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December 1999
Job Openings: U Mass./Lowell
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
Adjunct Faculty Position Vacancies in Sound Recording Technology
Spring Semester 2000 (Jan - May)
The UMass Lowell Sound Recording Technology program is searching for one or
two individuals to teach courses for majors in the program, beginning in
the Spring Semester of 2000. Courses needing to covered are (1) Audio
Theory and (2) either Audio for Visuals or Computer Applications in
Music.
Course: Audio Theory
Course Description:
The course covers audio theory of the entire signal chain from
microphones to storage media to loudspeakers, and Internet and
telecommunications delivery systems. Course focuses on the operational
technologies and specifications of devices, systems interface and gain
staging concerns. There is a corequisite production laboratory, taught
by a lab instructor.
Students:
Students in the course will be second semester Juniors in the Sound
Recording Technology program. These students will have had two
semesters of calculus, acoustics and introductory physics, and a
background in recording production and beginning audio theory; they will
be taking an introductory electrical engineering course simultaneously.
Course: Computer Applications in Music
Course Description:
Applications of computers to audio production is emphasized in studies
of computer generated and controlled sound sources and devices,
algorithmic composition, computer music, digital signal processing,
advanced MIDI applications and programming, and computer synchronization
of audio and video.
Students:
Students in the course will be second semester Seniors in the SRT
program. These students will have had two previous sound synthesis
courses, several audio production courses and video production. They
will simultaneously be taking a C++ programming class.
Course: Audio for Visuals
Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and
practice of video post-production on non-linear digital editing
platforms. These tools include Audio Vision, ProTools, and Sonic
Solutions. Students are required to complete audio tracks for several
video shorts and will learn about such diverse topics as SMPTE, word
lock, digital sync, DSP, blackburst, genlock, S/P DIF, AES/EBU, digital
recording and mixing, ADR, music beds, cues, FX, Foley recording, and
random access theory and techniques.
Students:
Students in the course will be second semester Seniors in the SRT
program. These students will have had two previous sound synthesis
courses, several audio production courses and video production. They
will simultaneously be taking a C++ programming class.
COURSE MEETINGS:
All courses will meet for 2.5 clock hours per week. Course can be
scheduled to run in a single time block.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Apply immediately. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
Position is opened until filled.
Please submit a letter of application outlining qualifications,
interests and experiences; and a resume to:
Dr. William D. Moylan
Coordinator, Sound Recording Technology
Department of Music
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA 01854
(978) 934-3850 FAX: (978) 934-3034
William_Moylan@uml.edu
END
December 1999
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DAW News
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= Digidesign ProTools 5.0 Released
= SADIE & AudioCube
Digidesign ProTools 5.0 Released
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Digidesign has released the latest version of ProTools software. If you are a Pro Tools owner, here's how to get the upgrade:
If you purchased a ProTools system after April 19, 1999, you are eligible for a free upgrade to ProTools 5.0. Digidesign's Customer Service has already sent PT 5.0 Authorization Key Disks to the customers who purchased and registered their systems after April 19, 1999. If you have not registered yet, please contact Digidesign. Once your system is registered, Digidesign will send you a free PT 5.0 update kit. It should include a backup authorization disk and a full set of manuals.
Once you have received the Authorization Disk, and have access to the internet, you can download PT v5.0 from the Digidesign web site at http://www.digidesign.com. If you do not have access to the internet, we have a limited quantity of PT 5.0 CD-ROMs. Contact us (Samara@paudio.com) if you'd like one.
If you purchased your system before April 19, 1999, you can upgrade to PT 5.0 for $199.00. This can only be done directly through Digidesign by contacting them at (650) 842-7900.
SADIE & AudioCube
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As all of us tool-wielding humans know, it is wise to suit the tool to the job. For example, different workstations suit different purposes. Recently some of our customers have brought SADIE and AudioCube workstations to our attention. Both are Pentium-hosted. They have strengths that you might find useful. We'll tell you some about them here. If you'd like more info:
1. Both manufacturers have sent us informative PDFs. We'll send them to you -- just ask us.
2. Both manufacturers will be here to show their systems to you. Call us to sign up.
SADIE is for CD mastering and music editing, TV post production, and DVD production. They feature 8 to 32 inputs and outputs; 30 to 90 simultaneous replay tracks; up to 192kHz 24bit audio; AC-3 integration; AIFF, SDII, wav, BWF, and lightworks file support; plug-ins; LCRS and 5.1 surround mixing; segment-based automation; read/write of Macintosh disks; RS422 control of four Sony 9-pin devices, etc. We have PDF's which we can e-mail to you on SADIE in general, Artemis (8-in/8-out to 32-in/32-out), the 2-in/4-out Classic, and a complete price list. For further info, contact us (for paper lit or PDFs) or visit http://www.sadie.com. If you would like to schedule a SADIE demo, please let us know.
AudioCube is intended for mastering, restoration & repair, editing, and archiving. It features 32/64 bit floating point processing, 24-bit/96 kHz support, and 5.1 and 7.1 surround suupport (SurroundCube only). It can be networked using ATM, FDDI, or Ethernet. Its open architecture supports wav and AIFF file formats. Eighteen powerful audio repair and mastering tools are available with it. No DSP cards. The system comes to you complete -- with a dual 500 MHz Pentium III PC, among other hardware. For further info, contact us (for paper lit or PDFs) or visit http://www.sascom.com. If you would like to schedule an AudioCube demo, please let us know.
