AES New York 2011
Technical Tour Details
Thursday, October 20, 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm
TT1 - NBC Broadcast Central at 30 Rock
Abstract:
Created by Congress to protect our interests at the beginning of radio, the National Broadcasting Company developed two networks, Red and Blue, encompassing the US continent. Arturo Toscanini conducted his NBC Symphony Orchestra in one of the first floating rooms, 8-H (now SNL). RCA introduced television at the 1939 NY World’s Fair adding to NBC’s radio coverage. See the new high definition digital nerve center of NBC’s national broadcasting in the US.
Friday, October 21, 9:00 am — 12:00 pm
TT2 - DiMenna Center for Classical Music
Abstract:
Completed this year, the $37 million showcase complex provides an exemplary home for the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and the Baryshnikov Arts Center. Created to serve music rehearsal, recording, broadcasting, teleconferencing, educational, and streaming, the facility features acoustics by Akustiks, renown for their Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville and Severance Hall in Cleveland. Installation was by Masque Sound. The NY Times has raved about these large, articulate, floating rehearsal/recording spaces.
Friday, October 21, 9:00 am — 12:00 pm
TT3 - KAS Music & Sound
Abstract:
Built by George Zukor in 1921 as the Players Laskey, the Paramount Co. filled huge back lots in Queens before Hollywood was a glimmer. You’ve seen Kaufman Astoria Studios from Charlie Chaplin, Bill Cosby, and the Muppets. In this facility, Frank Capra during WWII, then Cukor-Huston-Zanuck produced 300 films a year as the Army’s Signal Corps Pictorial Center to about 1970. Of KAS M&S’s two studios, Studio A’s 2,400 sq. ft. room boasts two large shielded iso booths, and has direct tie lines from all six TV/movie soundstages ranging in size from 75 x 54 up to 158 x 114 and a monster 217 x 120.
Friday, October 21, 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm
TT4 - Brooklynphono
Abstract:
Vinyl, the resurging Phoenix of audio formats, is alive, well, and growing at this modern record pressing plant across the Brooklyn Bridge. Opened by Tom and Fern Bernich a decade ago, competing successfully with CD’s (and stomping downloads) for sound quality, this “indie” paradise now manufactures 10,000
albums a month! Come see / hear why they are so in demand!
Friday, October 21, 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm
TT5 - New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Abstract:
How do you fill a 2700 seat concert hall with sound using little to zero amplification? The answer to such stellar acoustics is a trade secret for Russell Johnson’s firm ARTEC. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear some of the best acoustics the last century has produced as we visit the large Prudential Hall, the 500 seat Victoria Theater, and the 200 seat Chase Room at Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Saturday, October 22, 9:00 am — 1:00 pm
TT6 - Soundtrack Studios
Abstract:
This expansive 12,000 sq. ft., NYC-based post-production complex features two large mixing stages, ADR, Foley, a large music library, and a full range of editorial services (including production office space for long and short term clients). Specializing in servicing both major and independent filmmakers, recent Soundtrack clients include such EMMY nominated programs as: Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife, The Big C, Mildred Pierce, Law & Order Special Victim's Unit, If God is Willing and da Creek Don't Rise, and CSI:NY.
Saturday, October 22, 12:00 pm — 4:00 pm
TT7 - Live Organ Recording at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Manhattan
Abstract:
From soloists to chamber ensembles to choruses to symphony orchestras—and especially pipe organs—classical music is best recorded in large spaces with pleasant, natural acoustic properties. But these spaces are often very un-like a proper recording studio in terms of their amenities. And the additional challenges presented in trying to capture the range, nuance, and power of the “King of Instruments” is enough to drive the sane engineer mad, or at least to drive him to try to present his techniques to an audience of esteemed and discerning colleagues. Join Bill Siegmund of Digital Island Studios in historic St Peter's Lutheran Church of Manhattan for a demonstration of the tools and techniques of pipe organ recording, as well as a tour of St Peter’s sanctuary and their Klais manual tracker organ.
For those who would like to remain, at 3:00 there will be a recital by Walter Hilse performed on the instrument. The program will include selections from Bach, Hindemith, and Liszt. Tickets: $20.00.
Saturday, October 22, 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm
TT8 - Sear Sound
Abstract:
This legendary studio has hosted world-class artists ranging from Steely Dan and Bjork to Lou Reed, Bono, Wilco, and Norah Jones. Created by Walter Sear, an unswerving proponent of analog technology, Sear Sound is recognized as one of the world’s best-maintained facilities. Mr. Sear’s collection of rare analog gear includes 224 classic microphones, and tape machines from Abbey Road Studios, once used by The Beatles.
Sunday, October 23, 9:00 am — 12:00 pm
TT9 - Soundscapes at Marimekko
Abstract:
Can sound help you shop? Muzak this is not! Famed Sound Environment artist Charlie Morrow has created his signature sound space to enliven and enhance customers’ purchasing experience at this just-opened store from Finland. www.marimekko.com www.cmorrow.com
