[August 10, 2011]

Live Sound Legends Rock 131st AES Convention

Perennial crowd pleasers, AES Convention Live Sound events are always distinguished by FOH 'household name' participants; spot on technical panels and invaluable production tips. Returning for a command performance as Live Sound Co-Chairs for the 131^st AES Convention, Henry Cohen, a leading RF expert, and top FOH pro Mac Kerr have once again pulled out all the stops. "Henry and Mac's depth of hands-on experience and technical know-how have been invaluable assets in their ability to build worthwhile events and panels," remarked Convention Chair Jim Anderson. "As touring continues to play a pivotal role in the pro audio world's economic story, the program they have developed is certain to provide a wealth of real-world advice and irreplaceable networking opportunities."

Legendary live sound mixer Dave Natale will discuss his career highlights at the 131st AES Convention in NYC in October. (Photo: Business Wire)

AES LIVE SOUND EVENTS INCLUDE:

ROBERT SCOVIL INTERVIEWS DAVE NATALE: With a cumulative 60+ years experience on the road around the globe for artists ranging from Tom Petty and Rush to Prince, Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz, The Rolling Stones, Yes, Fleetwood Mac, Madonna, Joe Cocker, Motley Crue, Lionel Richie, and John Mellencamp, these two FOH giants have writ their names large on the live sound landscape. This once in a lifetime dialogue will explore the ultimate live mixing experience. From technology idiosyncrasies, happy and not so happy accidents, and unforgettable performances, these two pros have seen, heard and mixed it all. And, done it live, with no retakes!

MULTI-TRACK REORDING FOR THE LIVE SOUND ENGINEER: Sam Berkow, SIA Acoustics. The commitment to multi-track record their live shows to disk is a rapidly expanding trend among performing artists. The impact of this increasingly important task places an additional burden on the FOH and monitor mixers. It can also impact the sound of the show itself. A panel of experienced sound mixers will address the various ramifications of this development.

PRODUCTION WIRELESS SYSTEMS - PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS AND PRACTICES: James Stoffo. One of the industry's premier RF coordinators, with numerous Super Bowls to his credit, Stoffo will moderate a panel of leading manufacturers in a discussion of RF Techniques. Topics will include: Proper Radio Spectrum (News - Alert) Band Planning; Antenna Specification and Techniques; Optimizing Audio Gain Staging; Scanners and Analyzers; Wireless Accessories; Squelch Threshold; RF War Gaming; Tips and Tricks for Maximum Success. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a recognized RF Master.

THEATRICAL MICROPHONE DRESSING: Mary McGregor, IATSE Local 1. Fitting actors with wireless microphones and transmitters has evolved into a true art form. The process encompasses concerns for actor comfort, the safety/security of the electronics plus while achieving optimal sound quality with minimal detrimental audio effects and maintaining the visual illusion. One of the most widely recognized artisans in the field, Ms. McGregor will provide hands on demonstrations of basic technique along with time tested "tricks of the trade."

THINGS I LEARNED ON (News - Alert) THE BROADWAY LADDER LESSONS FOR EVERY AUDIO CAREER: Jim Van Bergen independent sound designer/mixer. Learn what the pros learned the hard way. What they don't teach you in school and what applies to theatrical audio at all levels: high school, college, community, regional, and commercial. Industry secrets, practices to keep, and ways of working that will keep you working. A session to help guide the next generation's ascent up the ladder.

"Live sound courses through our blood," states Committee Co-Chair Mac Kerr. "Henry Cohen and I build our panels based on issues we know will make a difference in the way our peers function in this rapidly shifting environment."

"We maintain a long-standing wish list of people we'd like to make presentations at the Convention," Cohen adds. "The problem with nailing these folks down months in advance is that they're always one phone call away from a gig they just can't walk away from. We've been extremely fortunate this year to get people like Robert Scovil, Dave Natale, Sam Berkow and James Stoffo to commit at this stage in the game. I guess that also speaks to their abiding affection for the AES," Cohen concludes. "This promises to be a terrific year."

The 131^st Audio Engineering Convention will be held in NY's Jacob Javits Convention Center Thursday, October 20 thru Sunday, Oct. 23.

The Audio Engineering Society was formed in 1948 by a group of concerned audio engineers. The AES counts over 14,000 members throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Japan and the Far East. The organization serves as the pivotal force in the exchange and dissemination of technical information for the industry. For additional information visit http://www.aes.org.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6826434&lang=en

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]