus Logic, Inc.
Panelists:
Dan Erickson, General Communications
Gary Hardesty, Consultant
Rodrigo Ordonez, K2 Audio
Josh Thompson, Polysonics Corp.
Abstract:
Reliable, economical, and accurate distribution of audio over distance is pivotal to the success of any audio installation. A digital distribution network is increasingly a preferred solution and this event will reveal why. Panelists will share recent audio distribution challenges, describe the solutions considered, and discuss the reasons for choosing the solution they did.
Saturday, October 7, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm
L5 - DIGITAL AUDIO IN TOURING AND CONCERT SOUND REINFORCEMENT
Chair:
John Monitto, Meyer Sound
Panelists:
Derek Featherstone, Ultra Sound
Gary Hardesty, Consultant
Michael Reeves, Dolby Lake
Robert Scovill, Digidesign
Abstract:
Though digital audio long ago took over in the studio and in postproduction, it has only recently started penetrating live sound deeply. However, live sound has different considerations, including the primacy of reliability, how its real-time nature spotlights latency. There are practical implications of the migration to digital audio, some of which are obvious, and some more subtle. There are also nontechnical challenges, such as educating clients about the issues and managing their expectations. The panel will address these issues of “where the rubber meets the road” and orient the audience to the new mindset in live sound.
Saturday, October 7, 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm
L6 - LIVE SOUND FOR MEGA EVENTS
Chair:
David Scheirman, JBL Professional
Panelists:
Michael Abbott, Consultant
Gary Hardesty, Consultant
Wolfgang Neumann, Sirius Showequipment
Dave Shadoan, Sound Image
Abstract:
The design, deployment, and operation of large-scale sound reinforcement systems for global events can present some of live sound's greatest challenges for sound engineers and technicians. The trials, tribulations, and tricks of the trade will be discussed by a panel of sound rental company owners and independent mixing specialists with recent hands-on experience at global events involving massive audiences and broadcast interfaces, such as the World Cup Opening Ceremony, Rock In Rio, papal addresses for more than a million persons, Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, and other high profile arena and stadium projects worldwide.
Sunday, October 8, 11:30 am — 1:30 pm
L7 - TOURING SYSTEM DESIGN AND TUNING
Chair:
Dave Dennison, Consultant
Panelists:
Ted Bible, Sound Image
Derek Featherstone, Ultra Sound
Tom Lyon, Ultra Sound
Thorny, Solstice Co.
Abstract:
No matter how well a sound system is designed in advance, there are always adjustments that need to be made when it is actually put into a venue. The changes may be small or they might entail major reconfigurations. This panel of highly experienced road warriors will discuss what happens when planning meets reality. The panelists will also address another key topic: subwoofersconfiguration and crossover alignment.
Sunday, October 8, 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm
L8 - LARGE-SCALE THEATRICAL SOUND DESIGN
Chair:
Francois Bergeron, Thinkwell Design
Panelists:
Steve Dubuc, Cirque du Soleil
Peter Hylenski, Consultant
Vikram Kirby, Thinkwell Design
Abstract:
Systems such as those used for elaborate productions like Broadway productions, Cirque du Soleil and similar spectaculars, and theme park or resort attractions use complex multichannel sound systems with sophisticated cue list management and execution. This panel will discuss how such systems (and the sound design run through them) are conceived and executed, noting issues pertaining to the meeting point between creative visions and logistical realities.
