Dani Bennett Spragg - Conservatorio Torino
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March 2019 www.psneurope.com
Dani
Bennett
Spragg
Meet this year's MPG Awards
Breakthrough Engineer
Live depends on us
“Rivage is dependable, flexible, powerful and sounds amazing!”
Terry ‘TJ’ Jackson - FOH Engineer, Earth, Wind & Fire
www.yamahaproaudio.com
Perfecting The Art of Live Sound
#43006 - PM Terry TJ Jackson strip ad.indd 1 14/08/2018 15:34
PSE84.cover.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:39
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EDITORIAL
Editor: Daniel Gumble
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Managing Design Director: Nicole Cobban
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Production Executive: Matthew Eglinton
matthew.eglinton@futurenet.com • +44 (0)1225 687525 DANIEL GUMBLE
ADVERTISING SALES @PSNEurope
Head of Advertising and Brand Partnerships - Music: Ryan O’Donnell
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MANAGEMENT
I
Managing Director/Senior Vice President Christine Shaw
Chief Revenue Officer Luke Edson
Chief Content Officer Joe Territo
Chief Marketing Officer Wendy Lissau n the wafer thin slithers of time that connected All of which signals an exciting future for the market
Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance
the NAMM show, ISE and our March print in general. Both shows have been registering record
SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE
To subscribe, change your address, or check on your current account status, deadline, the team here at PSNEurope towers breaking visitor and exhibitor numbers for several
go to www.psneurope.com/subscribe-to-newsletters-digital-editions
faqs or email subs@psneurope.com has endeavoured to produce a magazine that consecutive years, suggesting the sector is in the
ARCHIVES
Digital editions of the magazine are available to view on ISSUU.com.
comprehensively reflects on the two biggest trade very rudest of health.
Recent back issues of the printed edition may be available please
contact lwilkie@nbmedia.com for more information. shows on the professional audio calendar (would Quite what this means for the next big trade
LICENSING/REPRINTS/PERMISSIONS another week or so between them not provide a show on the calendar, we’ll have to wait and see.
PSNE is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing team to discuss
partnership opportunities. welcome breather)? Prolight+Sound has endured a tumultuous few years,
Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw licensing@futurenet.com
Irrespective of the hectic schedule that ensues at following various changes to its infrastructure, but
Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, NP12 2YA
ISSN number 0269-4735 (print) © 2018 this time of year, I can honestly say I don’t remember endure it has.
the last time I met with such positivity at a trade While the huge success of NAMM and ISE may
show/s. As you’ll find in the NAMM and ISE reviews set alarm bells ringing, it could also signal a
mentioned above, the overwhelming praise lauded strength in the market that could go some way
upon both the LA and Amsterdam gatherings by towards supporting what has historically been a
exhibitors and visitors was virtually unanimous. vital and much loved event. Ultimately, the pro audio
The heaving halls and claims of significant business community will vote with its feet, and the organisers
being done at the booths across the board certainly at Messe will be going all out to deliver a show that
provided cause for optimism. NAMM’s new audio can go toe-to-toe with the competition and offer
village seems to have given the show a new lease of something unique.
life as far as its pro offering is concerned, with many As has been the case for a number of years now,
hailing it as the event’s best outing in recent memory. the next Prolight+Sound will be considered one of the
Meanwhile, the halls of the RAI o en felt gridlocked, most crucial in its history. What we can be certain
such was the vastness of the crowds, making its of is that come April, the gaze of exhibitors past and
move to Barcelona in 2021 all the more welcome. present will be firmly fixed on Frankfurt. n
Chief e ec i e illah Byn - horne
on-e ec i e chair an ichard n in ford
Chief financial officer Penny Ladkin-Brand
el
dns2
anywhere
the dialogue noise suppressor that anyone can use
CINEMA AUDIO SOCIETY
WINNER
location studio live
2017
www.cedaraudio.com
www.psneurope.com
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2019
In this issue...
