AES San Francisco 2010
Live Sound Track Event Details
Thursday, November 4, 9:30 am — 11:15 am (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS1 - The Greening of Live Audio for Medium and Small Operators
Chair:
Tony Tissot, 4dB Sound
Panelists:
Bill Gelow, VP Engineering, Bosch/Electrovoice
Pat Quilter, Senior Amplifier Designer, QSC Audio Products
David Scheirman, Tour Sound Director, JBL Professional
Jeff Touzeau, Author of The Green Musician's Guide, President of Hummingbird Media, Inc.
Noah Waldron, Capsicum Pro Audio & Visual
Abstract:
How can smaller live audio providers embrace practices that are environmentally sound? What are the latest Earth-friendly methods and the most conscientious equipment choices? What options exist for lessened environmental impact through reduced power draw, decreased transportation, and labor costs?
Thursday, November 4, 11:30 am — 1:00 pm (Room 132)
Product Design: PD1 - Is Your Equipment Design a Noise Problem Waiting to Happen?
Presenter:
Bill Whitlock
Abstract:
A design goal for all audio equipment is freedom from hum and buzz. But AC power normally creates a system environment of ground voltage differences. While a balanced interface is the first line of defense against this noise source, the balanced interface itself is very poorly understood by most engineers. This leads them to design balanced input circuits that perform impressively in the lab but have very poor noise rejection in real-world systems. To make matters worse, internal equipment grounding schemes are often thoughtlessly designed. Two common results are noise coupled via cable shield connections (the "Pin 1" problem) and the AC power cord (so-called "sensitive" equipment). These and other design pitfalls, and how to avoid them, are the focus of this class.
Friday, November 5, 9:00 am — 10:45 am (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS3 - Measurement Microphones
Chair:
Ray Rayburn, K2 Audio
Panelists:
David Josephson, Josephson Engineering
Noland Lewis, ACO Pacific
Karl Winkler, Lectrosonics
Abstract:
What makes measurement microphones different from regular mics? How do you choose, use, and store one? Type 1 or type 2? Free field or pressure response? Wired or wireless? Learn what the experts have to say.
Friday, November 5, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS4 - Measurement Systems and Applications
Chair:
John Murray, Optimum System Solutions
Panelists:
Jamie Anderson, Rational Acoustics
Ralph Heinz, Renkus-Heinz
Bruce C. Olson, Olson Sound Design
Karl Winkler, Lectrosonics
Abstract:
An investigation of the most popular measurement systems used to align sound systems in the field. Methods and results will be discussed.
Friday, November 5, 1:15 pm — 2:15 pm (Room 132)
Special Event: Lunchtime Keynote: Dave Rat
Abstract:
Live sound is an exciting and rapidly changing industry. Dave Rat, Founder and President of Rat Sound, has seen it all over the last 30 years. He has a unique multi-dimensional perspective as a front-of-house engineer, product designer, industry writer and president of a major rental and touring company. He is known for questioning common industry practices with healthy doses of pragmatism and scientific curiosity. Dave will share his insights on frequently overlooked needs and challenges facing the live sound touring industry. Dave’s style is light-hearted and humorous but the issues he raises are always thought-provoking. If you have any involvement in the live sound industry, you will not want to miss this.
Friday, November 5, 2:30 pm — 4:15 pm (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS5 - Wireless Microphones for the Future
Chair:
James Stoffo, Professional Wireless Systems
Panelists:
Don Boomer, Line 6
Mark Brunner, Shure
Joe Ciaudelli, Sennheiser
Gino Sigismondi, Shure
Karl Winkler, Lectrosonics
Abstract:
The FCC keeps changing the wireless spectrum available for microphones. The 700 MHz band is already off limits and now there is Super-WiFi and the National Broadband Plan to consider below 700 MHz. Is any part of the spectrum safe? Learn the latest developments from the FCC and how the experts are insuring reliable RF operation now and preparing for the future.
Friday, November 5, 4:30 pm — 6:30 pm (Room 130)
Workshop: W10 - Audio Network Control Protocols
Chair:
Kevin Gross, AVA Networks - Denver, CO, USA
Panelists:
Bradford Benn, Harman Corporation - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Richard Foss, Rhodes University - Grhamstown, South Africa
Jeff Koftinoff, Meyer Sound - Berkeley, CA, USA
Andy Schmeder, CNMAT - University of California Berkeley
Peter Stevens, BBC - London, UK
Abstract:
Digital audio networks have solved a number of problems related to the distribution of audio within a number of contexts, including recording studios, stadiums, convention centers, theaters, and live concerts. They provide cabling ease, better immunity to interference, and enhanced control over audio routing and signal processing when compared to analog solutions. There exist a number of audio network types, and also a number of audio network protocols, that define the messaging necessary for connection management and control of devices within networks. In this workshop a panel of audio network protocol experts will share the features of audio network protocols that they are familiar with and how network protocols might adapt and change over the next few years, bearing in mind the need for interoperability.
Saturday, November 6, 9:00 am — 10:45 am (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS6 - Subwoofer Directionality
Chair:
Charlie Hughes, Excelsior Audio
Panelists:
Steve Bush, Meyer Sound Laboratories
Ales Dravinec, ADRaudio
Bill Gelow, Bosch/Electrovoice
Dave Rat, Rat Sound,
Abstract:
Directional subwoofers and subwoofer arrays can help to keep low frequency energy on the audience, where it’s desired, and away from areas where it’s not. This can be a great help in reducing rumble on stage and increasing gain before feedback. Single enclosure subwoofers with directivity control will be discussed along with arrays of multiple enclosures and their directional properties. Join us to find out how the spacing, loading, and signal processing of individual loudspeaker elements help to yield subwoofer directionality.
