AES San Francisco 2012
Friday, October 26, 12:30 pm — 2:00 pm (Room 134)
Opening Ceremonies
Awards
Keynote Speech
Presenter:Bob Moses, AES - Vashon Island, WA, USA
Keynote Speaker:
Steve Lillywhite, CBE, UK
Abstract:
Keynote Speaker
Listen With Your Ears, And Not Your Eyes
Multi-Platinum record producer (and Commander of The British Empire/CBE recipient) Steve Lillywhite, has collaborated with stars ranging from The Rolling Stones, U2, Peter Gabriel, Morrissey, Counting Crows, and The Pogues to The Killers, Dave Matthews Band, and Thirty Seconds to Mars. Over the past thirty years, he has made an indelible impact on contemporary music, and he continues to hone the razor edge with innovative new projects. His AES Keynote address will focus on the importance of “studio culture,” and on inspiring and managing the creative process. He will also stress the importance of embracing new technology while avoiding the trap of becoming enslaved by it. Steve Lillywhite's studio philosophy emphasizes the axiom “Listen with your ears and not your eyes.”
Friday, October 26, 3:30 pm — 5:00 pm (Room 134)
Sennheiser
Moderator:Al Schmitt, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Panelists:
Chuck Ainlay
Ed Cherney, Edward Cherney Company - Venice, CA, USA
Frank Filipetti
George Massenburg, Schulich School of Music, McGill University - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Elliot Scheiner
Abstract:
Al Schmitt & Friends: AES Roundtable of Award-Winning Engineers
A roundtable discussion of modern recording techniques and trends will be hosted by 21-time Grammy-winning engineer and producer Al Schmitt. The panel includes some of the biggest names in audio production: Elliot Scheiner (Foo Fighters, Eric Clapton), Ed Cherney (Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones), George Massenburg (Earth Wind & Fire, James Taylor), Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits), and Frank Filipetti (Foreigner, KISS).
Topics covered at the roundtable will include:
• Understanding the differences of recording at home, in a project studio and in a larger traditional studio
• How to effectively record drums
• How and when to use effects
• Techniques for vocal thickening
• Obstacles that were encountered and resolved during the recording of classic albums
• Diplomacy in the studio with artists, executives and other stakeholders
The event will be sponsored by the Sennheiser Recording Sound Academy and is open to all AES attendees.
Friday, October 26, 8:00 pm — 9:00 pm (Off-Site 1)
Organ Concert
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Organist:Graham Blyth, Wantage, Oxfordshire, UK
Abstract:
This year's concert is being held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. The organ is a 2-manual and pedal Taylor & Boody, with a stop-list chosen to represent the North German Organs of the Baroque period.
The program is going to be all Bach and will include the Dorian Toccata BWV538, the Six Schubler Chorales, selected Chorale Preludes from the Eighteen Chorales, Vivaldi/Bach Concerto in A minor, and the Prelude & Fugue in CBWV545.
This is a FREE event and is first-come, first-served.
Saturday, October 27, 11:15 am — 12:30 pm (Room 134)
Legendary Artists: Sounds of San Francisco
Moderator:(David Goggin) Mr Bonzai, Communication Arcs - Hollywood, CA, USA
Panelists:
Peter Albin, Big Brother and the Holding Company
Mario Cipollina, Huey Lewis and The News
Country Joe McDonald, Country Joe and the Fish - Berkeley, CA, USA
Joel Selvin
Abstract:
Award-winning photographer, journalist, and author Mr Bonzai (David Goggin) moderates a panel of leading musical luminaries in a panel discussion looking into the world-renowned SF Sound from the early days to today.
Big Brother and the Holding Company, Country Joe and the Fish, Huey Lewis and The News—they defined a lifestyle and a spirit that is very much alive today. Peter Albin, Country Joe McDonald, Mario Cipollina, and Bay Area historian/journalist Joel Selvin share insights of performance, the recording craft, and keys to the creative process.