END
December 1999
We invite you to:
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Listening at GENELEC
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Tuesday, December 7, food at 6:30pm, event at 7pm
at Genelec's US Headquarters, 7 Tech Circle, Natick, MA
(see directions below)
Seating is limited, so RSVP to Parsons.
Product info is available from us or http://www.genelec.com.
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Hear 5.1 surround sound as Genelec delivers it. Using music CD, DVD, and video source material, you will hear a range of speaker systems: Genelec's high-end 1037B's and also one of the inexpensive models. The 1037's deliver a major Wow Factor, but the smaller models are perhaps even more amazing, considering their size and price.
Genelec has sold hundreds of surround monitoring systems. We have sold them to recording studios, post-production facilities, radio and TV stations, colleges and universities, home studios, etc. You will enjoy hearing why.
Again, since seating is limited, RSVP to Parsons.
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directions to Genelec
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Take Route 9 West past Parsons Audio to Oak Street, 5+ miles west of Route 128/I-95. There's a light at Oak Street, which is just past Bernardi's Used Cars. Turn north -- to the right from Route 9 West. Tech Circle is about a half-mile north on the right, just past the Longfellow Health Club. Turn right on Tech Circle. Genelec is at #7, in the Boston Wireless building. Park to the left of the building. Genelec's phone # is (508)652-0900.
November 1999
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In case you missed the Expo...
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About 150 souls attended, plus several dozen manufacturers' personnel. There was much of the usual schmoozing, networking, greeting of old friends (many of our customers see each other just this once each year), exchanging of news, etc.
We expect to post at our Web site, http://www.paudio.com, several of the slide show presentations -- Dr. Toby Mountain's on mastering, Roger Talkov's on DVD-A, and David Moulton's on audibility. Dave Moulton's slide show is there already, at http://www.paudio.com/Expo99slides.html. Without explanatory notes it's just an outline, though an informative one that includes intriguing data about what we hear. We hope to add such notes in the future.
We have also posted a summary of the discussion of Keeping Up With Technology, at http://www.paudio.com/Expo99discussion.html#anchorExpo99rpt. We may post an entire transcription later. Paul Lehrman's upcoming MIX report on the discussion will necessarily abridge them some. We'll even post some photos of the Expo, in case you're interested.
the exhibits
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All of the exhibits generated excitement for the users they suited. Many people liked seeing the new Tascam machines. Same re Sony's new digital console: many people came up to us to say, <You're gonna sell a lot of those!> Also Event's surround system, Lexicon's processors, Neumann's mics, Redco's fiber channel system; the latest from Digidesign, Sonic Solutions, Millennia Media, Redco, Panasonic/Ramsa, ThinKware, Yamaha, Mackie, etc. If you have questions or would like to try demos, etc., please contact us.
presentations
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The listening/learning sessions were highly engaging as usual. 50-60 people attended each one. There was much Q&A.
Dr. Toby Mountain gave a thorough, lively presentation about how to prepare for a mastering session. He played examples by Morphine, David Bowie, and other clients.
Roger Talkov of Sonic Solutions brought a slide show that spelled out the nuts and bolts and prospects of DVD-Audio.
Jeff Berlin humbly showed us what sublime craft it is to create audio for WXKS-FM -- his pieces are often better audio than the hits the station plays!
Carl Beatty played an astonishly diverse selection of his engineering and production projects; generously shared his profound experience, knowledge, and love of music with the audience. Carl was the also lucky winner of our door prize - a Yamaha DVD player.
David Moulton got a lot of people thinking about audibility; presented some provocative data about what listeners can and cannot hear. As noted above, you can see an outline of his talk on our Web site.
The mix of panelists for the evening discussion was excellent. An experienced set of facility owners, veteran engineers, and a manufacturer's (Sony) regional sales manager, they all had much to say about buying and using technology - as you can read at www.paudio.com.
October 1999: invitation to EXPO99
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We invite you to
Parsons Audio's EXPO99
Thursday, November 11, 11am - 9pm
at the Wellesley Community Center
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LISTENING/LEARNING SESSIONS, 11am - 5:45pm
EXHIBITS by several dozen key manufacturers, noon - 7pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Keeping Up with Technology, 7-8:30pm
This will be our 9th annual conference/exhibition. Come early and stay as long as you can. It is free of charge. No RSVP needed. The listening/learning presentations do sometimes fill up early, however. As usual, the Expo will offer you great opportunities to:
= see equipment, including the latest and greatest, in a friendly and unhurried atmosphere
= learn from manufacturers' product specialists
= learn from skilled users, who will make presentations based on their work = meet your peers, new acquaintances and old
USEFUL DETAILS follow at the end of this invitation: DIRECTIONS, FOOD, and description of the DOOR PRIZE (a top-of-the-line Yamaha DVD player).
