AES 123rd Convention - Where Audio Comes Alive
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AES New York 2007
Live Sound Seminar Details

Friday, October 5, 9:00 am — 12:00 pm
L1 - CHURCH AND HOUSE OF WORSHIP AUDIO AND ACOUSTICS: CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO CHURCHES AND HOWS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION PHASES

Chair:
Tom Young, Electroacoustic Design Services - Oxford, CT, USA
Panelists:
Chip Sams, William Sams Acoustics Inc. - Orlando, FL, USA
Neil Thompson Shade, Acoustical Design Collaborative, Ltd. - Ruxton, MD, USA
Dale Shirk, Shirk Audio & Acoustics - Terre Hill, PA, USA
Bill Thrasher, Thrasher Design Group, Inc. - Kennesaw, GA, USA

Abstract:
One of the industry's largest and most rapidly expanding markets, the House of Worship sector, has been a boon to both professional audio services and to the HOW's spreading of their message. Issues ranging from budget to design and install, service to training and operation will be examined from the perspectives of the client, consultant, contractor, and operator.


Friday, October 5, 1:30 pm — 3:30 pm
L2 - DESIGN MEETS REALITY: THE A2’S AND PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER’S CHALLENGES, OBSTACLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOADING IN AND IMPLEMENTING THE SOUND DESIGNER’S CONCEPT

Chair:
Chris Evans, Benedum Center
Panelists:
Nathan Allers, Syntonic Design Group - Milan, NY, USA
Lucas “Rico” Corrubia, Masque Sound
Paul Garrity, Auerbach Assoc.
Dan Gerhard, Freelance Engineer
Dominic Sack, Sound Assoc.
Christopher Sloan, Mixer on "Curtains"

Abstract:
The best intentions of the sound designer don’t always fit in with the venue’s design or infrastructure, other departments’ needs, or other changes as a production is loaded in and set up for the first time. How the designer’s designated representative on site addresses these issues is critical to keeping the overall vision of the sound design and production aesthetics intact while keeping an eye on the budget and schedule.


Friday, October 5, 4:00 pm — 6:00 pm
L3 - AN INTERVIEW WITH ABE JACOB: A FOUNDING FATHER’S REMEMBRANCES AND PERSPECTIVE, WITH JOHN KILGORE

Abstract:
A Founding Father's Remembrances and Perspective

Moderator John Kilgore, a legendary Broadway sound man in his own right, will talk with the "Godfather of Theatre Sound Design." Abe Jacob began his career mixing live sound for Jimi Hendrix and the Mamas and The Papas. The rock 'n roll phase of his career is highlighted by designing the Monterey Pop Festival sound system. Moving on to Broadway, Jacob worked on such long-run hits as Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line, Pippin, Chicago, Cats, and Evita. A not-to-be-missed, behind-the-scenes look at the formative years of contemporary live sound design.


Saturday, October 6, 9:00 am — 11:00 am
L4 - SOUND SYSTEM ALIGNMENT AND ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT—UNDERSTANDING AND USING THE TOOLS AVAILABLE TO ACHIEVE BETTER SOUND

Chair:
Sam Berkow, SIA Acoustics - New York, NY, USA
Panelists:
Mark Dennis, MGM.Mirage/Cirque du Soleil
"Decibel" Dave Dennison, DBDave Audio/Meyer Sound Labs
Ted Leamy, JBL Professional
Bob McCarthy, Alignment and Design, Inc.
Robert Scovill, Digidesign
Steve Sockey, SIA Acoustics

Abstract:
There are numerous tools available to help "optimize" sound system performance. This panel will review the tools leading sound designers and operators use to help them achieve high quality results. The focus will be on practical applications and users’ experiences in a real room. Discussion points will include how measurements can help us understand what we hear and how time alignment works on different scales, from the very small to the very large.


Saturday, October 6, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm
L5 - SOUND REINFORCEMENT FOR JAZZ AND OTHER ACOUSTIC MUSIC—IT ISN'T ROCK AND ROLL!

Chair:
Jim Brown, Audio Systems Group
Panelists:
Robert Auld
Rick Chinn
Jim van Bergen, AudioArt Sound

Abstract:
Jazz and other types of acoustical instrument-only performances often suffer from poor sound reinforcement. Amplification is often wildly excessive, failing to capture the dynamics of the music. Music timbre is distorted by poor microphone techniques and poor mixing. Ad hoc sound systems are often simpler than they should be, so musical balance varies widely over the audience. This live sound event begins with a discussion of what makes jazz and other acoustic music different from other forms of reinforced music. Attention is given to mixing and microphone techniques, with both photographs and recorded examples of good practices and those that should be avoided. The concept of "zero-based mixing” is discussed.


Saturday, October 6, 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm
L6 - LARGE SCALE MULTICHANNEL, MULTISYSTEM WIRELESS DESIGN, DEPLOYMENT, AND OPERATION

Chair:
James Stoffo
Panelists:
Peter Erskine, BEST Audio
Stephen Mendelsohn, ABC TV
Gary Stocker, Masque Sound
Ed Wieczorek

Abstract:
Today’s mega-productions require hundreds of channels of wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, intercom, and interruptible foldback (IFB). This panel will discuss and outline the strategy, tactics, and practices of implementing these large multiple wireless systems in RF challenging environments, from the first phone call for the production through the event itself.