Saturday, October 27, 2:00 pm — 3:30 pm (Room 134)
Grammy SoundTable
Moderator:Ed Cherney, Edward Cherney Company - Venice, CA, USA
Panelists:
Ryan Hewitt, Nice Rack Audio Services - Venice, CA, USA
Leslie Ann Jones, Skywalker Sound - San Rafael, CA, USA
Dave Pensado
Salaam Remi
Elliot Scheiner
Abstract:
Sonic Imprints: Songs That Changed My Life—Part 3
Some songs are hits, some we just love, and some have changed our lives. Our panelists break down the DNA of their favorite tracks and explain what moved them, what grabbed them, and why these songs left a life-long impression. Back by popular demand, this Special Event is guaranteed to make you feel good about being in the recording business.
Saturday, October 27, 6:30 pm — 8:00 pm (Room 134)
Heyser Lecture
followed by
Technical Council
Reception
Presenter:James Johnston, Retired - Redmond, WA, USA
Abstract:
The Richard C. Heyser distinguished lecturer for the 133rd AES Convention is James D. (jj) Johnston. The title of his lecture is, "Audio, Radio, Acoustics, and Signal Processing-the Way Forward." In this talk, Johnston will discuss our present understanding of human auditory perception, pointing out how the way we actually work encourages a dichotomy of knowledge that no longer exists. He will go on to suggest some ways that education can bring artistic and technical approaches together, apply some of the technical things we know on the artistic side, and learn what the artistic side of the business needs and wants. He proposes to address such issues as “mix buss performance” claims and the performance of various processors (which are quite nonlinear, for good reason). It is his hope that we can continue to push the understanding of perception, which should help create the “really here” immersive understanding that is the goal of the realists, the “you could never be here but you wish you could” sensation of the avant-garde, and encourage the delivery systems of the world to “get with the program.”
You can read more about the Richard C. Heyser Memorial Lecture Series on the Technical Council website.
Saturday, October 27, 8:00 pm — 9:00 pm (Room 131)
Poe—A Life and Stories in Sound
Presenter:Phil Proctor, Firesign Theater
Abstract:
Starring Phil Proctor of the Firesign Theater as Edgar Allen Poe, this one hour live audio drama performance will highlight Poe's life and stories in sound. Featuring scenes from Poe's most famous short stories and "moments" in his life this presentation will feature actors, live sound effects artists, recorded effects, and original music to bring to life Poe and his works.
The evening will feature the actor Phil Proctor (Firesign Theatre / Crazy Dog Audio Theater / Animation for Disney, etc.) as Edgar sharing moments from his life which led to writing works like "The Tell Tale Heart," "The Cask of Amontillado," and many others. In addition to Phil the cast will include voice actors Melinda Peterson, Lucien Dodge, and possibly one more actor who will help to bring to life Edgar's stories.
Produced and directed by award winning audio dramatist Sue Zizza with sound design by David Shinn of SueMedia Productions.
Sunday, October 28, 10:45 am — 12:15 pm (Room 120)
Double Yer Money! ... An Hour that Could Change Your Earning Prospects Forever
Presenter:Peter Filleul, APRS - UK - London, UK; Music Producers' Guild - London, UK
Abstract:
Presentations and discussion that looks at the implications of recording in countries that enjoy neighbouring rights and revenues. Explore how recording in the UK can entitle performers (and producers) to significant streams of revenue. Hear the latest developments at PPL (the collection society in the UK) that smooth the way for claims from “Eligible Studio Producers” who record in the UK and have the criteria that PPL have identified that will enable a studio producer to make a claim explained. How will this effect U.S. and UK recording studios? Will UK studios, keen to attract work from the USA, have a special competitive edge on their U.S. counterparts? How will the new WIPO Audio Visual Performances Treaty impact on performer revenues in the USA—and when? Will these economic realities add leverage to efforts to acquire similar terrestrial rights in the USA.?
This Special Event will be conducted by Producer Rights activist and Chairman of the European Sound Directors' Association, Peter Filleul and attended by key P&E Wing council members and will include an A/V presentation and Q&A session.