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exhibits, with specialists from leading manufacturers, noon - 7PM
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Look closely at current tools and technologies, in a relaxed setting. Learn about consoles, recorders, workstations, misc. software, signal processors, drives, fiber networks for DAWs, converters, mics, speakers, wiring, etc. All of the exhibitors have significant product news, including: Tascam's new 24-bit hard disk and tape-based multitrack recorders; Yamaha's latest digital console and DSP engine; Digidesign's Pro Tools 5.0 and budget DAW; Sonic Solutions' HD system; Sony's new sampling reverb; Lexicon's 480L surround card, etc. We will send an e-mail to you shortly that describes the exhibits in a little greater detail.
Downstairs in the Expo's exhibit hall you will find many leading manufacturers,with product specialists:
= Digidesign
= Dolby Labs (Dolby's table will be upstairs)
= Genelec
= Lexicon - will have their own room, with surround sound system. Chief Scientist David Griesinger and others from Lexicon will be on hand.
= Millennia
= Neumann
= Panasonic/Ramsa
= Redco
= Rorke Data
= Sonic Solutions
= Tascam
= Waves
= Yamaha
= Sony, t.c. electronics, HHB, etc. (represented by Bay Roads Marketing)
= dbx, Denon, Drawmer, Furman, RPG, Soundfield, etc. (represented by The Henderson Company)
= Aphex, Crest, EAW, Joemeek, and Sennheiser (represented by NETA)
= Audio-technica, Mackie, Symetrix, Tannoy, etc. (represented by On the Road Marketing)
= Shure, Event, etc. (represented by Richard Dean Assocs.)
= Bitheadz (Retro-AS1 and Unity DSI), Cakewalk, CODA (Finale 2000), Fatar/Studio Logic, MIDIMan, PG Music (Band in a Box Pro), Sibelius, Sonorus, Steinberg, Syntrillium Software (Cool Edit Pro), Turtle Beach, Voyetra, and other brands of music software (represented by ThinKware)
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listening/learning sessions, 11AM - 6PM
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These sessions are always a highlight. There's nothing like learning in person from accomplished professionals. The sound system in the Expo's presentation hall will be in glorious stereo this year, again provided by Genelec. (For surround you'll want to visit Lexicon's room, or come to the event at Genelec [Natick, MA] on December 7).
11:00 - 11:45am -- Dr. Toby Mountain, owner and principal engineer at Northeastern Digital Recording, will talk about How to Prepare for a Mastering Session. He will offer lessons learned in his mastering studios during 3,500+ CD projects for such clients as The Beach Boys, David Bowie, J. Geils, Joan Jett, Bob Marley, Morphine, Ringo Starr, and Frank Zappa.
11:45 - 12:30pm -- Roger Talkov, product specialist for Sonic Solutions, will give us a presentation on DVD-Audio. DVD-A is coming to market, bringing changes to all of us. Sonic has long been a leading manufacturer of workstations for DVD authoring, music mastering, audio editing, sound-for-picture, etc.
12:30 - 2:30pm -- break for lunch and to visit exhibits
2:30 - 3:15pm -- Jeff Berlin, Creative Services Director at WXKS-FM, will present and discuss some of his work, which you can hear on 'XKS all the time. Jeff is a veteran Pro Tools user - 'XKS was one of the first broadcasters in New England to buy a DAW - and is an articulate advocate for all that his can do.
3:15 - 4:00pm -- Carl Beatty will discuss some of his recordings. Carl teaches at Berklee College of Music, and has engineered and/or produced for many artists, including Bill Evans, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Billy Ocean, George Benson, B-52's, Tom Jones, Kool and the Gang, etc. He mixed 1994 Grammy-winner Zappa's Universe.
4:00-5:00pm -- break for exhibits
5:00-5:45pm -- David Moulton will give a talk on audibility, which he has been studying. When we say something is audible, what do we really mean? A question at the heart of most audio work: What can we reasonably call an audible difference? So, who needs 24 bits, etc.? As always, Dave will teach us much about how we listen, and about how to work with audio. A brilliant communicator, Dave is a noted teacher, author, journalist, loudspeaker designer, acoustician, and the creator of the Golden Ears CD series.
5:45-7:00pm -- last chance to visit the exhibits.
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panel discussion: Keeping Up With Technology, 7-8:30pm
(food -- high-end pizza and drinks -- from 6pm, courtesy
of Tascam, Yamaha, AES/Boston, and Parsons Audio)
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Few decisions an audio recording/production facility makes are more critical to its health than deciding when and how to buy new technology. Such decisions help determine a facility's direction, its value to clients, its potential in new markets, its profitability, and even its survival. We will gather a group of experienced facility owners and operators to discuss this potent topic. Paul Lehrman of MIX Magazine, U. Mass. Lowell, etc. will moderate. Panelists will include Jim Anderson of Sound Techniques, Michael Bierylo of Berklee and Virtual Planet, Jeff Largent of National/Boston Video Center, Scott Metcalfe of the Hartt School of Music, Allen Smith of Soundtrack, Jonathan Wyner of M Works, and others.
Relevant questions include:
= Now what do I _really_ need? Which developments are true breakthroughs? Which are phantoms? What new and recent technologies will endure? Which will be short-term? Which ones will make a significant difference to my clients?
= Which old equipment is still OK? The advantages of not keeping up. What should I replace? What significant technological improvements have arisen in recent years? Which would give me the most bang for the buck?
