AES Berlin 2014
Project Studio Expo Session Details
Saturday, April 26, 11:00 — 12:00 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE1 - Listening Like a Producer
Presenter:Stephen Webber, Berklee College of Music - Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
Critical listening skills are essential for all audio professionals. Tools and strategies for setting up proper monitoring, deciding what speakers to purchase, and small room acoustics are crucial. Just as important are the development of listening skills on technical, emotional, and kinesthetic levels. Stephen Webber, the author of the online course "Music Production Analysis," will tune up your listening in this focused session.
Saturday, April 26, 12:00 — 13:00 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE2 - Basic Microphone Technology
Presenter:Ron Streicher, Pacific Audio-Visual Enterprises - Pasadena, CA, USA
Abstract:
How do microphones work? What differentiates one operating type of transducer from another? How and why do they sound different? What are polar patterns, and how do they affect the way a microphone responds to sound? What is “proximity effect” and why do some mics exhibit more of it than others? What’s the truth about capsule size — does it really matter? These are just a few of the topics covered in this brief overview of Basic Microphone Technology.
Saturday, April 26, 14:30 — 15:30 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE3 - Tracking and Levels
Presenter:Carsten Kaiser, META4S Creative Studio - Hattingen, Germany
Abstract:
In this basic recording workshop you will learn more about the interrelation between project studio gear and recording levels. Did you ever ask yourself: Which is the “best” recording level? Do I have to consider headroom in my DAW software? How important is SN-ratio in the digital age? Do I have to calibrate my plugins? Carsten Kaiser will show you how to use proper Gain Staging to get the most out of your DAW-productions.
Saturday, April 26, 15:30 — 16:30 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE4 - Professional Mixes from Your Project Studio - Common Mistakes, Immediate Solutions
Presenters:Alex Case, University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA, USA
Carsten Kaiser, META4S Creative Studio - Hattingen, Germany
Stephen Webber, Berklee College of Music - Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
Mixing strategies for getting organized, staying creative, making decisions, and addressing the classic symptoms of a rookie mix. Come hear our experts share their wisdom on getting the perfect mix.
Saturday, April 26, 16:30 — 17:30 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE5 - Mixing: "What Is a Plate Reverb and Why Does It Still Matter in Today's Digital World?"
Presenter:Alex Case, University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA, USA
Abstract:
The power of our digital production environments is truly thrilling, rich with so much potential. But we don’t just look forward. Significant audio innovations from the prior century – like Plate Reverb – still influence our craft and our sound. It’s not a preset. It is a unique piece of hardware, with a signature sound so important, so useful, that we seek out vintage units, build our own and digitally archive, model, and emulate them. Find out why, and make Plate Reverb part of your production toolkit.
Saturday, April 26, 17:30 — 18:30 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE6 - How Did They Get that Sound?
Presenter:Carsten Kaiser, META4S Creative Studio - Hattingen, Germany
Abstract:
Ever wondered how to record, arrange, and mix the vocals for a hit record? In this event Carsten Kaiser explains the vocal production of David Guetta’s Titanium - track by track. You will find out how to record a radio-ready vocal performance. You will learn how to lay out a professional sounding arrangement for backing vocals. And last but not least, you will get lots of info about how to edit and mix these vocals in the style of David Guetta.
Sunday, April 27, 10:00 — 11:00 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE7 - Advanced Vocal Editing
Presenter:Carsten Kaiser, META4S Creative Studio - Hattingen, Germany
Abstract:
Vocals are a crucial factor in Pop and Rock. A great vocal performance can really make the difference. Carsten Kaiser presents how to get the most out of a singer’s performance with the help of some clever editing techniques. Learn how to comp “larger than life” performances. And find out how to support the “star factor” of a vocalist with the help of natural sounding pitch and correction tactics. All this in due consideration of preserving high signal quality as well as vocal authenticity.
Sunday, April 27, 11:00 — 12:00 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE8 - EDM: Live Performance Mixing Techniques
Presenter:Stephen Webber, Berklee College of Music - Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
DJ-ing is the live expression of today's audio engineer and music producer. In a genre where the mixer IS the artist, a variety of new tools are available to expand creative expression. Stephen Webber, the author of the best selling books Turntable Technique: The Art of the DJ, and DJ Skills: The Ultimate Guide to Mixing and Scratching, will take us through current developments and creative concepts that can be applied to any production.
Sunday, April 27, 12:30 — 13:30 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE9 - Setting Up Your Own Chamber Reverb at Home
Presenter:Alex Case, University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA, USA
Abstract:
If your studio has a bathroom, your studio should have a Chamber Reverb. Acoustically generated reverb isn’t just for concert halls and cathedrals. Any sound reflective space – a bathroom, a basement, a garage – is a good candidate for generating acoustic resonance. Alex Case reviews the history, the science, the technology, and the art of setting up your own chamber. You have a reverb sound nobody else does. Are you ready to use it?
Sunday, April 27, 13:30 — 14:30 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE10 - Mastering Engineering—The Link to Your Audience
Presenters:Gavin Lurssen, Lurssen Mastering - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Andrew Mendelson, Georgetown Masters - Nashville, TN, USA
Michael Romanowski, Michael Romanowski Mastering - San Francisco, CA, USA; Owner Coast Recorders
Abstract:
No matter how much time and effort is put into your recordings and mixes, if your music isn't delivered to your audience properly, they will never realize the vision you intended. This is what makes mastering so vital. It's the bridge between your studio and the listener for whom you create. In this session world renowned Mastering Engineers discuss how to get the most out of the mastering process in an open discussion with attendees.
Sunday, April 27, 15:00 — 16:00 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE11 - How Did They Get that Sound?
Presenter:Alex Case, University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA, USA
Abstract:
Alex Case dissects popular recordings and reverse engineers some of their sonic secrets – sure to inspire you to create your own variations on the good ideas we hear in the mixes we love.
Sunday, April 27, 16:00 — 17:00 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE12 - The Business of Being in the Music Business
Presenters:David Miles Huber, www.davidmileshuber.com - Seattle/Berlin; Seattle/Berlin
Carsten Kaiser, META4S Creative Studio - Hattingen, Germany
Gavin Lurssen, Lurssen Mastering - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Andrew Mendelson, Georgetown Masters - Nashville, TN, USA
Michael Romanowski, Michael Romanowski Mastering - San Francisco, CA, USA; Owner Coast Recorders
Stephen Webber, Berklee College of Music - Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
Our panel of seasoned experts discusses the ins and outs of making a career in today’s music business.
Sunday, April 27, 17:00 — 18:30 (Estrel Hall C)
PSE13 - Fix it in the Mic—Using Microphones as Your EQ
Presenter:Julian David, AEA Ribbon Microphones - Cologne, Germany
Abstract:
Have you ever struggled with too many instruments fighting for real estate when mixing? Or have you ever wished you would have spotted an issue earlier, while EQ'ing a signal to death just to make it fit in the mix? Particularly in project studios, when recording time is more expensive than mix time, it's easy to postpone important decisions until later, opening the door to a myriad of avoidable problems. Producer/engineer and ribbon microphone expert Julian David will present microphone techniques and recording strategies for getting a great sound during tracking rather than "fixing it in the mix." A special focus will be on affordable and realistic solutions to improve your sound at home and in project studios.