People
P6 Kenton Forsythe
Returning EAW co-founder Kenton Forsythe tells PSNEurope why
he is rejoining the company three years after his departure and what
his ambitions are for the future of the brand
P14 Chris Lord-Alge
The legendary US mix engineer talks us through his partnership with
Waves and the newly launched CLA MixHub plugin
P11
COLLEEN HARPER
WE HEAR FROM THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE AES Report
P17 NAMM 2019
With the sun now set on another NAMM, major exhibitors reveal why
they believe the show’s audio offering is better than ever before
P28 Reinventing Harman Pro
Harman Pro president Mohit Parasher takes us inside the company’s
ongoing reconstruction
P35 Normal Not Novelty returns
The monthly Red Bull Studio initiative returns for 2019, as our
columnist Katie Tavini reports
P23
ISE 2019
LEADING EXECUTIVES OFFER THEIR TAKE ON THIS YEAR’S SHOW
Interviews
P32 Dani Bennett Spragg
The winner of this year’s Breakthrough Engineer of the Year MPG
Award discusses her route to becoming one of the UK’s most exciting
studio talents
P44 Michael Dugher
UK Music CEO Michael Dugher gives his take on the increasingly
complex reloationship between the tech world and the music industry
P50
ON KALL
US PRODUCER KALLIE MARIE TALKS GEAR AND FREELANCING
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.contents.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:21
sl-series.com Holistic growth. The KSL System line array loudspeakers employ a combination of techniques to accomplish seamless broadband directivity control. The low frequency geometry uses cardioid technology with a driver and port layout producing a coverage matched perfectly to the coaxial arrangement of an extremely efficient midrange horn and waveguide mounted high frequency drivers. In total harmony with the system’s usability, an extraordinary performance delivers sound exactly where it’s wanted. Just another true adherent to the holistic d&b approach. More art. Less noise.
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W
hat a busy year it’s been for EAW. Since
the US loudspeaker manufacturer
was acquired by Italy’s RCF Group in
2018, the company has been investing
heavily in new staff and a fresh infrastructure that will
bring all of its operational and administrative operations
in-house. All the while, the firm has been spreading
the word that it has a renewed sense of purpose and
a mission to tackle the European market head on. In
January, the company made the headlines again when
it revealed that co-founder and former VP of strategic
engineering, Kenton Forsythe, was returning to the
company on a part-time basis, aer three years away.
Forsythe's design, the mid-1970s vintage BH215 dual
15-inch bass horn, became the basis of some of EAW's
earliest products, while its KF850 was the model that
helped put the brand on the map.
Here, he tells PSNEurope what coaxed him back into
the business and his ambitions for the next generation
of EAW…
What made you decide to return to EAW?
Aer a year of tending to my wife and I's “honey-do” lists,
I was ready to get back into speaker work. I talked with
a few organisations, then following the takeover of Loud
by new investors, [EAW president] TJ Smith gave me a
Homew a
call one day in late March 2018. We cut a deal quickly
and now I am back where I belong.
A lot has changed since you le the company.
How have you found the process of returning
to the fold?
Easy. The core group here is very desirous of returning
to the days of greatness through technological designs
bound
and strong marketing.
What will your responsibilities be now?
I have the very good fortune of basically reporting to
my son Jeremy, now manager of product development
at EAW. I also work closely with Geoff McKinnon, who
is doing a brilliant job as engineering director. We are
currently working on three new ranges of installation
appropriate designs.
What are your thoughts on the RCF
acquisition? Did this prompt your return to Aer three years away from the company he co-founded over four
EAW? decades ago, Kenton Forsythe has returned to resurgent US
I have known and respected Arturo Vacari [RCF CEO]
for 20+ years now, having first met him at RCF. I find the
loudspeaker company EAW. Daniel Gumble caught up with him
work he has done miraculous, following pulling RCF to find out what drew him back into the fold and where he sees the
from bankruptcy by Mackie Designs/Loud. People love brand headed in 2019 and beyond…
to work with him, as do I.
RCF has made many key pro audio acquisitions
recently. How beneficial is it for EAW to be
part of such a fast growing organisation?
The RCF Group has a very entrepreneurial leader in Mr.
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.EAW.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:33
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2017
Vacari, who made an additional strategical aquisition
with EAW. Appropriate new resources have become
available to use for advanced product development that
will enable lower cost manufacturing and advanced
technology, particularly on the electronics side.
Outside of the US, EAW has been perceived
as something of a sleeping giant in the
loudspeaker market. How do you plan to
remedy that this year?
New products with advanced technologies. Several new
product ranges are under development, and they will
continue to move the state-of-the-art in loudspeakers
forward. Several are based on the technologies we
already possess, such as Adaptive, while others are
more advanced implementations of more conventional
techniques. We continue to look into improved
manufacturing technologies as well.
How crucial are trade shows for spreading the
word of the company’s rejuvenation?
Major trade shows are very helpful in exposing EAW to
current and potential users. We will continue to support
such shows, with a noticeably larger presence than in
the past. However, we may have a smaller presence in
w ard
regional shows, or pass them by as others are doing.
We do anticipate having regional EAW-focused events to
bring our products to a wider audience.