= Reality vs. appearances -- how to sort it out. What is a useful measure of the hype and marketing efforts of equipment manufacturers, record companies, the computer industry, the TV/video biz, and others who wish to sell us things that we may or may not need?
= To what extent do manufacturers, with user input, diligently develop better tools for us, and better listening experiences for consumers? To what extent do they foist technology upon us -- through their marketing, by abandoning development or support of older technnologies, etc., prompted by their need for short-term profit? To what extent do they create needs where none need to exist? Who does need 24 bits, 96k, or the latest versions of items A-Z?
= How to plan; how to make good choices. Manufacturers and dealers as participants in your decisions.
= The cutting edge: the perils of adopting too early, or too late (i.e., losing market share, missing upgrade deals, etc.); after-sale support issues -- training, troubleshooting, etc. Whether/when to install the latest software revisions.
Like most Expo discussions, this one will invite your participation. As usual, this event will also serve as the November meeting of the Boston chapter of AES.
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USEFUL DETAILS
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directions
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= The Wellesley Community Center is at 219 Washington St. (Route 16). It is the first building north of Route 9, in Wellesley Hills. Its driveway is across from where the Route 9 West exit ramp meets Route 16. There's plenty of parking around the building and the church next door. The phone # there is (781)235-4172. The PDF version of this invitation includes a map.
= The Wellesley Hills rail stop is a ten minute walk up Route 16.
= Lodging is available nearby; contact us for recommendations.
door prize
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One lucky attendee will win a Yamaha DVD-S795, the top-of-the-line DVD player from Yamaha's esteemed hi-fi division. We'll choose the winner at random from the midday/afternoon attendees. Bring your business card for the drawing.
food
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None of us can survive on information alone. The Community Center is located a short block away from the heart of Wellesley Hills, where you can find food, snacks, and drinks at a variety of restaurants, cafes, takeouts, and stores. Prior to the evening session, some high-end pizza and drinks will be available, courtesy of Tascam, Yamaha, AES/Boston, and Parsons Audio.
September 1999
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EXPO99: Thursday, November 11, 1999 at the Wellesley Community Center
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This year our (9th annual) Expo will take place on the same date as last year: Veteran's Day, Thursday, November 11. At the same place too, which worked well. We hope that you will mark the date on your calendar, bump any appointments you may have made for the day, and attend. The event should give you enjoyment and solid info, as usual.
Plans are still taking shape, but we know that once again we will have:
= manufacturers and representatives of dozens of prime product lines exhibiting downstairs. Most will have exciting new products, recently introduced at AES.
= listening/learning sessions upstairs, presented by your peers, a group of skilled audio professionals. They will include Dr. Toby Mountain of Northeastern Digital, Jeff Berlin of WXKS, David Moulton, Tom Bates, and others. If you have been to these sessions at prior Expos, you know that they provide rare pleasure. Genelec will once again provide the sound system - probably a stereo system, since for a change we expect not to emphasize surround sound. Don't miss!
= manufacturer presentations in another of our rooms. Sonic Solutions has already signed up to give a presentation concerning DVD-Audio.
We will send you further details during the weeks ahead. Please call us with any questions or suggestions.
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AES New York
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Five of us will be attending the AES Convention in New York next week. If you would like to meet with us there, or to have us set up appointments for you, please advise. Otherwise, we often serve as eyes and ears for customers who cannot attend -- call us.
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May 1999 NEWS
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= Event: Digidesign, Pro Tools 24/Mix, with Plug-ins; Wed., May 18, 4&7pm
= Event: Tascam Recording Clinic, free MDM cleaning & upgrades, Wed., May 19, 1-6pm
= Future event: Expo99 date reminder
= Sonic Solutions high density system is shipping; DTS option
= Multichannel audio for TV: Dolby E
= Digidesign Pro Tools 4.3.1
= Yamaha 02R deal until end of June
= Mackie D8D new firmware
= Moulton classes
= Bargains
Digidesign event, May 18
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On Tuesday, May 18 at 4&7pm, Digidesign will be here to show Pro Tools 24/Mix and plug-ins. The plug-ins will include Waves' well known assortment, Wave Mechanics' Ultra Tools, Aphex's Aural Exciter and Big Bottom, Line 6's Amp Farm, and Digidesign's bundled plug-ins.
Episode II: Tascam day, May 19: free MDM cleaning and upgrade, etc.
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If you will be cutting work on the 19th to go see Star Wars' Episode I on its opening day, you may want to take time for this event too. And even if you won't be cutting work... From 1-6pm on Wednesday, May 19, four people from Tascam will be here to offer their services to customers. If you bring in your DA-38, -88, or -98, Jim Finch from CA and Butch Balzano, New England's regional Tascam service representative, will clean its heads and upgrade its firmware for free. Jim Lucas and Bob Sivco will also be here with info regarding the whole product line, with special focus on the CD-R, the MMR-8, and the consoles, particularly the TMD-1000. When Tascam came here last year, many people came in. We hope that you will take advantage!
Expo99 date
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It isn't too soon to plan for our 8th annual Expo. It should once again be a fun and informative day of continuing education and inter-institutional schmoozing for our customers. We hope that you will set aside the date: Veteran's Day, Thursday, November 11, 1999. We have been gathering ideas re what to do this year. Do you have anything to suggest? Please don't fail to tell us; the Expo is intended most of all to be an opportunity for you.
