AES New York 2013
Live Sound Seminar Details
Thursday, October 17, 9:00 am — 11:00 am (Room 1E12)
LS1 - AC Power and Grounding
Chair:Bruce C. Olson, Olson Sound Design - Brooklyn Park, MN, USA; Ahnert Feistel Media Group - Berlin, Germany
Panelist:
Bill Whitlock, Jensen Transformers, Inc. - Chatsworth, CA, USA; Whitlock Consulting - Oxnard, CA, USA
Abstract:
There is a lot of misinformation about what is needed for AC power for events. Much of it has to do with life-threatening advice. This panel will discuss how to provide AC power properly and safely and without causing noise problems. This session will cover power for small to large systems, from a couple boxes on sticks up to multiple stages in ballrooms, road houses, and event centers; large scale installed systems, including multiple transformers and company switches, service types, generator sets, 1ph, 3ph, 240/120 208/120. Get the latest information on grounding and typical configurations by this panel of industry veterans.
Thursday, October 17, 2:30 pm — 4:30 pm (Room 1E12)
LS2 - Audio Network and Transport
Chair:Jim Risgin, On Stage Audio - Wood Dale, IL, USA
Panelists:
Mark Dittmar, Firehouse Productions
Phil Reynolds, System Tech, The Killers
Robert Silfvast, Avid - Mountain View, CA, USA
Abstract:
As audio and control over network become more predominate in today’s live sound environment managing the network becomes more challenging. This panel will discuss the problems, challenges, and solutions required that are associated with sharing the bandwith between audio and control as well as the unique challenges created by all the different manufacturers and protocols. Our discussion will rely heavily upon questions and comments from the audience as your experiences, pitfalls and questions are central to these common challenges today.
Thursday, October 17, 4:30 pm — 6:30 pm (Room 1E12)
LS3 - Sound System Optimization
Chair:Bob McCarthy, Meyer Sound Labs
Panelists:
Jamie Anderson, Rational Acoustics - Putnam, CT, USA
Josh Evans, TC Group - Austin, TX, USA
John Sandrett
Tom Young
Geoff Zink
Abstract:
Sound system tuning is a multi-step process that begins long before the pink noise can be heard and generally goes until the keyboard is pried from our hands. What are the steps and procedures taken to ensure a successful tuning? How do we convince clients to give us the time and resources to do this vital work? How do we prioritize our limited resources when time is short? (Like always) What can be done ahead of time?
Panel members are all very experienced with the process of system optimization, albeit from a variety of perspectives. Please join us and add your voice to this discussion of system optimization.
Friday, October 18, 9:00 am — 11:00 am (Room 1E12)
LS4 - Designing for Broadway Theater
Chair:Tom Morse, Morse Sound Design - New York, NY, USA
Panelists:
Peter Fitzgerald
Kai Harada, Harada Sound Design - New York, NY, USA
Abe Jacob, David H. Koch Theater - New York, NY, USA
Joshua Reid
Abstract:
We will focus first on a brief history of how sound on Broadway began, then on what makes Broadway Sound Design unique in the audio industry. That will include what is required of a sound designer on Broadway, working with the producer, director, other designers, and what paperwork is needed in order to bid, build, and install the show. A Broadway theater is a four-wall rental meaning the production is placed in an empty shell. All equipment is brought in and installed for what may be a week or could turn into 15 years. This requires a great deal of planning and forethought because the show evolves and can change drastically from first rehearsal (when the paperwork is already over due) to opening night.
Friday, October 18, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm (Room 1E12)
LS5 - Dealing with Noise Pollution in Theaters
Chair:Tom Clark, Acme Design
Panelists:
Damian Doria
Scott Lehrer, Scott Lehrer Sound Design, Ltd. - New York, NY, USA
Tom Morse, Morse Sound Design - New York, NY, USA
Abstract:
As video projection, moving lights, and automated scenery have become common in Broadway productions, the noise they each create has become a problem for the sound design team to overcome without losing the subtle use of sound reinforcement and sound effects. This is a discussion among designers about ways to deal with this increasing problem.