What are you ambitions in 2019, both
personally and for the company?
My personal goals are to complete the three ranges
of new product within 2019, and to bring them to
the market. I will be working with consultants and
contractors to get exposure for the designs.
We see ourselves on a major growth cycle, eager to
regain ground lost since the first acquisition in 2000 and
years of investment group management.
What do you perceive to be the biggest
opportunities in the market for EAW in 2019
and beyond?
EAW continues to see many opportunities in the pro
audio market. We see room for growth in our current
market segments and in additional aspects of the
market. High performance with advanced technology is
always welcomed, even at the somewhat premium price
such products must command.
And what are the biggest challenges?
The main obstacle is fighting to achieve aggressive
growth targets.
Hiring new key people is a great opportunity, however,
it is also a challenge in finding the right people. We
Forsythe returns are fortunate in recent hires to have gained some very
talented and skilled people.
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.EAW.indd 2 22/02/2019 17:33
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Movers and shakers
Stay in the loop with the latest job appointments and movements in the
professional audio industry...
Joe White appointed as Nexo business development
manager, south east Asia, India, and Oceania
EFFECTIVE from February 1 2019, Nexo has strategies are solidified across these regions and worked
appointed Joe White as business development manager on collectively by distributors.”
for south east Asia, India, and Oceania. Since 2011, he When asked of the challenges of the role, and
has been running his own business in Indonesia, but he how he will approach them, White explained: "It is
desired a return to pro audio. important to understand that the brand’s message and
Of what he will bring to his new role, White methodologies can be easily applied to these cultures,
A CENTRAL MESSAGE AND
commented: “Having luckily worn the Nexo hat for a so as to have a unified message across this vast region.
number of years and been based at the company’s HQ, I My challenge will then be to make myself as present
STRATEGY IMPLEMENTED ON
quickly understood how a central message and strategy as possible across the region so that our distributors A GLOBAL SCALE IS NOT ONLY
implemented on a global scale is not only important for and their end users see that everyone in the region is IMPORTANT FOR A COMPANY'S
a company’s brand presence, but also directly for the working together using the same methodologies. BRAND PRESENCE, BUT ALSO
company’s end users. "As the countries in south east Asia become more
DIRECTILY FOR THE COMPANY'S
"A big part of my approach to growing the brand receptive to multi-culture, we can see huge growth
in these regions is to ascertain that all aspects of potential in the entertainment and worship sectors. This
END USERS
communication, education, and product and business is a very exciting time to rejoin my friends at Nexo.” JOE WHITE
Active Audio names Eric
Allen & Heath selects Markus Grandmougin as marketing and EAW names John Mills as
Sinsel as sales director customer support director senior applications engineer
SINSEL has joined Allen & Heath with a wealth of ACTIVE Audio has selected EASTERN Acoustic Works has appointed renowned
experience in the pro audio industry as sales director, Eric Grandmougin as its new audio engineer, John Mills as senior applications
having worked for Allen & Heath distribution companies marketing and customer engineer. Mills is an industry expert of 25 years, having
in Germany and the UK for the last 18 years, and as a support director, effective since most recently served as VP of Nashville's Morris Light
sound engineer for almost 30 years. January 2 2019. and Sound, where he worked for the past eight years.
When asked what he brings to the role, Sinsel Grandmougin has a strong Mills has mixed front-of-house at virtually every
replied: “I believe I bring a good understanding of the background in sound; he major arena and stadium in the continental US and
needs and demands of our distribution and customers. pursued an engineering degree in acoustics, and an Canada. He is most recognised for his FOH work with
More importantly, I understand the product.” early career as a sound engineer, later graduating stars such as Chris Tomlin, Lincoln Brewster, Shane and
In terms of the challenges of the industry that the to the pro audio industry. Active’s CEO, Régis Cazin Shane, and Paul Baloche, as well as for being systems
company faces – most imminently the threat of Brexit emphasised that “Eric has a very strong reputation in the engineer for country musician Kenny Chesney.
– and how to approach them, Sinsel explained: “Allen & world of pro audio and acoustics in France." Mills commented: "EAW is moving forward with
Heath is rapidly growing. With Brexit just ahead and the Grandmougin will provide Active Audio's senior innovative, forward-looking solutions. The future
new import duties in several management and strategic committee with insight into looks bright with an
countries we face some market trends and technologies, as well as proposing engineering team under
challenges, but with our team, new products. Geoff McKinnon, and Kenton
that is working very hard, and Grandmougin commented: “Aer spending 20 years Forsythe's return.
the support of the Audiotonix with users, designers and investors, I can provide "It's a great time for me to
group, I know we will be able to good feedback on user experience and use this in our bring my experience and skills
find smart solutions for all.” communication and analysis of product applications.” to EAW."