Sonic Solutions' new system, w/DTS encoding
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The new high density system is shipping -- 24 bit, 96k and higher, DVD options, etc. We will have a demo here. Advocates of DTS Digital Surround will be glad to hear that DTS encoding will be an option. We're selling some old style interfaces, by the way. (See Bargains below.)
Multichannel audio for TV: Dolby E
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Dolby E is a new coding process which allows a single AES/EBU audio pair, or a single pair of digital VTR audio tracks, to carry up to eight channels of audio for post-production or distribution. The encoder and decoder will ship this fall. We are Dolby's sole New England dealer. Please contact us for details - we have a video from Dolby, and complete literature.
Digidesign Pro Tools 4.3.1
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Some Pro Tools owners might like to know that Pro Tools 4.3.1 provides support for the new Apple Power Macintosh G3, also known as the Blue and White G3. This model is distinct from the beige 1998 model Macintosh G3. Version 4.3.1 was announced April 19, 1999 and will be avilable to ship within 2 - 3 weeks of that date. If you have registered ProTools version 4.3, this update will be automatically send to you in the mail. If you would like to upgrade from 4.2 or lower, contact Digidesign Telesales at (650)842-7900 for more information. Please be advised there are certain technical requirements that the Blue and White G3 must meet. For the complete list of qualified diskette drives, SCSI accelerators, serial port convertors, and hard drives, refer to the latest Digidesign compatibility documents which are available at http://www.digidesign.com in the support section.
Yamaha 02R deal
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Buy an 02R by the end of June and you will receive two free digital interface cards and a free meter bridge.
Mackie digital console firmware
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We have installed the latest firmware rev into our Mackie D8D digital console. It is a significant upgrade. Come see, or contact Samara Krugman, our factory-trained D8D product specialist.
Moulton classes
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Dave's next courses: Golden Ears Seminar, Thursday, July 8, evening; Fundamentals of Audio, July 12-16, evenings. The classes take place at Parsons and, about half of them, in Dave's amazing studio. For further info, contact us by usual means, or e-mail to Courses@paudio.com.
overhead speaker for surround
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Attendees at our last several Expos need no persuading that an overhead channel greatly enhances the surround experience. A question has bedeviled advocates of the overheads: How get the world to start using them? Apparently the powers-that-be behind the upcoming new Star Wars film contemplated mandating use of an overhead, but decided (erroneously, as we know) that they wouldn't have enough use for one. We know one of the key p-t-b's, it turns out, and have sent him a politely scolding e-mail on the subject. Let us dream that for the next movie the Lucas gang will require theaters to install an overhead, thereby doing much to raise the roof with surround. The sky's the limit!
Bargains
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This is a partial list, often changing. In most cases quantities are limited to as few as one. Some items may be demos, B- or C-stock, etc. All items are returnable for full refund or credit.
Aphex 661 Tubessence tube comp/limiter, $525
Apogee FC-8 ADAT/DA-88 8-channel format converter, $495
Apogee PSU1000E power supply, demo, $465
Audio-technica AT4033a microphone, new, $440
Audio-technica AT4041 microphone, new, $245
Audio-technica AT4050/CM5 microphone, new, .$610
Behringer Ultra-Q, $220
J. L. Cooper PPS-2 SMPTE/Smart FSK Synchronizer, $140
Countryman ISOMAX-TVH lavalier mic,hypercardioid,demo, $100
dbx 1066, $399
Digidesign Expansion Chassis Interface Card, demo, $75
Digitrax 1.2 (PowerMac native), new, $80
Drawmer 1962 TDIF, processor + it records 24 bits to TDIF MDM's, demo; $4,150
Dynatek 1G HD and tape drive, demo, $200
Ensoniq DP/PRO effects processor, new, $400
Ensoniq Paris workstation, demo; $2,010
Furman Pluglocks, new, $30
MS MIX22 Multimedia Sound Mixer, new, $100
Joemeek VC-3, $360
Kurzweil KMP-1 Micropiano, demo, $385
Lexicon 12T workstation system, demo, $1,800
Lexicon TDM daughter card, new, $450
Lexicon PCM-80; $1,295
Lucid ADA-1000 converter, $480
Marantz CDR615 CD recorder, open box, normally $1,800+; $895
OSC Deck II 8-track tool, new, $5
Pac. Coast 1G hard drive, demo, $200
Quantum Q-Card, new, $25
Rode Classic microphone; $1,350
Roland VS-880 workstation w/540MB hard drive, demo, $995
Roland VS8F-1 effects card for above, $265
Sonic Solutions A/D-8 interface, demo; $1,940
Sonic Solutions D/A-8 interface, demo; $1,940
Sony DTC-A6 DAT recorder, new, $595
Sony PCM-R300 DAT, new, $660
Spendor SA-200 powered monitor speakers, demo; $1,520/pair
Spendor SA-300 powered monitor speakers, demo; $2,570
Tannoy PBM8 LM, powered speakers, demo, $980/pair
Tannoy system 600 speakers, demo, $520/pair
Tascam DA-88 8-track recorder, factory reconditioned, $2,295; MTS1000 Midi-izer, $500
Valley Audio 460 X-Gate/NR, demo, $432
Whirlwind 10x2 stage box,demo, $40
Yamaha MB-02 meter bridge for 02R; $1,090
END
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March 1999 NEWS
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= Anderton event coming Wednesday
= Yamaha 01V presentation and GIVEAWAY (free stuff!)
