AES Los Angeles 2014
Project Studio Expo Session Details
Friday, October 10, 11:15 am — 12:15 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE1 - Vocal Recording in the Project Studio
Presenter:Mike Senior, Sound On Sound - Munich, Germany; Cambridge Music Technology
Abstract:
Recording vocals is easy, right? Just put up a large-diaphragm condenser mic (with popshield) about six inches away from your mouth, sling up a couple of old quilts to soak up the room sound, grab a pair of headphones for monitoring, and you're away! Sadly, however, this approach frequently achieves poor or inappropriate results in real-world project studios. To find out why, join Sound On Sound magazine's "Session Notes" and "Mix Rescue" columnist Mike Senior who'll be using live demonstrations and audio examples to show you how to get the best out of the stereotypical project-studio vocal tracking setup -- as well as exploring a variety of common situations where you're actually better off abandoning it completely.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Friday, October 10, 12:30 pm — 1:30 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE2 - It Won't Sound Right If You Don't Hear It Right: Studio Acoustics, Monitoring & Critical Listening
Presenter:Hugh Robjohns, Technical Editor, Sound on Sound - Cambridge, UK
Abstract:
The monitoring environment acoustics and the monitoring chain are critical to the music production process. Any weaknesses impact negatively not only on the overall quality of mixes, but also on the confidence and ability of the user to assess and process audio material efficiently and effectively. This workshop examines the theoretical requirements and practical optimization of high-quality monitoring systems for home and project studios, drawing on the author´s experiences in the "Studio SOS" series published in Sound On Sound magazine. It will also explore the options for monitoring controllers and loudspeakers, optimizing control room acoustics, and honing critical listening skills.
Replaces former PSE2 and PSE3 which have been canceled.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Friday, October 10, 1:45 pm — 2:45 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE4 - The Five Most Common Project Studio Recording Mistakes
Presenter:Mike Senior, Sound On Sound - Munich, Germany; Cambridge Music Technology
Abstract:
Tearing your hair out at mixdown? Then you've probably fallen into one of the classic project-studio traps during tracking. Learn what they are—and, more importantly, how to avoid them—in this down-to-earth workshop with Sound On Sound magazine's "Session Notes" and "Mix Rescue" columnist Mike Senior. The seminar will be specifically tailored to those working on a budget and will feature insider tips on equipment choice, mic technique, and session psychology, with plenty of supporting audio examples so you can judge the results with your own ears.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Friday, October 10, 3:00 pm — 4:00 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE5 - Listen Up, and Learn!
Presenters:Stephen Webber, Berklee College of Music - Valencia, Spain
Alex Case, University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA, USA
Abstract:
Bring your ears, your artistry, and your opinions for an hour dedicated to the art of listening. Guided by your hosts, Stephen Webber and Alex U. Case, you'll focus on an iconic record that is a proven success—artistically and commercially—and glean useful aural insights. We'll listen as producers, engineers, composers, performers, and music fans analyzing the elements that contribute to the work's success. You'll gain a deeper appreciation of this recording. More importantly, you'll be inspired to approach your own work in new ways. Most importantly, you'll get an up-close view into how experienced audio engineers break down what they hear, empowering you to keep learning whenever you listen.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Friday, October 10, 4:15 pm — 5:00 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE6 - Where to Focus Your Studio Gear Purchasing with a Limited Budget
Presenter:Larry Crane, Tape Op Magazine - Portland, OR, USA; Jackpot! Recording Studio
Abstract:
Musicians and home recordists on lower budgets are always on the prowl for recording equipment deals and looking to upgrade what they currently have. Tape Op magazine founder and editor, Larry Crane, was once a musician recording at home and for 18 years has owned a commercial studio, Jackpot! recording in Portland, Oregon. In this presentation he will cover what recording equipment is truly important, how to never regret your purchases, and where to focus your spending.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Friday, October 10, 5:15 pm — 6:00 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE7 - Irons in the Fire: Career and Business Development Mentoring with the Manhattan Producers Alliance
Presenters:Joe Carroll, Manhattan Producers Alliance - New York, NY, USA
"Bassy" Bob Brockman
Steve Horowitz, Game Audio Institute - San Francisco, CA, USA; Nickelodeon Digital
Jerome Rossen, Freshmade Music - San Francisco, CA, USA; Manhattan Producers Alliance
Carl Tatz, Carl Tatz Design - Nashville, TN, USA
Rick Torres, 17 Hertz - North Hollywood, CA, USA
Richard Warp, Manhattan Producers Alliance - San Francisco, CA; Leapfrog Enterprises Inc - Emeryville, CA, USA
Abstract:
This event will offer fresh insights into career development, networking and entrepreneurship in an ever-changing industry. Bring your energy, enthusiasm, business ideas and questions. At this event the focus is on YOU! ?Succeeding in music today is, more than ever, challenging. Members of the Manhattan Producers Alliance will give a brief talk about developing your brand and your business, and functioning as a creative talent. Take this unique opportunity to meet some Manhattan Producers Alliance members and learn some tips and tricks for business development. You’ll participate in our open discussions, discuss your personal career goals one on one, and get a chance to meet some ManhatPro members. Be sure and stay after the formal session (6:00-6:30) for a consultation with one our ManhatPro member mentors...