Friday, October 18, 2:30 pm — 4:30 pm (Room 1E12)
LS6 - Wireless Microphones and Performers: Mic Placement and Handling for Multiple Actors
Panelists:Mary McGregor, Freelance, Local 1 - New York, NY, USA
Stephanie Vetter, Freelance, Local 1 - New York, NY, USA
Abstract:
Fitting actors with wireless microphone elements and transmitters has become a detailed art form. From ensuring the actor is comfortable and the electronics are safe and secure, to getting the proper sound with minimal detrimental audio effects all while maintaining the visual illusion, one 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.”
Friday, October 18, 4:30 pm — 6:30 pm (Room 1E12)
LS7 - Design for Houses of Worship and Installed Sound
Chair:Bill Thrasher, Sr., Thrasher Design Group, Inc. - Kennesaw, GA, USA
Abstract:
One of the professional audio industry's largest and persistently expanding markets, the House of Worship sector has matured into a highly sophisticated, demanding, and incredibly diverse collection. This panel will discuss issues ranging from budget to design & install, from service & support to operational training, from the perspectives of management, manufacturers, consultants/designers, contractors, vendors, users, operators, and the listeners.
Saturday, October 19, 9:00 am — 11:00 am (Room 1E12)
LS8 - Design Meets Reality: The A2’s and Production Sound Mixer’s Challenges, Obstacles, and Responsibilities for Loading in and Implementing the Sound Designer’s Concept
Chair:Christopher Evans, Benedum Center - Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Panelists:
Colle Bustin, IRES-Partners, LLC - New York, NY, USA
Paul Garrity, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander - New York, NY, USA; Auerbach Pollock Friedlander - San Francisco, CA, USA
Scott Lehrer, Scott Lehrer Sound Design, Ltd. - New York, NY, USA
Augie Propersi, NYC City Center
Dominic Sack, Sound Associates, Inc.
Christopher Sloan, Production Engineer, The Book of Mormon
Abstract:
The best intentions of the sound designer don’t always fit in with the venue’s interior 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.
Saturday, October 19, 11:00 am — 12:30 pm (Room 1E12)
LS9 - Assuring High Quality Speech Intelligibility for Sports Events In Stadiums
Chair:Renato Cipriano, Walters Storyk Design Group Brazil
Panelists:
Sergio Molho, Walters Storyk Design Group - Highland, NY, USA
John Storyk, Walters-Storyk Design Group - Highland, NY, USA
Abstract:
Establishing high quality speech intelligibility for sports events in stadiums requires a somewhat different mindset than that required for an optimum concert sound. However, stadiums frequently host both these types of events, and systems must be adaptable to both. Two key issues to consider are Speech Intelligibility (more critical than the frequency response of the system for sports events) and Uniform Sound Coverage, which is critical to meeting FIFA rules and regulations. For the past two+ years, WSDG Brazil has been working on three major stadium projects simultaneously, in preparation for the 2016 Olympics. A number of venerable older Brazilian arenas are currently undergoing substantial upgrades. Work on the Mineirão Stadium (1965) in Belo Horizonte was completed last year. It has already hosted Paul McCartney and will host the 2014 World Cup. Renovations on Independencia (1950), Brazil’s largest stadium, also in Belo Horizonte are approaching completion. Renovations on the Maracanã Stadium (1950) in Rio de Janeiro will be completed later this year. WSDG Brazil is tasked with designing the acoustics and the complete audio and video systems for all three stadiums. This presentation will cover: Analysis of Requirements Involved in The Design Process of Stadium Sound Systems; including frequency response, target STL and STI values, coverage (SPL distribution) Zoning, Architectural and Structural Integration, redundancy, etc. Also to be covered are: Overall Electroacoustical Simulations and Auralization for Large Arenas. Additionally, the presentation will address: Sound System Design For Security (Evacuation/Public Address Announcements) including Broadcast Requirements and, Zoning/Distribution Issues Which Require Special Attention And Drive Design Decisions.