= Digidesign Intro to Pro Tools, and Master class for Users, March 23
= Continuing Education: courses in Fundamentals of Audio, Mixing Techniques
REMINDER: Craig Anderton event here at 7pm, Wednesday, March 10, with
Panasonic DA-7
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Under the sponsorship of Panasonic, Craig Anderton will do an in-depth
presentation on Making Better Music with Digital Mixing in our Showroom at
7pm, Wednesday, March 10. If you have seen Craig or read any of his many
writings in EQ magazine and elsewhere, you know what a depth of knowledge
and breadth of experience he possesses, and how good he is at sharing them.
RSVP, since our seating capacity is limited. Contact us for directions, if
you need them, or find them (with map) at our Web site at
http://www.paudio.com/Contacting.html.
His topic is timely, now that so many excellent digital consoles are on the
market, now that interest is so high in consoles that match well with DAWs
and MDM's and high bit-rate disk recorders, now that high-quality digital
signal paths are predominant, now that 20 or more bits are becoming
standard, now that surround sound is beginning to emerge, etc. As part of
his presentation, Craig will give us a good look at Panasonic's powerful,
affordable (less than $5,000) DA-7 digital console.
Yamaha Master Class and 01V GIVEAWAY
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Tuesday, March 30 @ 2:00pm and 6:30pm, at Parsons Audio. RSVP to
(781)431-8708, x14 or x18, or Yamaha@paudio.com. Limited seating per
session -- please sign up early.
Yamaha is always doing well by us and our customers. This event is another
example. Yamaha will give a free AES/EBU-configured 01V four-bus digital
mixing system to one (lucky!) attendee of this presentation. To be
eligible, all you need to do is pre-register and attend. The odds of
winning will be a lot better than most giveaways, and the prize a lot more
valuable!
The focus will be on audio mixing for non-linear video editing & post
production, corporate post, and radio and TV production; also submixing for
many applications. Martin Domby of Yamaha will give a technical tutorial,
using the 01V to demonstrate:
= AES/EBU mixer interfacing to the non-linear system
= Optimizing levels, mutes, crossfades etc.
= Simplifying audio mixing for the audio or video editor
= Configuration for the traditional tape-based edit suite
Digidesign's March event
************************
Tuesday, March 23, 4pm - Intro to Pro Tools, 7pm - Master Class for Users
(music and post).
Continuing Education
*********************
The next sessions of David Moulton's Fundamentals of Audio course begin
Wednesday, March 31. There will be five meetings, Wednesdays at 7pm. Price
is $195. The course covers the audio signal and its acoustical counterpart,
concepts of studio signal flow and organization, principles of level
management, principles of audio production, and a review of basic hardware,
including consoles, recorders, DAWs, mics, speakers, and signal processing
gear.
The Mixing Techniques course will meet six times, on Thursdays at 7pm, from
April 1. This course provides a hands-on study of the process ofr
multitrack mixing (not including automation), including a presentation of
the three primary families of signal processors: equalizers (frequency),
compressors (amplitude), and reverberators (time). Also to be considered
will be issues such as monitoring, premastering, and appropriate
documentation, as well as stereophony, mono compatibility, end-user
evaluations, etc. Students will creat mixes for study and evaluation.
For further details or to enroll, please contact Samara Krugman here at
Parsons: samara@paudio.com or (781)431-8708, x18.
Web site reminder: http://www.paudio.com.
*******************************************
*********************
February 1999 NEWS
*********************
= Digidesign event, 4pm & 7pm, Feb. 9
= Sonic Solutions HD & DVD specials
= Craig Anderton event here March 10, w/DA-7
= NAMM Show report
= hard drives
= CD duplicators and blank media
= $pecial deal: 360 Systems Shortcut for $2425
= surround broadcast
= Expo-related CD's
= Moulton classes
= Apple: MIDI for USB Macs
= Web site reminder
Digidesign event next week
**********************
Next Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 4pm & 7pm, Digidesign will be here to bring customers up to date about their systems, including a report of news (re Toolbox Windows NT, Mix NT, etc.) from the recent NAMM show.
Sonic Solutions HD & DVD specials
******************************
If you're one of the fifty or so facilities in New England to whom we have sold Sonic Solutions workstations, you're probably already aware of Sonic's revamped HD system, and Sonic's offer to upgrade you to it inexpensively. Be advised that Sonic has extended their promotion into March. We have a PDF that describes the new system. If you're interested, ask us to send you one, or visit Sonic's web site, or just call us so we can tell you about it.
A new promotion from Sonic invites upgraders to buy Sonic's $13,998 OneClick DVD software for $6,598, including a year of SonicCare. OneClick supports basic DVD-Audio production, 44.1 to 192kHz, 16 to 24 bits. It can be expanded to a complete DVD production system as your DVD business and the DVD-Audio format grow. We have a four page PDF describing this software. Orders must be received by March 15.
You can access an informative PDF on DVD-Audio, entitled "Premastering New Audio Formats: DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD", at Sonic's web site at http://www.sonicstudio.com/pdf/premastering_audioprimer.pdf.