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Saturday, October 11, 10:45 am — 12:15 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE8 - Creating a Project Studio
Moderator:John Storyk, Architect, Studio Designer and Principal, Walters-Storyk Design Group - Highland, NY, USA
Panelists:
Nellie Barnett, Singer, VO artist, actress - Los Angeles, CA, USA
PK Pandey, Director, GC Pro
Chris Pelonis, Musician, studio designer/owner - Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Abstract:
Part 1: How to create the best sounding, most ergonomically functional and aesthetically pleasing project studio possible on a given a budget (with questions from the audience). Part 2: Addressing the needs and goals for low, medium, and high-budget studios. The discussion will encompass site selection, construction, acoustics, technology, neighbors, clients, and other issues encountered and overcome.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Saturday, October 11, 12:30 pm — 1:15 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE9 - Mixing Secrets: Production Tricks to Use with any DAW
Presenter:Mike Senior, Sound On Sound - Munich, Germany; Cambridge Music Technology
Abstract:
Affordable DAW software now provides all the processing tools you need to create commercially competitive music mixes within a home, college, or project studio. As such, the overriding concern for budget-conscious engineers these days should be to develop effective habits with regard to studio monitoring, mix balancing, and quality control. Important techniques in each of these three areas are often neglected in small-scale productions, leading to mixes that don't stack up against professional releases, or that collapse on some mass-market listening systems. In this seminar Sound On Sound magazine's "Mix Rescue" columnist Mike Senior will draw on his experience of thousands of project-studio mixes to highlight the most frequently overlooked studio tricks. In the process he'll demonstrate how these methods can powerfully upgrade your sonics without breaking the bank, no matter which DAW you're using.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Saturday, October 11, 1:30 pm — 2:15 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE13 - Listen Up, and Learn!—Track 2
Presenters:Stephen Webber, Berklee College of Music - Valencia, Spain
Alex Case, University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA, USA
Abstract:
Bring your ears, your artistry, and your opinions for an hour dedicated to the art of listening. Guided by your hosts, Stephen Webber and Alex U. Case, you'll focus on another iconic record that is a proven success—artistically and commercially—and glean useful aural insights. We'll listen as producers, engineers, composers, performers, and music fans, analyzing the elements that contribute to the work's success. You'll gain a deeper appreciation of this recording. More importantly, you'll be inspired to approach your own work in new ways. Most importantly, you'll get an up-close view into how experienced audio engineers break down what they hear, empowering you to keep learning whenever you listen.
Replaces PSE10 which is canceled.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Saturday, October 11, 2:30 pm — 3:45 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE11 - The Special Sauce for Mixing a Hit Record
Presenters:Fab Dupont
Mick Guzauski
Abstract:
Producer Fab Dupont (Mark Ronson, Jennifer Lopez) talks with esteemed mix engineer, Mick Guzauski (Daft Punk, Pharrell) as they walk through one of today’s hottest tracks. Hear how the pros approach crafting a hit with the same tools available to you and what that “special sauce” is too.
Saturday, October 11, 4:00 pm — 4:45 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE12 - The Importance of a Reference Monitoring Level
Presenter:Hugh Robjohns, Technical Editor, Sound on Sound - Cambridge, UK
Abstract:
If you're serious about recording and mixing you need to set a consistent reference level to which you can always return. SOS Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns explains the concept of a reference operating level in the DAW and how that relates to the common metering formats, before showing how to extend that reference level into the acoustic domain with a simple seven-step process resulting in an appropriate calibrated loudspeaker monitoring level.
AES Members can watch a video of this session for free.
Sunday, October 12, 11:00 am — 11:45 am (Stage PSE)
PSE14 - Focal Press
Moderator:Kyle P. Snyder, Ohio University, School of Media Arts & Studies - Athens, OH, USA
Presenters:
Alex Case, University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA, USA
Jason Corey, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI, USA
David Miles Huber, www.davidmileshuber.com - Seattle/Berlin; Seattle/Berlin
Mike Senior, Sound On Sound - Munich, Germany; Cambridge Music Technology
Abstract:
Mixing Perspectives: Tales of achieving big studio results on a project studio budget.
Sunday, October 12, 12:00 pm — 12:45 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE15 - Audionamix
Abstract:
Who is Audionamix / What is ADX TRAX? We will demo the workflow and features of ADX TRAX and present a video of what's to come in the near future with the announcement of TRAX Pro. Q&A will follow.
Sunday, October 12, 1:00 pm — 1:45 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE16 - Focusrite Novation
Abstract:
• Recording with Focusrite Novation (Demos with musician); • Songwriting with Focusrite Novation (Demos with musician); • Recording Guitar & Vocal with Focusrite Novation (Demos with musician); • Studio & Mobile Recording with Focusrite Novation (Demos with musician); • Q&A with audience.
Sunday, October 12, 2:00 pm — 2:45 pm (Stage PSE)
PSE17 - Real-World AVB Networking in the Studio and on Stage Using MOTU AVB Audio Interfaces
Abstract:
Product, technology presentation with audio interfaces and networking
