Archives for 2002

The first inaugural New York Audio Production Show will premiere at Madison Square Garden on January 30 – February 1, 2003, 3 weeks prior to the Grammys. The 3-day event is comprised of a cornucopia of several educational activities including a technical Pro Tools International Users Conference, industry leader panels and discussions, vendor workshops, user group meetings and an exhibition. The purpose of the show is to provide “how-to” technical info, creative insights, the latest trends in audio production and provide audiophiles the spectrum of current buying options. The event is designed for East Coast-based sound designers, technicians, audio engineers, producers, performers, sound contractors and these professionals working in sound post-production reinforcement, broadcast stations, film and video productions.

Says Rick Friedman, President of Mindshare Ventures, the producer of the event, “There hasn’t been an event for audio pros in NYC for over a year so we expect 3,000+ to attend and we believe it’s a great opportunity for audiophiles to get distilled advice, objective opinions and demo the latest products at a great location – Madison Square Garden.”

Chaired by Mix’s journalist, Paul Verna, the 12 Keynote sessions are open, free to all attendees. Topics discussed include:

• A Case Study of Super Audio CD Technology
• Music in Commercials: Licensing vs. Original
• How Commercial Studios are Dealing with the Home Recording Boom
• The Effects of Smaller, Lighter, Better and Cheaper, Digital Broadcast
• Audio
• Sound for Pictures
• Sound for Live Events
• The Rise of Internet Studios
• Careers in Music Production: Advice from Grammy Winners
• Deconstructing a Hit, Fixing It in the (Re)mix

The Pro Tools Conference, chaired by Ben Kozuch, President of Future Media Concepts, a Digidesign certified instructor, offers 13 tech sessions for those using Pro Tools 5.5 and the new 6.0 for music and for post-production. The music track includes advanced music editing, MIDI tools and techniques, advanced mixing, control surfaces and surround for music. The Post-Production track discusses advanced file formats, advanced post editing, advanced mixing, synchronization, machine control, digital picture integration with AVoptionXL, control surfaces and surround for post.

Delegates can pre-register for 1 ($350) or 2 ($650) or all 3 days with a VIP pass ($825). A 15% early bird discount is given to all who register prior to Dec. 13, 2002.

The NY Audio Production Show is co-located with The NY Digital Video Show -expo and special events/Keynotes. Attendees can attend all the planned events over the 3 days for digital video and visual effects. In total, over 10,000 attendees are expected to register for all the events.

About the Organizers

Mindshare Ventures
Mindshare Ventures is a NYC based producer of vendor-specific user conferences in the digital video, special effects/animation and audio production sectors. Past events include The NY DV Show 2002, The LA DV Show 2002, Avid World and The Pro Tools Conference.

Future Media Concepts, Inc.
Future Media Concepts, based in NYC, Boston, Washington DC, Miami, Orlando and Philadelphia is the East Coast region’s premier digital media training center. FMC is an Adobe, Apple, Avid, Macromedia, Sony, Newtek, Discreet, Sonic, Digidesign, SoftImage and Pinnacle Certified Training Provider.

The new Harrison ST2 digital film / post-production console is designed for feature film and other post production applications requiring a large scale digital console solution. Its wide variety of control surface options featuring PCI based IKIS Automation, touch sensitive control knobs, efficient 2 toned color scheme, multi-operator platform options, input/output format options, and digital signal processing capacity, allows the user to customize the system for any specific application.

The feature set on this Harrison console includes innovations for the audio mixing professional with excellence as the ultimate goal:

• “Touch Sensitive” knobs on all shaft encoders for advanced automatic touch write / drop automation functions
• Dynamic “Profiling” – Any strip can control any channel at any time – console “Profiles” can be set up in addition to the static layer controls
• Plug-Ins – software Plug-Ins will allow the user to choose features and functions according to need – Future plug-ins include De-esser, Camera Noise Cleaner & Buss Limiter
• IKIS™ Automation platform, a PCI-based, multi-operator automation system offering 10 EQ shapes, 30 dB gain/cut, expanded dynamics controls and increased control resolution
• Multiple TFT’s offer vivid graphics controllable via standard pointing devices or optional “TouchPen™” Interface
• Expanded TFT graphics for control and monitoring of digital signals
• Expanded EQ control per strip (8 bands) with Notch, Hi/lo-pass and “Find” selection per band
• New Backlit parameter displays providing a smooth, clean and readable surface
• Backlit input meters diffuse harsh LED’s to provide a smooth surface appearance
• Two-toned color scheme by section provides a sharper overview when looking across the surface custom colors available

The system is underwritten by Harrison’s digital.engine™, unequalled in its power. The system possesses full, 40-bit digital signal processing AND digital interconnects exclusive Harrison technology. The digital routing switcher with up to 2240 X 2240 I/O – can function as a stand alone router.

The system allows up to 768 channels per digital core, with dedicated full processing on all busses on every channel – processing allocation is not necessary.