Craig Anderton event here 7pm, Wednesday, March 10, with Panasonic DA-7
***************************************************************
If you have seen Craig Anderton or read any of his many writings in EQ magazine and elsewhere, you know what a depth of knowledge and breadth of experience he possesses, and how good he is at sharing them. Under the sponsorship of Panasonic he has recently been travelling the country doing an in-depth presentation on Making Better Music with Digital Mixing. His only stop in New England will be in our Showroom at 7pm, Wednesday, March 10. RSVP, since our seating capacity is limited. Contact us for directions, if you need them, or find them (with map) at our Web site at http://www.paudio.com/Contacting.html.
His topic is timely, now that so many excellent digital consoles are on the market, now that interest is so high in consoles that match well with DAWs and MDM's and high bit-rate disk recorders, now that high-quality digital signal paths are predominant, now that 20 or more bits are becoming standard, now that surround sound is beginning to emerge, etc. As part of his presentation, Craig will give us a good look at Panasonic's powerful, affordable (less than $5,000) DA-7 digital console.
NAMM Show report
*****************
We're just back from the NAMM show in Anaheim. Herewith, a few high points:
= Tascam's new TDM-4000 console looks promising; incorporates tremendous compatibility with Pro Tools. Tascam also showed a card which can stream TDIF audio to your PC.
= Mastering facilities might appreciate the dbx Quantum, dbx's new $1995 Digital Mastering Processor. It is 96k, 24-bit; contains a 4 band stereo compressor-gate-limiter; 5 band EQ with Hi and Lo shelves and 3 band full parametric; a normalizer; stereo adjust; sync I/O; dither output to 16, 20, or 24 bits; sample rate conversion; software updateable via Internet and MIDI; 4 band crossover with variable slopes; TSE (Tape Saturation Emulation)...
= Drawmer too has a Digital Mastering Processor, at $3,000. It incorporates 24 bit, 96k; dynamic EQ; main 5 band EQ; 3 band crossover; 3 band expander; 3 band "bootstrap" compressor; 3 band limiter; 3 band stereo width; 3 band tube modeling; 3 band summing output stage; and a PMCIA card slot.
= A 96k t.c. electronics Finalizer is out.
= Mackie showed the new software for their digital 8-bus console.
= Roland showed new digital mixing processors and consoles.
= Kurzweil showed a K2500AES (Audio Elite System), which reads most sampling formats, digital multitrack interfaces (to ADAT, TDIF, and AES), and more.
= Waves has added new plug-ins.
= HHB's Genex GX8500 Multi Format Recorder records onto any kind of disk media at up to 24 bits and 192k; handles 5.1 and 7.1; provides SCSI interfacing with most DAW formats; and can record DSD, to name a few of its features. The GX48 hardware controller is comprehensive, providing all essential multitrack and editing functions. HHB has also introduced a series of tube processors.
= There's also news from Aphex, Arboretum, Eventide, Millennia, MOTU, PreSonus, Summit, and about a thousand other manufacturers.
hard drives
*********
We and the rest of the audio production and broadcast worlds have moved far into computer-based systems. We may now sell more hard drives than any other type of device (not counting recordable CD's, maybe). Over the years we have become well connected with some excellent drive manufacturers, especially Rorke and Glyph. They manufacture drives intended for media applications, offer them at low prices, and support them in a manner that professionals should expect. We sell all kinds and sizes of drives: desktop, rackmount, removeables, CD-R's, etc. Whatever your needs, we can advise and provide.
CD duplicators and blank media
**************************
As DAT machine sales taper off, we find many people buying CD recorders. We handle a number of brands -- Microboards, Philips, HHB, Glyph, Rorke, Yamaha, Tascam, Marantz, etc., and can help you to choose what suits you. Some make one copy; others can make many copies. We're also selling large quantities of blank media, which as you probably know have become inexpensive. We strive to keep plenty of CD-R's in stock so we can deliver them to you quickly.
$pecial deal: 360 Systems Shortcut: $2,425
***********************************
We have a demo 360 Systems Shortcut, 360's nimble, easy-to-use, disk-based editor; great for quickly assembling stereo productions; 1.5 hour capacity. We're selling it at a reduced price of $2,425. If you don't already own one (in which case you're familiar with it), you're welcome to try it before buying.
surround broadcast
****************
We recently loaned WGBH-FM a Dolby Digital encoder and decoder to help them produce a surround broadcast of the Boston Symphony from Symphony Hall. We're told that everyone -- engineers, musicians, listeners -- was thrilled to hear the new dimensions. Many of them, like others who have worked in surround, have since found it a bit difficult to go back to plain old stereo. Once the genie is out of that box.... As you may know, there's a million or so home theaters out there, and the number is growing rapidly. The receivers for most of them have FM tuners. Certain kinds of surround FM broadcasts should have potential.
