— Presentations delve into the history of technologies and techniques of audio production —
The Audio Engineering Society will celebrate the rich history of professional audio through a series of Historical Track presentations at the 141st International AES Convention in Los Angeles. Taking place Thursday, September 29 – Sunday, October 2, 2016, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, AES Los Angeles will offer sessions covering the innovative and interesting histories of iconic recording studios, acoustics and technology design, sound reinforcement of historical events and more, curated by Historical Events chair Mark Gander of HARMAN Professional Solutions. Register now to receive Early Registration pricing on All Access badges, including AES Member and Student Member discounts.
AES Los Angeles Historical Events sessions are slated to include:
“Political Audio: Sound for Past and Recent Presidential Debates and Conventions”
A panel of industry professionals with first-hand experience working on past and present presidential events will come together to discuss the sound reinforcement, broadcast, and audio communications production and workflow of these historic happenings. Panelists include consultant Ken Fause, audio expert Dave Brand, and sound designers Michael Abbott, Patrick Baltzell and Stan Miller.
“The Great British Recording Studios”
Author Howard Massey will explore the origins of the fabled “British Sound” and celebrate the people, equipment and innovative recording techniques of the day through rare photographs, videos and musical examples covering many historic studios and sessions. Panelists will include Geoff Emerick, Dave Harries and Malcolm Toft.
“History of Studio Acoustic Design”
Studio designer George Augspurger, of Perception Incorporated, will give his perspective from over six decades of studio design. Covered will be the evolution of applied acoustics from the 1960’s to the present day, outlining the development of modern studio design principles by presenting key examples of projects and a timeline of historic events that influenced studio development.
“Horns and Waveguides: Evolution of Technology”
This tutorial by Alex Voishvillo of HARMAN will give a retrospective review of horns and waveguide technology including both theoretical design aspects as well as a retrospective review of patented practical developments.
“Historic Microphone Technologies and Their Connection to Pop Vocal Performance”
AES President-Elect Alex Case leads this session highlighting how lessons from audio history can be used to drive our decisions for getting the right vocal sound at our next gig, specifically by analyzing initial limitations in microphone technology and the slow-but-steady advancement of the audio technologies available at the time.
“Control Systems and Electroacoustical Considerations for Large-Scale Loudspeaker Arrays: Past, Present & Future”
The AES’s David Scheirman reviews four decades of system development, presenting highlights of the evolutionary process from control-only networks to networked digital audio, and migration paths from powered speaker arrays to line array elements to beam-steerable systems, as well as developments that have taken place since the 6th International Conference (Sound Reinforcement) and the 13th International Conference (Computer-Controlled Sound Systems), with content at these landmark AES events having foreshadowed today’s high-powered loudspeaker arrays that incorporate beam-steering technology.
Historical Events chair Mark Gander comments, “The AES Historical Track sessions present achievements by audio pioneers whose innovative ideas and inventions have contributed to this industry and beyond. The rich history of science and art in audio design and production has much to teach us about the future evolution of audio, and we look forward to sharing many of these great stories throughout the AES Los Angeles Convention.”
Register now for an All Access badge to attend these Historical Track sessions and other Tech Program events, or register to receive a FREE Exhibit-Plus badge (promo code AES141AESSHOW) for the AES Los Angeles Convention: aesshow.com. Exclusive convention housing options with partner hotels are still available.
Posted: Tuesday, August 23, 2016
— Diverse range of topics to include immersive audio, audio for 4K and 8K video, podcasting, live event broadcasting and more —
If there’s one thing that’s constant about broadcast and streaming media, it’s constant change – and the 141st AES International Convention will keep attendees on top of the latest industry developments and trends with its Broadcast and Streaming Media Track events. These sessions, professionally organized by Track chair David Bialik, will offer in-depth panel discussions and presentations from some of the most influential names in the industry over the four days of the AES Los Angeles Convention, September 29 – October 2, 2016, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Thursday, September 29, will kick off with “Immersive Audio Absorbing Radio and TV Audiences in 2016 and Beyond,” led by John Storyk of Walters-Storyk Design Group, on the technical and acoustical challenges of upgrading existing broadcast studios to handle immersive audio. Subsequent panels will examine the physical and psychological effects of listener fatigue and what can be done to reduce it, and the unprecedented capabilities of immersive and object-oriented audio in customizing the home listening experience. In the spirit of SMPTE’s 100th anniversary, the day will end with a historical look back at key developments in audio technologies for broadcast and cinema.
Friday, September 30’s “Audio Considerations for 4K and 8K Television” seminar will look at the evolution of 4K and 8K UHD broadcasting as it becomes increasingly prevalent in events like the Super Bowl, the Masters and the Summer Games; the session will also cover ATSC 3.0 and Super Hi-Vision experimental transmitters. The subsequent Engineering Brief lecture covers a host of broadcast and production topics, from a new, more accurate proposed film leader format to Dysonics’ Rondo360 spatial audio post-production toolkit and techniques for mixing hip-hop with distortion.
