AES San Francisco 2008
Special Event Details
Wednesday, October 1, 9:00 am — 4:00 pmLive Sound Symposium: Surround Live VI—Acquiring the Surround Field
The Lodge Ballroom, Regency Center 1290 Sutter St. San Francisco, CA Tel. +1 415 673 5716Abstract:
Building from the five previous, highly successful Surround Live symposia, Surround Live Six, will once again explore in detail, the world of Live Surround Audio.
Frederick Ampel, President of consultancy Technology Visions, in cooperation with the Audio Engineering Society, brings this years event back to San Francisco for the third time. The event will feature a wide range of professionals from both the televised Sports arena, Public Radio, and the digital processing and encoding sciences.
Surround Live Six Platinum Sponsors are: Neural Audio and Sennheiser/K&H. Surround Live Six Gold Sponsor is: Ti-Max/Outboard Electronics
8:15am - 9:00 am – Coffee, Registration, Continental Breakfast
9:00 am – Keynote #1 – Kurt Graffy
9:40 am – Keynote #2 – J. Johnston
10:15 am - 10:25 am – Coffee Break
10:30 am - 12:30 pm – Presenters 1, 2, & 3 plus Live Demonstrations and Demo Video Clips with Surround Audio
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm – Lunch (provided for Ticketed Participants)
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm – Presenters 4, 5, & 6 with Live Demonstrations and Clips
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm – Break
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm – Panel Discussion and Interactive Q&A
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm – Organ Concert (Pending availability of Organist) featuring the 1909 Austin Pipe Organ
Scheduled to appear are:
•Fred Aldous - FOX Sports Audio Consultant / Sr. Mixer
•Tom Sahara - Sr. Director of Remote Operations & IT Turner Sports
•Mike Pappas – KUVO Radio – Denver
•Kurt Graffy – ARUP Acoustics – San Francisco –Co-Keynote
•James D. (JJ) Johnston - Chief Scientist, Neural Audio, Kirkland, WA.
•Jim Hilson – Dolby Laboratories – San Francisco, CA.
•Other possible presenters include Speed Network, NFL Films, and NPR.
The day’s events will include formal presentations, special demonstration materials in full surround, and interactive discussions with presenters. Seating is limited, and previous events have sold out quickly. Register quickly to insure you will be able to attend.
Further details will be added as they become available
Thursday, October 2, 1:00 pm — 2:30 pm
Opening Ceremonies
Awards
Keynote Speech
Abstract:
Opening Remarks:
• Executive Director Roger Furness
• President Bob Moses
• Convention Cochairs John Strawn, Valerie Tyler
Program:
• AES Awards Presentation
• Introduction of Keynote Speaker
• Keynote Address by Chris Stone
Awards Presentation
Please join us as the AES presents special awards to those who have made outstanding contributions to the Society in such areas of research, scholarship, and publications, as well as other accomplishments that have contributed to the enhancement of our industry. The awardees are:
PUBLICATIONS AWARD: Roger S. Grinnip III
BOARD OF GOVERNORS AWARD: Jim Anderson, Peter Swarte
FELLOWSHIP AWARD: Jonathan Abel, Angelo Farina, Rob Maher, Peter Mapp, Christoph Musialik, Neil Shaw, Julius Smith, Gerald Stanley, Alexander Voishvillo, William Whitlock
SILVER MEDAL AWARD: Keith Johnson
GOLD MEDAL AWARD: George Massenburg
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL AWARD: Jay McKnight
Keynote Speaker
Record Plant co-founder Chris Stone will explore new trends and opportunities in the music industry and what it takes to succeed in today's environment, including how to utilize networking and free services to reduce risk when starting a new small business. Speaking from his strengths as a business/marketing entrepreneur, Stone will focus on the artist’s need to develop a sophisticated approach to operating their own business and also how traditional engineers can remain relevant and play a meaningful role in the ongoing evolution of the recording industry. Stone’s keynote address is entitled: The Artist Owns the Industry.
