AES New York 2009
Historical Event Details
Friday, October 9, 9:00 am — 11:45 amHistory of Live Sound
Moderator:
Thomas Shevlin
Panelists:
Roy Clair
David Robb
Abe Jacob
Rusty Brutsche
Abstract:
Presented by Toronto-based Sr. Engineer Thomas Shevlin, this session will feature a panel of pioneers of live touring and Broadway sound. Opening with a slideshow reaching back before the 1920s origins of live sound systems, Shevlin and his panelists will discus what originally drew them to the field, its progression during their careers, and their vision of the future. The session will conclude with a lively Q & A.
Friday, October 9, 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm
Mercury Living Presence
Presenter:
Tom Fine
Abstract:
Presented by Tom Fine (engineer), this session will trace the technical history of one of the world’s most highly regarded classical music labels. Recognized for a catalog of ground-breaking recordings from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s the label began to flourish in the late 1940s just as the of the single-microphone technique was perfected. Engaging pristine audio samples, Mr. Fine will trace MLP’s progress from single-mic mono through the 3-spaced-omni stereo technique. He will also discuss the 35mm mag-film recording medium and detail the colorful 1990s CD reissue program.
Saturday, October 10, 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm
Significant Technical Contributions of RCA Corp.
Moderator:
Cliff Rogers
Presenters:
Fred Barnum, L3 Communications
Hans Dietza
Abstract:
From Nipper and "His Masters Voice" to the World Trade Center "Antenna."
RCA covered the spectrum….All from Camden NJ.
Talking Machines, by the millions - led to Radios, by the millions – led to RCA Broadcast Division
The Broadcast Division maintained an unbelievable esprit de corps, among their employees—we were routinely challenged to development of state-of-the-art products that met the challenging needs of this fast growing industry, with unbelievable support. The resultant products were of unquestioned quality; were marketed, sold, and supported by an extremely well organized, well trained, and expertly supported, domestic and international sales and service organization. This resulted in an outstanding industry that to this day has been unmatched. Incidentally, the RCA Broadcast Division was one of the most profitable divisions of the RCA Corporation. It operated from roughly from 1930 until 1985. Many of the former RCA Broadcast employees report that the time that they sent at RCA Broadcast, was the most invigorating time of their lives. They served in many aspects of the broadcast industry including, Engineering, Marketing, Development, Sales, Advertising, Service, and the world famous RCA Princeton Laboratories.
Our opportunity here at AES is to look back, and review some of the greatest activities of the RCA Broadcast Division. The list is endless, however, our emphasis here will be directed toward the RCA Broadcast Audio products including microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, theater systems, and RCA photophone activities.
Look at the Industry and how it grew…We all learned…Let’s look back …What did we learn…Let’s now look ahead…
Sunday, October 11, 9:00 am — 11:30 am
History of Bell Labs
Presenter:
Noah Simon
Abstract:
Presenter Noah Simon will take attendees back to 1915 when nascent behemoth AT&T initiated trans-continental telephone service. This innovation spawned a research division which evolved into Bell Labs. The bustling scientific playground was responsible for a torrent of audio innovations including the condenser microphone, moving coil loudspeakers and microphones, and significant contributions to magnetic recording, sound for film, high-quality disc reproduction, and stereo recording. The presentation will employ recordings, photos, and other media to illustrate a vivid timeline of one of America’s most innovative companies.
Monday, October 12, 1:30 pm — 3:30 pm
Recording The Jazz Big Bands
Presenter:
Robert Auld, AuldWorks
Abstract:
Robert Auld of AuldWorks will trace the rise of the big bands in relation to the development of electrical audio recording. For 35 years, these mutually beneficial art forms produced superb recordings that exemplify the "golden age" of early stereo. A professional trumpet player and live sound engineer for the big band jazz concerts at the Manhattan School of Music, Robert Auld has worked with artists ranging from Wynton Marsalis to the Vanguard Orchestra. In 1997 Mr. Auld published The Art of Recording The Big Band, a historical and critical survey based on his 25 years of experience on stage and on the console. He has now rethought and expanded this treatise into a full multi-media presentation covering the period from the 1920s to the present.