Friday’s sessions will also include an interview with industry legend Bob Orban, creator of the Orban Stereo Synthesizer, Optimod FM audio processor and other game-changing studio hardware, as well as an “Audio Considerations for Over-the-Top Television” (OTT) presentation, which will examine the latest advancements in online content delivery.
Saturday, October 1, will focus on practical considerations for broadcast and streaming, starting with “Designing, Building and Maintaining a Radio Performance Space,” where CBS Radio’s Tracy Teagarden will talk about equipping such a facility when faced with limited resources. The day’s second session addresses IP in the broadcast world, where Steve Lampen of Belden will look at the realities of implementing wired, fiber-optic and wireless cable and hardware for IP audio applications. “Considerations for Podcast Audio” is sure to be a popular session to end the day, with experts from American Public Media, Love + Radio and others discussing the evolving craft of sound design for podcast audiences.
On Sunday, October 2, a “Grease: Live – the Mixer’s Perspective” special event will discuss the recent Fox television special “Grease: Live” – one of the most exciting and challenging events in contemporary broadcast production. Moderator Mark King and his panel will share their methods and techniques for mixing a live TV show where there’s no chance for a retake.
Complete AES 141st International Convention Broadcast and Streaming Media Track information is available on the AES website at http://www.aes.org/events/141/broadcast/ and via the AES Events mobile app (iOS and Android), which also offers convention maps, scheduling, social media interaction, and other helpful guides to making the most of the convention.
AES Los Angeles Early Registration pricing is now available for All Access badges, or attendees may register to receive a FREE Exhibit-Plus badge (promo code AES141AESSHOW) for the AES Los Angeles Convention: aesshow.com. Exclusive convention housing options with partner hotels are also still available.
Posted: Tuesday, August 23, 2016
— Product Development Track event to design and develop a new product in real time with the help of AES convention attendees —
The Audio Engineering Society has announced a new “Super Session” program to be featured as part of the Product Development Track at the upcoming AES Los Angeles Convention, taking place Thursday, September 29 – Sunday, October 2, 2016, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Targeted to Product Design Engineers, Product Managers, Product Marketing and Engineering Managers, and others interested in professional audio product design ideas and implementation, this series of sessions, being held on Saturday, October 1, will dedicate the day to the incredible task stated in its title: “Develop a killer audio product in one day!”
The day-long series of events will be presented by a team of product development experts, each one discussing best practices and technologies in their specific disciplines of Product Management, User Experience, Industrial Design, Acoustic Design, Natural Voice Processing, Validation And Testing, and Sourcing and Supply. To bring this session to life, the team will develop an actual product in front of, and with the help of, the audience of attendees, while each of the disciplines will be applied to the product being designed. The proposed product will be one that competes with Sonos, Alexa and other high volume consumer AoT (Audio of Things) products.
“By applying the best practices of Product Development to an actual product will connect our audience into how these topics apply in the real world,” says Scott Leslie, Chairman of the Product Development track. “It’s like taking the lecture and lab at the same time. The attendees will, in one day, get a learning experience in all facets of product development.
The AES Los Angeles Product Development Track schedule of events is available at http://www.aes.org/events/141/productdevelopment/.
Early Registration pricing is now available for All Access badges, or attendees may register to receive a FREE Exhibit-Plus badge (promo code AES141SHOWNEWS) for the AES Los Angeles Convention: aesshow.com. Exclusive convention housing options with partner hotels are also still available.
Posted: Tuesday, August 23, 2016
— “Synthesizers: From Analog to Digital to Software to Analog” presentation to be featured at AES 141st Convention —
The AES 141st International Convention in Los Angeles, taking place Thursday, September 29 – Sunday, October 2, 2016, has announced that legendary instrument designer and “Father of MIDI” Dave Smith will give the convention’s Richard C. Heyser Memorial Lecture on September 29 at 6PM at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The presentation, titled “Synthesizers: From Analog to Digital to Software to Analog,” will explore the ongoing evolution of instrument design and synthesis and the 50-year history of the synthesizer and its impact on music and audio. First established in 1999 by the AES Technical Council and the Board of Governors in conjunction with the Richard Heyser Scholarship fund, the Heyser Lecture series, featured at each AES Convention, brings eminent individuals in audio engineering and related fields to speak on a relevant topic of choice. The Heyser Lecture is part of the Special Events schedule, open to all convention attendees.
As a pioneer in fundamental synthesizer and MIDI design, Smith will relate his 40-plus years in the industry at the AES Los Angeles Convention:
Musical synthesizers first appeared in the '60s as large modular beasts covered with cables. In the early '70s, portable monophonic instruments became available, leading to a gradual acceptance by musicians in popular music. In the late '70s, fully programmable polyphonic analog synths came out, and the synthesizer went mainstream. Things changed dramatically in the '80s as digital synths appeared: first the FM-based DX-7 and eventually the M-1 sample playback synth. From that point onward, digital was the norm. In the '90s, digital synths continued and were implemented in software as computers gained enough power for native signal processing. For 25 years, analog synths were generally not available. Things have changed in the last 10 years, though. Musicians started searching for old analog synths and began using them again. New analog synths became available. Modular synths are back, and very popular. Throughout this 50-year history of the synthesizer, its impact on music of all genres has been very significant.