Other features include:

• 24 bit A/D and D/A converters (48K or 96K) Bypassable SRC on both AES Inputs AND AES OUTPUTS in groups of 8 – SRC on the AES outputs is another Harrison exclusive feature
• Up to 384 X 16 Summing/Monitor Matrix with Level, Mute and Solo 56 (112 optional) virtual PEC/Direct matrix
• Motorized, automated, joystick panners – developed by Harrison, they will soon be a Harrison exclusive as US Patent # 6264355 has just been issued covering the use of motorized joysticks for panning in audio consoles
• Upgrade the digital.engine to 96K or 192K via software
• Multi-operator control surface configurations with fully integrated automation accessible on a both sectional (per operator) and console wide basis
• High-resolution digital meters with user-selectable colors, threshold and scaling – a Harrison exclusive feature
• Complete surface control linking functions
• Multi-station intercom system (optional)

This new ST2 post-production console continues the Harrison legacy spanning back to 1975 when the first Harrison console was shipped. Harrison continues to innovate in the field of digital audio console technology.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Harrison is a world leader in the design, manufacture and support of advance technology digital film dubbing consoles as well as professional audio mixing consoles for television broadcast, video post-production, and live sound applications. Harrison continues to expand the capabilities of contemporary digital console architecture and design. Owner of primary patents for audio console technology, Harrison is committed to engineering innovation and excellence.

Dave Rice has been appointed President of Cerwin Vega and KRK Systems.

The appointment follows the Stanton Group’s successful bid for Cerwin Vega last month, and Mr. Rice will report directly to Gerard Cohen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Stanton Group.

Immediate priorities will be to review the current business operations, establish the overall direction of the organizations and implement business programs and procedures to obtain maximum profits.

Commented Mr. Rice, “Cerwin Vega has been a household name for many years, synonymous with value and bass. It has broad brand recognition in just about every speaker category (mobile/car, hi-fi, multi-media and pro) but has limited market share.

“This is because during the last few years the company has not reverse engineered products that consumers were asking for, nor at the prices they were willing to pay.”

He is confident that the company has the skilled workforce capable of turning its fortunes around. “Our biggest priorities are to staff up, develop new products and rapidly bring them to market, cut costs through better procurement and out-hustle our competition,” he continued.

“There is huge upside, especially at a time when the speaker markets are expected to grow.”

To expedite this, the Stanton Group will shortly be integrating KRK Systems into the Cerwin Vega operation in Simi Valley. “The engineering and marketing integration will bring new technology to CV, while KRK will enjoy CV’s experienced high-volume manufacturing resources.”

Before joining Cerwin Vega and KRK, Dave Rice had developed a successful career in MI retail (most recently as General Merchandising Manager for Musician’s Friend); he was also Pro Audio, Recording and DJ Buyer for Guitar Center and President of California-based Pro Sound & Stage Lighting.

Welcoming him aboard, Gerard Cohen said, “We are very fortunate to have Dave at the helm of Cerwin Vega and KRK. His extensive industry experience will be a significant asset to the organization and a significant force in poising the companies for future growth.”

About Stanton Magnetics

Stanton Magnetics was founded in 1946, with its roots in the cartridge and styli industry. Since the beginning, Stanton has been at the cutting edge of technology and development. Stanton is a worldwide leader in supplying quality products in the broadcast studio and recording industry, as well as the club and professional DJ markets. For information on Stanton Magnetics, visit the website or contact the company directly at 3000 SW 42nd St, Hollywood, FL 33312.

New Console Has “Got the Kicks” to Bring Multi-Platinum Projects to Life

Working over the years with acts such as Sinead O’Connor, Whitney Houston, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, The Fugees, City High, Mary J. Blige, Mya, Destiny’s Child and Carlos Santana, super-producers Wyclef Jean and Jerry Wonda are literally drenched in platinum projects. To keep this incredible momentum up, the decision was made to make their New York City studio, Platinum Sound, an all-Solid State Logic facility featuring an existing room with an SL 9000 J Series, as well as a new room based on the XL 9000 K Series SuperAnalogue™console.

“Right from the start we definitely wanted SSL,” states Jerry Wonda. “SSL consoles are the top of the line and everybody we know uses them. This made the decision to go with the J Series last year and the XL 9000 this year simple; we wanted the best facility, so we installed the best consoles.”

The decision to go with the XL in the new room was based in part on SSL’s reputation, combined with the desire to move into different types of projects like film scoring.

“There are a lot of studios in New York, but none of them ‘got the kicks’, if you know what I mean,” says Wyclef Jean. “We want our little studio to be anything that you want and that meant going with the XL. This console allows us to address 5.1 surround and DVD productions and that brings us into the future today to meet the demands of our business.”

The duo produces their own projects under the name Refugee Camp, with their “home” project studio and record label named Booga Basement with an additional record label Clef Records. The move into NYC was based on the sheer amount of demand.

“Basically, New York City is where the business is at,” claims Jean. “We found ourselves doing a lot of recording in New Jersey and a lot in New York, so we decided to build our own facility in New York because everyone is already there and that makes life easier for us.”

The J Series studio has been solidly booked since opening 18 months ago, and demand for XL sessions is already building up steam. The purchase of the XL also makes life easier because of the new High-Speed automation computer and integral 5.1 surround capabilities.

“The recall factor saves a lot of time,” says Wonda. “When you move something in a mix, the computer remembers it. This is very powerful because we always go back and listen to things and bang! you’re there. The mic pres sound great and the UltiPan system is hot. Everything you want to do can be done and that helps our vision of the future because we are looking at many types of media production. We are going into DVD and surround mixes. We are going into film and TV. The XL 9000 K Series will let us accomplish these directions and that is powerful.”