Thursday, October 2, 6:30 pm — 7:30 pm
AES Mixer Party
Abstract:
A mixer party will be held on Thursday evening to enable convention attendees to meet in a social atmosphere after the opening day’s activities to catch up with friends and colleagues from the industry. There will be a cash bar.
Friday, October 3, 11:30 am — 1:00 pm
Platinum Producers and Engineers
Moderator:
Paul Verna
Panelists:
Tony Berg
David Bowles
Jerry Harrison
Stephan Jenkins, Third Eye Blind
Chris Lord-Alge
Abstract:
Some of the industry’s top producers and engineers discuss the routes that led them to their careers in the studio. Prospective panelists include studio pros who arrived at their craft from the A&R side (Tony Berg), from the recording artist side (Stephan Jenkins from Third Eye Blind), from engineering (Chris Lord-Alge), and from formal training in classical music (David Bowles). The panel will be moderated by Paul Verna, veteran of Billboard and Mix magazines, and co-author of The Encyclopedia of Record Producers.
Friday, October 3, 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm
Lunchtime Keynote: Dave Giovannoni of First Sounds
Abstract:
Before Edison—Recovering the World's First Audio Recordings
First Sounds, an informal collaborative of audio engineers and historians, recently corrected the historical record and made international headlines by playing back a phonautogram made in Paris in April 1860—a ghostly, ten-second evocation of a French folk song. This and other phonautograms establish a forgotten French typesetter as the first person to record reproducible airborne sound 17 years before Edison invented the phonograph. Primitive and nearly accidental, the world’s first audio recordings pose a unique set of technical challenges. David Giovannoni of First Sounds discusses their recovery and restoration and will premiere two newly restored recordings.
Friday, October 3, 2:30 pm — 4:00 pm
Compressors—A Dynamic Perspective
Moderator:
Fab Dupont
Panelists:
Dave Derr
Wade Goeke
Dave Hill
Hutch Hutchison
George Massenburg
Rupert Neve
Abstract:
A device that, some might say, is being abused by those involved in the “loudness wars,” the dynamic range compressor can also be a very creative tool. But how exactly does it work? Six of the audio industry’s top designers and manufacturers lift the lid on one of the key components in any recording, broadcast or live sound signal chain. They will discuss the history, philosophy and evolution of this often misunderstood processor. Is one compressor design better than another? What design features work best for what application? The panel will also reveal the workings behind the mysteries of feedback and feed-forward designs, side-chains, and hard and soft knees, and explore the uses of multiband, parallel and serial compression.
Friday, October 3, 4:30 pm — 6:00 pm
Geoff Emerick/Sgt. Pepper
Abstract:
Marking the 40th Anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Geoff Emerick, the Beatles engineer on the original recording was commissioned by the BBC to re-record the entire album on the original vintage equipment using contemporary musicians for a unique TV program.
Celebrating its own anniversary, the APRS is proud to present for a select AES audience, this unique project featuring recorded performances by young UK and US artists including the Kaiser Chiefs, The Fray, Travis, Razorlight, the Stereophonics, the Magic Numbers, and a few more—and one older Canadian, Bryan Adams.
These vibrant, fresh talents recorded the original arrangements and orchestrations of the Sgt. Pepper album using the original microphones, desks, and hard-learned techniques directed and mixed in mono by the Beatles own engineering maestro, Geoff Emerick.
Hear how it was done, how it should be done, and how many of the new artists want to do it in the future. Geoff will be available to answer a few questions about the recording of each track and, of course, more general questions regarding the recording processes and the innovative contribution he and other Abbey Road wizards made to the best ever album.
APRS, The Association of Professional Recording Services, promotes the highest standards of professionalism and quality within the audio industry. Its members are recording studios, postproduction houses, mastering, replication, pressing and duplicating facilities, and providers of education and training, as well as record producers, audio engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants. Its primary aim is to develop and maintain excellence at all levels within the UK's audio industry.
