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PNW Section held its October 2023 meeting at the Digipen Institute of Technology in Redmond WA USA, with Paul Andrews and Matt Frazier of DPA Microphones speaking about techniques for immersive sound recording. About 23 persons attended in-person (est. 10 AES members) and about 44 via Zoom (est. 18 AES members).
The meeting began with Section announcements and self-introductions of all attendees.
Matt Frazier, the regional DPA rep, described the history of DPA, and its Bruel & Kjaer roots from Denmark in the 1980s. He also described the present facilities and operation.
Next, Paul Andrews began with a quote from audio engineer Morton Lindberg about audio as sculpture. Even more important for immersive recording, decisions need to be made about the recording/capture. He spoke of who would be listening and what kind of program, from pop to classical to live sports and beyond.
Paul spoke of different techniques, from creating something entirely new from close-miked single sources, to close arrays and large elaborate arrays. DPA has a product resembling a triangular pillow that gives a convenient 5.1 source, as well as versatile bar systems to easily create complex trees. A setup of tympani was also shown with many paired mics around him which would give many options in post; this raised a number of audience questions.
Paul cited the late Al Schmitt, and talked of the importance of mic positioning, and showed a diagram of a Lindberg recording with mics in center of circle of musicians, and spoke of mic and musician positioning.
Some examples of live event immersive venues were shown, such as the Resorts World theater in Las Vegas, the Sphere at the Venetian in Las Vegas and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, showing immersive miking arrays for the recording/broadcast.
After a story of setting a DPA 5100 on fire on a movie set (it still worked) and the DPA 4006 mics and MMA-A interface on the NASA Mars rover, the presentation was ended. Live attendees had some refreshments and networking, and Zoom participants continued to chat until the plug had to be pulled.
Thanks to Dansound for providing the video/streaming system.
About Our Presenter:
Paul Andrews
is a Global Support Specialist for DPA Microphones and is the owner/engineer of Foundation Sound Studios in Nashville. He's worked with industry leaders such as Al Schmitt, Bruce Swedien, Chuck Ainlay, and Eliott Scheiner, and his recording credits include Kris Kristofferson, Boyz II Men, Victor Wooten, Dennis Chambers, Bill Evans, and the CSU Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. Paul attended Denver University on scholarship in classical guitar then joined the staff at A&M Records where he worked with Sheryl Crow, Aerosmith, Danzig, and others. Paul continues to record diverse styles of music from Classical and Jazz to Punk. He also travels internationally conducting workshops and live seminars for DPA Microphones, educating industry professionals on microphone technologies and best practices.
Matt Frazier
is an 18-year veteran of the professional audio industry. With stints at Avid, Mackie, and DPA, Matt has a broad perspective on the tools that shape (and are shaped by) audio engineers, performers, and audiences around the world. Prior to his work with manufacturers, he focused on his career as a musician while also earning a master's degree in music from Cal State Los Angeles. Matt lives in the Seattle area and holds the entire Pacific Northwest close to his heart.
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