Saturday, October 6, 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm
L7 - WHITESPACE STATUS REPORT: THE CURRENT OUTLOOK FOR LICENSE-FREE BROADBAND “WHITESPACE” DEVICES IN THE UHF TV SPECTRUM AND HOW WE AS THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ARE PREPARING

Panelists:
Mark Brunner, Shure
David Donovan, MSTV
Ed Reihl, Shure

Abstract:
As whitespace proponents and the entertainment industry vie for the post-DTV transition UHF spectrum, and the FCC considers all sides relative to its congressional mandate, key industry individuals at the frontline of this issue will present an up to the minute report on legislation, device testing, FCC decisions, and industry preparations.


Sunday, October 7, 9:00 am — 11:00 am
L8 - LIVIN' IN A MATERIAL WORLD: SOUND PRODUCTION FOR CORPORATE EVENTS

Chair:
Mac Kerr
Panelists:
Bruce Cameron, Sound Divas
Brad Mulligan, Mulligan & Humphry Consulting Inc.
Bob Rendon, PRG Audio
Mike Walshe

Abstract:
A discussion of the special issues involved with corporate presentations, from the perspective of the production, the soundman, and the equipment supplier.


Sunday, October 7, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm
L9 - MUSICALS. FROM BROADWAY TO LAS VEGAS: THE SIMILARITIES, DIFFERENCES, AND CHALLENGES OF MOVING BETWEEN THE TWO

Chair:
Nevin Steinberg, Acme Sound Partners
Panelists:
Jonathan Deans
Sten Severson, Acme Sound Partners

Abstract:
Analyzing the issues and logistics of transplanting a musical production originating on Broadway or London’s West End to Las Vegas and making it a “musical spectacular.”


Sunday, October 7, 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm
L10 - PA FOR TV: SOUND SYSTEM DESIGN AND MIXING FOR A LIVE AUDIENCE WHILE SATISFYING PRODUCTION DEMANDS

Chair:
Bob Rendon, PRG Audio
Panelists:
Daryl Bornstein
Bill Daly, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy
Dan Gerhard, Comedy Central, HBO (TONY Awards)
Jimmy Hores, Rachel Ray, Tony Danza
Mikael Stewart, ATK Audiotek

Abstract:
Many televised events are live and/or have a live audience. The sound system designer and FOH engineer must balance what the live audience is hearing with the needs of the production to get a clean recording. These designers and engineers will talk about how they have achieved that balance.


Monday, October 8, 9:00 am — 11:00 am
L11 - A FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE: WHEN PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS EXCEED THE BASIC 2- 4-CHANNEL INTERCOM SYSTEM (OR HOW TO EXPAND YOUR WIMPY INTERCOM)

Chair:
Peter Erskine, Independent Consultant
Panelists:
Dave Brand, Intracom Systems LLC - Northridge, CA, USA
Larry Estrin, BEST Audio
Mac Kerr
Michael Mason, CP Communications

Abstract:
Intercom requirements for even small to moderate size productions are exceeding the capabilities of basic two to four bus power supplies and base stations. This panel of intercom veterans will explain the various options and techniques for expanding the number of buses, deploying distant user stations, interfacing with other intercom systems, telephone connectivity, and troubleshooting without necessarily moving to large scale matrix frames.


Monday, October 8, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm
L12 - WIRELESS MICROPHONES AND PERFORMERS: MIC PLACEMENT AND HANDLING FOR MULTIPLE ACTORS

Panelists:
John Cooper
Mary McGregor

Abstract:
Fitting actors with wireless microphone elements and wireless transmitters has become a detailed art form. From ensuring the actor is comfortable and the electronics is safe and secure, to getting the proper sound with minimal detrimental audio effects all while maintaining the visual illusion, two of the most widely recognized artisans in this field provide hands on demonstrations of basic technique along with some time tested “tricks of the trade.”


Monday, October 8, 1:30 pm — 3:30 pm
L13 - CONCERT SOUND SYSTEM DESIGN, SETUP, OPERATION, AND THE CREATIVE USE OF DIGITAL MIXING TECHNOLOGY

Chair:
Robert Scovill
Panelists:
Forrest Grosz, Live Production Institute
Eddie Mapp
David Morgan
Scott Ragsdale, Willow Creek Community Church
Barry Sanders, Spectrum Sound
Blake Suib, Monitor Engineer

Abstract:
The rapid acceptance of digital routing and mixing technologies in live concert sound reinforcement has opened the door to numerous new workflows and solutions. An entire generation of mixers, both veterans and newcomers are currently reshaping the way live sound is perceived and executed. Enjoy a lively discussion by users of these new technologies and gain insight into how digital technology is reshaping sound reinforcement for the foreseeable future. Topics will include digital console user interfaces, automation concepts, remote control, multi-track archiving, virtual sound check and media delivery among others.


Monday, October 8, 3:30 pm — 6:00 pm
L14 - TUTORIAL: RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE AND AUDIO SYSTEMS

Chair:
Jim Brown, Audio Systems Group

Abstract:
This tutorial begins by identifying and discussing the fundamental mechanisms that couple RF into audio systems and allow it to be detected. Attention is then given to design techniques for equipment and systems that avoid these problems, and methods of fixing problems with existing equipment and systems that have been poorly designed or built.



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