Expo-related CD's
***************
If you attended the surround sessions at our recent Expo you were probably favorably struck by Curt Wittig's, Yves Feder's, and Tom Bates' presentations of projects that were to become CD's. A number of attendees asked that we advise when the CD's come out. To that end, we have some news. Curt's George Crumb project, encoded in Circle Surround (stereo compatible), is out from CRI: Composers Recordings, Inc., in New York, 212/941-9673, http://www.composersrecordings.com. Yves' CD of the Saint Gregory Singers is also out in Circle Surround from the Saint Gregory Society, P.O. Box 891, New Haven, CT 06504; http://www.saint-gregory.org/. Tom's CD will be coming soon. You may recall that Bob Ludwig referred in his Expo interview to several favorite CD's he had mastered, including the latest Jewel, Loreena McKennitt's Book of Secrets, and the Bruce Springsteen set; also the Music from Big Pink CD by the Band, and a few others.
Reminder: the Expo interview with Bob is at http://www.paudio.com/Expo98.html . 100-200 readers a week have been enjoying it.
Moulton courses
**************
David Moulton's courses in Golden Ears, Critical Listening, Fundamentals of Audio, Mixing Techniques, and Acoustics have been attracting a real following among audio professionals. Often students who take one course go on to take all of them. They're that good. If you haven't taken any, we hope that some day you will have the pleasure.
Apple: MIDI for USB Macs
***********************
MIDI products are showing up for USB Macs. For more info, visit http://www.apple.com/publishing/music/midi/.
Web site reminder: visit http://www.paudio.com.
***************************************
As mentioned last month, we have remodeled our Web site, streamlining it and adding more content. The site is a convenient way to deal with us, of course. More than that, though, it is a quite encyclopedic resource regarding things audio. We have put a huge number of links there (more than 500) to all kinds of information you might use.
********************
January 1999 NEWS
********************
= Web site remodeling
= Bob Ludwig interview
= Moulton classes about to begin
= AMS Neve at Parsons
= surround: speakers, Dolby, consoles
= DigiDay tomorrow
= processors galore
Web site remodeling
*****************
We have tweaked our Web site some. You can see the results at http://www.paudio.com. We've made it easier to navigate, eliminated a few redundancies, and added some new content. There are dozens of pages in there, and many hundreds of links to useful sites elsewhere.
Bob Ludwig interview
******************
We're still transcribing excerpts from Expo98, to post on the Web site. The evening interview with Bob Ludwig of Gateway Mastering is now on-line at http://www.paudio.com/Expo98.html. Bob spoke with us for a couple of hours, touching upon many subjects of interest to anyone involved in recording, producing, or listening to music. See for yourself!
Moulton classes about to begin
*************************
David Moulton's next series of classes will begin next week. Call us to sign up. Ten percent discount if you take them all. Continuing education for audio professionals!
= Golden Ears Seminar, Wednesday, January 20, 7-10pm, $50
= Acoustics for Musicians, five meetings, 7pm, Thursdays from January 21, $195
= Critical Listening for Audio Professionals, five meetings, 7pm, Wednesdays from January 27, $195
= Fundamentals of Audio, five meetings, 7pm, Wednesdays from March 31, $195
= Mixing Techniques, six meetings, 7pm, Thursdays from April 1, $245
AMS Neve at Parsons
******************
We're now handling all the products of AMS Neve for our region. Contact us if you are interested in:
= consoles (Capricorn, Libra, Logic series, DFC digital film console, VR & V series, VX & VXS series, 55 series)
= Audiofile hard disk editor
= signal processors (V-RACK, 33609/J stereo limiter/compressor, 1081 mic and EQ amp)
= TDIF-1 to MADI digital interface
= machine control system
surround: speakers, Dolby, consoles
*****************************
Our upstairs Showroom now contains a 5.1 surround monitoring system. We find more and more facilities upgrading to 5.1 monitoring and production. Dolby's new 5.1 encoder and decoder, for which we are the New England dealer, cost about $3,000 each. Most of the many digital consoles we handle are reasonably adept at handling 5.1. And many signal processors are now appearing in multichannel models.
DigiDay tomorrow: Introduction to ProTools
************************************
Digidesign will be here tomorrow (Thursday, January 14) at 1pm and 3pm, to give an overview of their current products, and to provide an introduction to Pro Tools to anyone interested.
processors galore
**************
In case you're interested, we have a pretty remarkable collection of signal processors available for you to try:
Apogee PSX-100 24-bit A/D-D/A, and Rosetta AD
Avalon VT737
Behringer Ultra-Q
dbx DDP digital dynamics processor, and 160s
Drawmer MX50 and 1962 digital vacuum tube preamp
Focusrite Green dual mic preamp
Forrsell Technologies M-2a tube mic preamp
Joemeek VC3 Pro Channel
Lexicon MPX G2, MPX100, PCM81, and PCM90
Millennia Media HV-3B mic preamp
Summit DCL-200 dual comp/lim, TLA100, and TPA200
t.c. electronics Finalizer, Fireworx, and M3000 studio reverb processor
Tubetech LCA-2B compressor
Valley XGate
And, thanks to SPL, whose products we have placed in a bunch of facilities, we have demos of their Charisma dual channel and 8-channel tube processors, De-esser, EQ Magix, Mikeman mic preamp, Optimizer, Stereo Vitalizer, and already legendary Tube Vitalizer. If your product is music, it's an excellent brand for you to get familiar with.
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Copyright 2002, Parsons Audio. We welcome your questions, comments, and contributions >>> Webmeister@paudio.com.
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mailings archive: 1999