About Dave Smith
Dave Smith is an instrument designer, AES Fellow, GRAMMY®-winner and founder of Sequential Circuits. In 1977, he designed the Prophet-5, the first polyphonic and fully programmable synthesizer, and the first musical instrument with a microprocessor. He was the driving force behind the MIDI specification, also having coined the acronym himself. Later, Smith became President of DSD, an R&D division of Yamaha. He also started the Korg R&D group in California. He was then President at Seer Systems and developed the first software synth for Intel in 1994, followed by the first professional soft synth, Reality. He returned to hardware, starting Dave Smith Instruments in 2002. The Dave Smith Instruments lineup includes the Prophet 12, Prophet ’08, Pro 2, Mopho and Tetra synths, and the Tempest drum machine, co-designed with legendary designer Roger Linn. The Sequential Prophet-6 analog synth was released in 2015, followed by the OB-6 designed in partnership with Tom Oberheim.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2016
— Largest professional audio event of the year offers four full days of information and inspiration —
The Audio Engineering Society has unveiled the detailed calendar of events for the highly-anticipated 141st AES International Convention in Los Angeles, taking place Thursday, September 29 – Sunday, October 2, 2016. With a full range of events and presentations spanning all segments of the audio industry, the AES Los Angeles Convention offers four full days of information and inspiration, led by industry leaders in science and practice, with attendance packages suited for every level of audio professional, student or enthusiast. From the latest research and technology presentations to the largest pro audio gear exhibition and showcase of the year, with many of the greatest ears in audio in attendance, the AES Los Angeles Convention is the place to truly immerse yourself in audio. Best of all, many events, including the gear exhibition, are FREE to attend with an Exhibits-Plus badge, or attendees may choose to maximize their experience with an All Access badge for admission to the complete technical program. The preliminary calendar is available at http://www.aes.org/events/141/program/. Early-bird pricing ends August 30; register now for the very best deals on the convention program and on accommodations while in Los Angeles.
The AES Los Angeles Technical Program and Events calendar, both online and in the free AES Events app, provides the clearest overview of the wide array of events covering Broadcast and Streaming Media, Recording and Production, Game Audio, Live Sound, Networked Audio, Product Design, Sound for Picture and much more. Sessions are laid out according to areas of interest, with varied program material featuring Tutorials, Workshops, Research Paper Presentations and Engineering Briefs, as well as a host of special guest speakers, expert panel presentations and face-to-face networking opportunities. Additional Student and Career events, Historical sessions, Tech Tours, Standards meetings and other standard AES Convention programs will also take place.
“The AES L.A. technical program is amazing in its range and depth,” stated AES Executive Director Bob Moses. “The AES 141 Convention committee has kept up the tradition of luring the best minds in the industry to share the latest in research, product development and practical applications – with sessions suited for every level of experience and expertise, across the wide span of audio disciplines. Browse the calendar and start planning ahead. While member, student and partner discounts make many events free, to get the most out of attending the Convention, register for an All Access pass – and for the best value, act now before prices go up at the end of the month!”
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Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2016
— Audio professionals can join or renew memberships now before membership dues increase September 1, to be a part of the world’s largest dedicated professional audio organization —
Audio Engineering Society members now have full access to the AES E-Library as a membership benefit. “AES has been the driving force behind most, if not all, audio innovation over the past six decades,” notes Bob Moses, AES Executive Director, “From the early days of pro audio in the 50’s, to present developments in networked and spatial audio, virtual and augmented reality, streaming, signal processing, the Society has been at the forefront of development in both science and practice across the full range of professional audio disciplines. The AES E-Library documents this incredible legacy in one searchable, online database, with every paper, AES Standard, and Electronic Brief ever published – it’s not just the papers, but the papers that led to the papers. It’s an incredible asset, and we are opening it up to all AES Members as we strive to provide high value in our membership package.” Full access to the E-Library is free to all membership types – Members, Associate Members and Student Members.
A modest increase in membership dues – which have remained the same for over a decade – will begin September 1, 2016. New members can sign up, and existing members can renew, at the current rates for the month of August. Multiple years of membership, up to five, can be purchased now at the lower rate.
“The E-Library joins other AES Member benefits such as deep discounts on AES events, access to our growing library of streaming videos featuring industry leaders on a variety of topics, eligibility for awards, and full participation in our global community of audio professionals,” says Alex Case, AES President-Elect and Membership Committee co-chair. “The value of membership has increased well beyond the new dues rates, particularly when compared to the former cost of membership and an E-Library subscription combined. Now is the time to take advantage of these benefits at the old rates.” Membership dues provide the most significant funding of AES’s mission to promote and disseminate advances in the audio sciences and its practical application.
To join or renew an Audio Engineering Society membership, visit http://www.aes.org/join/.
As of September 1, 2016, annual dues for AES Members/Associate Members will be $125. Annual dues for AES Student Members will be $50.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2016