Friday, October 3, 7:00 pm — 8:30 pm
Heyser Lecture
followed by
Technical Council
Reception
Abstract:
The Richard C. Heyser distinguished lecturer for the 125thAES Convention is Floyd Toole. Toole studied electrical engineering at the University of New Brunswick and at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, where he received a Ph.D. In 1965 he joined the National Research Council of Canada, where he reached the position of Senior Research Officer in the Acoustics and Signal Processing Group. In 1991, he joined Harman International Industries, Inc. as Corporate Vice President – Acoustical Engineering. In this position he worked with all Harman International companies, and directed the Harman Research and Development Group, a central resource for technology development and subjective measurements, retiring in 2007.
Toole’s research has focused on the acoustics and psychoacoustics of sound reproduction in small rooms, directed to improving engineering measurements, objectives for loudspeaker design and evaluation, and techniques for reducing variability at the loudspeaker/room/listener interface. For papers on these subjects he has received two AES Publications Awards and the AES Silver Medal. He is a Fellow and Past President of the AES and a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America. In September, 2008, he was awarded the CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award. He has just completed a book Sound Reproduction: Loudspeakers and Rooms (Focal Press, 2008). The title of his lecture is, “Sound Reproduction: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go.”
Over the past twenty years scientific research has made considerable progress in identifying the significant variables in sound reproduction and in clarifying the psychoacoustic relationships between measurements and perceptions. However, this knowledge is not widespread, and the audio industry remains burdened by unsubstantiated practices and folklore. Oft repeated beliefs can have status and influence commensurate with scientific facts.
One problem has been that much of the essential data was obscured by disorder: the knowledge was buried in papers in numerous books and journals, indexed under many different topics, and sometimes a key point was peripheral to the main subject of the paper. Assembling and organizing the information was the purpose of my recent book, Sound Reproduction (Focal Press, 2008). It turns out that we know a great deal about the acoustics and psychoacoustics of loudspeakers in small rooms, and this knowledge provides substantial guidance about designing and integrating systems to provide high quality sound reproduction.
However, what we hear over these installations is of variable sound quality and, more importantly, not always what was intended by the artists. Inconsistent and imperfect devices and practices in both the professional and consumer domains result in mismatches between recording and playback. Standards exist but are not often used. Many of them are fundamentally flawed. If we in the audio industry are serious about our mission to deliver the aural art in music and movies, as it was created, to consumers, there is work to be done. It begins with agreeing on the objectives, and is followed by an application of the science we know.
Saturday, October 4, 11:30 am — 1:00 pm
Platinum Mastering
Moderator:
Bob Ludwig
Panelists:
Bernie Grundman, Bernie Grundman Mastering - Hollywood, CA, USA
Scott Hull, Scott Hull Mastering/Masterdisk - New York, NY, USA
Herb Powers Jr., Powers Mastering Studios - Orlando, FL, USA
Doug Sax, The Matering Lab - Ojai, CA, USA
Abstract:
In this session moderated by mastering legend Bob Ludwig, mastering all-stars talk about the craft and business of mastering and answer audience questions—including queries submitted in advance by students at top recording colleges. Panelists include Bernie Grundman of Bernie Grundman Mastering, Hollywood; Scott Hull of Scott Hull Mastering/Masterdisk, New York; Herb Powers Jr. of Powers Mastering Studios, Orlando, Fla.; and Doug Sax of The Mastering Lab, Ojai, Calif.
Saturday, October 4, 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm
Lunchtime Keynote:
Peter Gotcher
of Topspin Media
Abstract:
The Music Business Is Dead—Long Live the NEW Music Business!
Peter Gotcher will deliver a high-level view of the changing business models facing the music industry today. Gotcher will explain why it no longer works for artists to derive their income from record labels that provide a tiny share of high volume sales. He will also explore new revenue models that include multiple revenue streams for artists; the importance of getting rid of unproductive middlemen; and generating more revenue from fewer fans.