Saturday, October 19, 2:30 pm — 4:30 pm (Room 1E12)
LS10 - Production Wireless Systems: An Examination of Antennas, Coax, Filters, and Other Tips and Tricks from the Experts
Chair:James Stoffo, Radio Active Designs - Key West, FL, USA
Panelists:
Brooks Schroeder, Frequency Coordination Group - Orlando, FL, USA
Vinnie Siniscal, Firehouse Productions - Red Hook, NY, USA
Ed Weizcerak, Freelance
Abstract:
Beyond the basics of accepted RF practices for wireless microphones, intercoms, IEMs, and IFBs is a plethora of facts about antennas, coax, and other passives not commonly understood by the production community at large. This session is comprised of an expert group of RF practitioners who will discuss the various types and performance characteristics of antennas, coax, filters, isolators/circulators, hybrid combiners, directional couplers, and other devices along with their own tips and tricks for dealing with difficult deployments.
Saturday, October 19, 4:30 pm — 7:00 pm (Room 1E12)
LS11 - TVBDs, Geo-Location Databases, and Upcoming Spectrum Auctions: An In-Depth Look and Their Impact on Wireless Microphone Operations
Chair:Henry Cohen, CP Communications
Panelists:
Joe Ciaudelli, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation - Old Lyme, CT, USA
Ira Keltz, Federal Communications Commission
Michael Marcus, Marcus Spectrum Solutions - Cabin John, MD, USA
David Pawlik, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom - Washington, DC, USA
Edgar Reihl, Shure, Incorporated - Niles, IL, USA
Peter Stanforth, Specrum Bridge
James Stoffo, Radio Active Designs - Key West, FL, USA
Abstract:
Television band devices (TVBD) and geo-location databases directing TVBD operations are a reality, and the first certified fixed TVBDs are in service. The 600 MHz auction may likely occur in 2014 with a vacate date within the next six to eight years. Operating wireless microphones, IEMs, intercoms, and cueing in this new environment requires understanding how the databases work, the rules governing both licensed and unlicensed wireless production equipment, and what spectrum is currently available and will be available in the future. This panel brings together a diverse group of individuals intimately involved from the beginning with TVBDs, databases, spectrum auctions, and the new FCC rules as well as seasoned veterans of medium- to large-scale wireless microphone deployments to discuss how the databases operate, how to use the database for registering TV channel usage, and best procedures and practices to insure minimal problems.
Sunday, October 20, 11:00 am — 1:00 pm (Room 1E12)
LS12 - An Interview with Dave Natale
Panelists:Keith Clark, ProSound Web
Dave Natale, Audio Resource Group, Inc. - Lancaster, PA, USA
Abstract:
Dave Natale is a veteran of over 30 years mixing front of house for the biggest names in concert touring, having spent much of that time working for Clair Brothers Audio (now Clair Global). Dave will discuss his career, knowledge gained along the way, and what all FOH mixers should know and strive for. A Q&A will follow the interview. Keith Clark is the Editor of ProSoundWeb and has been involved in the pro audio publishing field for more than 20 years.
Sunday, October 20, 2:30 pm — 4:30 pm (Room 1E12)
LS13 - Audio for Corporate Presentations
Chair:Michael (Bink) Knowles, Freelance Engineer - Oakland, CA, USA
Panelists:
Paul Bevan
Bruce Cameron, House to Half Inc. - Carmel, NY, USA
Lee Kalish, Positive Feedback llc - Kingston, NY, USA
Abstract:
Sound for corporate events can be lucrative but it can also be very demanding. Complex matrixing or other unusual solutions may be required in signal routing to loudspeaker zones, recording devices, distant participants and web streaming. Amplifying lavalier mics strongly into a loudspeaker system is its own art. Client relations are of top importance. We will talk about how these factors shape our differing approaches to corporate sound systems. Audience questions are encouraged.