Sunday, October 28, 1:30 pm — 3:00 pm (Room 134)
Platinum Producers and Engineers
Moderator:Michael Romanowski, Michael Romanowski Mastering - San Francisco, CA, USA
Panelists:
Jack Douglas
Narada Michael Walden
Young Guru, Roc Nation - Brooklyn, NY
Abstract:
President of the NARAS Board of Governors and mastering ace Michael Romanowski moderates a superstar panel of world-renowned producers and engineers who have inspired and produced some of today’s most memorable and iconic recordings. Participants will discuss the creative recording and mixing techniques they’ve developed, playing samples of their work to illustrate their most successful collaborations. They will reminisce about their most memorable moments in the studio and talk about what it's like to work with artists over an impressively wide variety of genres including rock, jazz, pop, hip hop, R&B and fusion. Finally, they will reflect on how the recording process has changed over the years and how it has affected their creativity in the studio.
Sunday, October 28, 3:30 pm — 5:00 pm (Room 134)
Platinum Mastering: Mastered for iTunes
Moderator:Bob Ludwig, Gateway Mastering Studios, Inc. - Portland, ME, USA
Panelists:
Eric Boulanger, The Mastering Lab - Ojai, CA, USA
Robert Katz, Digital Domain Mastering - Orlando, FL, USA
Abstract:
Mastering Apple Inc.'s "Mastered for iTunes" Initiative, the Science, the Procedures and the Results
Apple's iTunes Store is the largest music vendor in the world. Last year, with the introduction of Colbie Caillat's All of You download, they began selling higher fidelity AAC encodes for no additional cost to the consumer. Some mastering and recording engineers have misunderstood what it is about and there has been a surprising amount of negative and incorrect press about what it does and does not do. Observing Apple's market share, the new procedure should be understood by every mastering engineer. The Apple "Mastered for iTunes" initiative is based on 100% solid science and it can sometimes yield AAC encodes so close to the 44-kHz/24 bit PCM encode masters that many have failed an A-B-X listening test. Please come and find out all there is to know and ask questions.
Sunday, October 28, 6:30 pm — 9:00 pm (Room 134)
Wrecking Crew Film & Q&A
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Abstract:
The Wrecking Crew were a group of Los Angeles-based studio musicians in the 1960s who played on hits for the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Sonny and Cher, Jan & Dean, The Monkees, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Mamas and Papas, Tijuana Brass, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Rivers, and were Phil Spector's Wall of Sound. Behind every recording was an elite group of engineers, using groundbreaking and innovative techniques to capture the distinct sound of the musicians. With more Gold and Platinum credits than The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elvis, and Elton combined, “The Wrecking Crew,” is the most storied, yet anonymous group in recording history.
Produced and directed by Denny Tedesco, son of legendary late Wrecking Crew guitarist Tommy Tedesco, this elusive yet highly praised documentary film features interviews with Brian Wilson, Cher, Roger McGuinn, and many Wrecking Crew members, including Glen Campbell, a durable superstar, in his own right. Tedesco and special guest Don Randi will hold a Q&A following the screening.
Watch a trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xs2kJn6PBE
Monday, October 29, 11:00 am — 12:00 pm (Room 133)
Delivering Audio Innovation to the Audience
Presenter:Rupert Brun, BBC Audio & Music - London, UK
Abstract:
Since 1960 TV has gone color, widescreen, HD, and even 3-D but the audio experience of listening to the radio hasn't changed much since stereo was introduced in the late 1950s. Head of Technology for BBC Audio & Music Rupert Brun will explain how and why he has delivered audience facing innovation for radio listeners in the UK over the last 3 years. He will focus on 3 examples: Wide dynamic range (by radio standards) classical music, dialog enhancement for those with a hearing disability, and rendered binaural music and drama including surround sound derived from archive (co-incident pair) stereo recordings. Rupert will discuss the importance of working across organizational boundaries and of partnerships with other organizations and touch on the use of Twitter to gain real-time feedback, allowing an idea to be adjusted to meet the needs of the audience and turned from experiment to permanent service in just a few months.
