Photos of the event.
On July 26th, 2018 the AES chapter at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences hosted a guest speaking event with Useful Arts founder, Peter Swann. During this event, Swann covered the science behind what makes tube gear so pleasing to our ears, the concepts involved in his equipment design, and Swann even gave professional advice to students regarding key areas of focus when investing in recording equipment.
Peter Swann is an audio engineer who says he struggled early in his career to achieve the sounds he was craving out of his available selection of equipment. Despite using top-of-the-line devices, Swann was unable to reach the results that he knew possible. By honing in on the emphasis of second harmonics, reduction of 3rd and above harmonics, and the importance of leaving transients unaltered, Swann was able to solve his dilemma by developing his own line of gear under the title of Useful Arts. The Useful Arts line includes the BF-S Pro and BF-1 Tube DI's as well as the SFP-60 Tube Preamplifier. Swann demonstrated the sonic differences between these devices and comparable units from Avalon, Universal Audio, Neve, API, and Manley.
Swann began the panel with the observation that CRAS's curriculum has a significant emphasis on analog recording. Swann contended that this focus is of great service to students. He pointed out that all sound is inherently analog. Swann went on to explain acoustic to electrical conversion processes and displayed a spectrum analyzer comparing the induced distortion of various pieces of analog gear. Additionally, Swann stressed to students that the relative importance of signal flow items fall in chronological order. The items that have the greatest impact on the recording chain are the artist and instrument. According to Swann, every device after the first few units can be of benefit, but are not imperative. Swann said that this concept should influence students' purchasing decisions. When investing in recording equipment, it is best to focus on the beginning of signal flow.
Students had many questions for Peter Swann following the first portion of the event. Specifically, students asked Swann how to avoid the use of compressors, how he began inventing, and even business questions involving patents and pricing. Peter Swann's guest speaking event at CRAS was certainly an educational experience and students left with valuable perspectives on the science of recording.
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