Saturday, November 6, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS7 - Live Sound for Corporate Events: Why It's Not "Just" Talking Heads!
Chair:
Ken Newman, Audio Applications
Panelists:
Rich Halvorson, Presentation Audio
Michael Jackson, BPIAudio
Kevin McKereghan, BBI Engineering
Abstract:
Corporate sound events require a high degree of perfection in sound delivery, but "the look" often takes precedence over loudspeaker placement. Signal flow and mixing can be very complex. Strategies and solutions will be discussed using example cases.
Saturday, November 6, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm (Room 132)
Tutorial: T10 - Networking for Audio Applications
Presenters:
Bradford Benn, Harman Corporation
Robert Economaki, Cisco
Kevin Gross, AVA Networks
Abstract:
Computer networks, principally Ethernet and IP networks, are becoming a common means of distributing audio within a facility and over distance. Audio engineers need an understanding of how networks work and how to use them effectively.
The tutorial will introduce participants to terminology; technologies and standards; configuration and design considerations; and troubleshooting concepts. Live demonstrations will reinforce specific topics including Network equipment configuration and management; IP subnetting, addressing and routing; and use of diagnostic tools.
The tutorial will give participants the background required to work effectively with IT professionals implementing and maintaining networked audio distribution.
Saturday, November 6, 2:30 pm — 4:30 pm (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS8 - Fill Speakers in Live Sound Reinforcement Systems
Chair:
Tom Young, Electroacoustic Design Services
Panelists:
Jamie Anderson, Rational Acoustics
Ales Dravinec, ADRaudio
Ted Leamy, Pro Media/Ultra Sound
Dave Rat, Rat Sound
Abstract:
Sometimes required due to a last minute whim or poor planning and at other times budgeted, selected, configured, and optimized with as much care as the primary loudspeakers, fill speakers are a commonplace fixture in our work in live sound. Aside from the obvious need, fill speakers are also employed very effectively for imaging/localization in some types of productions. Additional care/coordination must sometimes be provided in some applications to reduce the visibility of these (as well as the primary) loudspeakers and without unintended compromises in the electroacoustic performance of the system.
Saturday, November 6, 4:30 pm — 6:30 pm (Room 134)
Live Sound Seminar: LS9 - San Francisco Live Sound in the '70s
Chair:
Lee Brenkman
Panelists:
Radley Hirsch
Gil Mazzi
John Meyer
Abstract:
What was it like to run sound gigs in the 1970s, with home-grown loudspeakers, amplifiers pushed to the breaking point, and escalating SPL expectations? Veterans from the San Francisco Bay Area relate their victories and war stories.
Sunday, November 7, 9:00 am — 10:45 am (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS10 - Electroacoustic Enhancement Systems: LARES, Constellation, AFC, SIAP
Chair:
Roger Schwenke, Meyer Sound
Panelists:
Steve Barbar, LARES
Lon Brannies, Yamaha Corporation
Kurt Graffy, Bohemian Club
Ian Hunter, The Shalleck Collaborative
Vikram Kirby, Thinkwell
Bruce C. Olson, Olson Sound Design
Abstract:
Interest in electroacoustic enhancement systems has been increasing steadily for two decades. A comparison of the major systems will be made with example cases introduced.
Sunday, November 7, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS2 - Economics-Driven Change of Touring
Chair:
Ken Lopez, University of Southern California - CA, USA
Panelists:
Sam Berkow, SIA Acoustics
David Morgan
Robert Scovill, AVID, Tom Petty
Dave Shadoan, Sound Image
Abstract:
The economics of touring have changed greatly over the last decade. So has the equipment technology. Both factors are a catalyst for change. The session will start with the viewpoint of a tour accountant with commentary from industry executives. Are ego and fear holding back change or are other factors involved? Find out.
Sunday, November 7, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm (Room 130)
Workshop: W18 - Audio System Measurement and Subjective Evaluation
Chair:
Kurt Graffy, ARUP
Panelists:
Charlie Hughes, Excelsior Audio - Gastonia, NC, USA
Peter Mapp, Peter Mapp Associates
Brian McCarty, Coral Sea Studios
Floyd Toole, Consultant/Harman International
Abstract:
With the proliferation of measurement systems that provide both spectral and temporal analysis replacing RTAs (Real Time Analyzers), are the current standards for defining venue or cinema system/room tuning and/or coverage parameters still valid? Just because we can measure it is it subjectively significant? What are we measuring and what does/can it tell us?
Sunday, November 7, 2:30 pm — 4:30 pm (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS12 - Off the Grid: Generator Power
Chair:
Kenneth Fause, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander
Panelists:
Bruce C. Olson, Olson Sound Design
Randall Venerable, Generators Unlimited
Bill Whitlock, Jensen Transformers, Inc.
Abstract:
Got power? Generators bring a whole new dimension into show planning. Industry veterans and generator experts will share their lessons learned from years of operating off the grid.
Sunday, November 7, 4:30 pm — 6:00 pm (Room 131)
Live Sound Seminar: LS11 - Networked Audio for Live Sound
Chair:
Jonathan Novick, Audio Precision
Panelists:
Carl Bader, Aviom
Kevin Gross, AVA Networks
Lee Minich, Lab X Technologies
David Scheirman, JBL Professional
Steve Seable, Yamaha Corporation
David Scheirman, JBL Professional
Abstract:
Are audio networks the panacea we all hoped for or is it the peril we all fear? When it comes to live sound networks offer plenty of advantages. However, there are also tradeoffs. No two networks are alike and each offers unique benefits. Should you jump in now or wait for more standardization? FIgure out if networking makes sense for your live business.