Saturday, October 4, 3:30 pm — 5:30 pm
Grammy SoundTable
Moderator:
Mike Clink, producer/engineer/entrepreneur (Guns N’ Roses, Sarah Kelly, Mötley Crüe)
Panelists:
Sylvia Massy, producer/engineer/entrepreneur (System of a Down, Johnny Cash, Econoline Crush)
Keith Olsen, producer/engineer/entrepreneur (Fleetwood Mac, Ozzy Osbourne, POGOLOGO Productions/MSR Acoustics)
Phil Ramone, producer/engineer/visionary (Elton John, Ray Charles, Shelby Lynne)
Carmen Rizzo, artist/producer/remixer (Seal, Paul Oakenfold, Coldplay)
John Vanderslice, artist/indie rock innovator/studio owner (MK Ultra, Mountain Goats, Spoon)
Abstract:
The 20th Annual GRAMMY Recording SoundTable is presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Inc. (NARAS) and hosted by AES.
YOU, Inc.! New Strategies for a New Economy
Today’s audio recording professional need only walk down the aisle of a Best Buy, turn on a TV, or listen to a cell phone ring to hear possibilities for new revenue streams and new applications to showcase their talents. From video games to live shows to ringbacks and 360 deals, money and opportunities are out there. It’s up to you to grab them.
For this special event the Producers & Engineers Wing has assembled an all-star cast of audio pros who’ll share their experiences and entrepreneurial expertise in creating opportunities in music and audio. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn.
Saturday, October 4, 6:00 pm — 7:00 pm
MIX Foundation 2008 TECnology Hall of Fame
Abstract:
Hosted by Mix Magazine Executive Editor/TECnology Hall of Fame director George Petersen.
Presented annually by the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio to honor significant, lasting contributions to the advancement of audio technology, this year's event will recognize fifteen audio innovations. "It is interesting to note how many of these products are still in daily use decades after their introduction," Petersen says. "These aren't simply museum pieces, but working tools. We're proud to recognize their significance to the industry."
Saturday, October 4, 8:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Organ Concert
by
Graham Blyth
Abstract:
The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
Organist Graham Blyth's concerts are a highlight of every AES convention at which he performs. This year's recital will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral, a modern structure with a panoramic view of San Francisco. The cathedral's Ruffatti organ was designed with the Baroque repertoire in mind, a fact Blyth will reflect with a strong Bach emphasis in the program. In honor of the centennial of his birth, music by French composer Olivier Messiaen also will be played.
Located just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown Financial District, Twin Peaks, and The Marina, St. Mary’s Cathedral is in the heart of the city at the top of Cathedral Hill. The Ruffatti Organ, built in 1971 by Fratelli Ruffatti of Padua, Italy, has been acclaimed as one of the finest in the world. It rises impressively from its soaring pedestal platform into a magnificent art form in its own right. It consists of 4842 pipes on 89 ranks and 69 stops.
Sunday, October 5, 9:00 am — 10:00 am
P16 Papers Demo
Abstract:
Playback session related to Paper Session 16 "Spatial Audio Quality" held Saturday, October 4 from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.
Sunday, October 5, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm
The Evolution of Electronic Instrument Interfaces: Past, Present, Future
Moderator:
Gino Robair, editor of Electronic Musician magazine
Panelists:
Roger Linn, Roger Linn Designs
Tom Oberheim, Founder, Oberheim Electronics
Dave Smith, Dave Smith Instruments
Abstract:
Developing musical instruments that take advantage of new technologies is exciting. However, coming up with something that is not only intuitive and musically useful but that will be accepted by musicians requires more than just a feature-rich box with sexy industrial design. This panel will discuss the issues involved in creating new musical instruments, with a focus on interface design, as well as explore ways to avoid the mistakes of the past when designing products for the future. These three panelists have brought a variety of innovative products to market (with varying degrees of success), which have made each of them household names in the MI world.
Sunday, October 5, 11:30 am — 1:00 pm
Platinum Road Warriors
Moderator:
Clive Young
Panelists:
Eddie Mapp
Paul “Pappy” Middleton
Howard Page
Abstract:
An all-star panel of leading front-of-house engineers will explore subject matter ranging from gear to gossip, in what promises to be an insightful, amusing, and enlightening 90 minute session. Engineers for superstar artists will discuss war stories, technical innovations, and heroic efforts to maintain the eternal “show must go on” code of the road. Ample time will be provided for an audience Q&A session.