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.jobs.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:33
ATM350a Versatile instrument mic eu.audio-technica.com
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2019
Executive decision
Fiona Hope recently caught up with Colleen Harper to discuss her new appointment
as executive director of the Audio Engineering Society…
C
olleen Harper was selected as executive requires a skill set specific to associations, and I’ve
Colleen Harper
director of the Audio Engineering Society been able to hone those skills – such as membership
on January 21 2019, and now reports to engagement, marketing, budgeting, and so forth –
the executive committee of the AES board throughout my nonprofit career. I believe my past
of governors. positions and experiences will help a lot as I work with the
Despite being relatively new to the pro audio world, team to move AES forward.
Harper has extensive experience in running associations
of similar stature, most recently working as the COO What are you bringing to the role?
and interim CEO of the American Society for Parenteral I think my background of focusing on membership and
and Enteral Nutrition. Other associations that Harper member value will be a significant contribution to AES, as
has served in senior roles at include such vast and well as the experience of running the business operations
varied organisations as the National Investor Relations of a nonprofit professional society. My career has also
Institute, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating included working with younger professionals specifically
and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the Geoprofessional and increasing their involvement with the organisation,
Business Association. which I think will be a great fit at AES given the high
Notably, she has been a Certified Association Executive number of student members and student sections that
(CAE) since 2012 and was formally recognised with an we have. now have to learn new skills – such as networking, video,
Association Forum of Chicagoland’s Forty Under 40 Award gaming, and streaming – in order to keep up with the
in 2014. Not only does she have an array of interesting How do you define the importance of AES? interdisciplinary nature of their jobs and carve out a viable
experience, but she brings a fresh perspective as a AES generates critical information in the form of career. Additionally, the way people consume audio now
woman in a highly male-dominated industry. standards, journal articles, and other technical content is very different than it was 10 years ago, and that can be a
Harper tells PSNEurope’s Fiona Hope about her actions that is presented at our European and US conventions. challenge as well.
to develop and propel AES forward, using her wealth of For example, AES3, AES10, and AES67 are monumental
experience with nonprofit societies and associations and standards that have changed and improved the What will AES be bringing to 2019?
passion for the cause to assert it as the top professional business. The members and volunteers who work on We expect to explore and generate more collaborations
organisation in the pro audio world... this important research keep the whole audio industry with manufacturers and like-minded organisations, with a
up-to-date and operationally efficient. We have a diverse strong focus on providing stellar education.
What are the biggest opportunities your new community made up of both academics/researchers and
role offers? practitioners, and the vibrancy of the community makes it What makes you passionate about pro audio?
AES has such an incredible reputation and has done so a necessary part of the career of anyone in pro audio. I have never seen a community as passionate, energised,
much work on behalf of those in pro audio. Now that and familial as the pro audio community. I have the
I’ve been on the AES team for a few weeks, I believe the Why do you believe in AES? utmost admiration for all of the AES members and
biggest opportunities my role offers are to increase the We live in a world than can change in the blink of an eye. volunteers who have given so much to the Society. Now
collaboration between traditional and emerging specialties Absolutely everyone benefits from ongoing professional that I have a greater understanding of the importance
within the Society; keep us up-to-date with technological development and education – if you are unwilling of the pro audio industry, I want to do whatever I can to
developments in areas such as virtual reality, gaming, and or unable to learn about current issues, trends, and drive it forward and provide even more to the people who
streaming; and solidify AES as the professional home for developments, your business or career can suffer greatly comprise this unique community.
the pro audio community. from that. AES is 100 per cent committed to leading the
education and training related to pro audio, and making What will your day-to-day look like as
How is this role different to your past sure that audio’s contribution to so many other industries executive director?
positions? is both respected and celebrated. Honestly, I’m still figuring this out! I expect my day-to-day
The largest difference is the industry itself. While I have to be a combination of business operations, membership,
worked with engineering societies in the past, I have What do you think the biggest challenges and content generation. AES has so many wonderful
not been this closely involved with audio specifically. facing audio engineers in today’s market are? opportunities in front of us, and I’m excited to spend my
Otherwise, there are actually many similarities and I think the biggest obstacle relates to audio not being such time working with the excellent AES team to capitalise
overlaps to my past positions. Running an association a standalone discipline anymore. Many audio engineers on them.
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.AESapt.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:36Monumental
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®P13
MARCH
2019
The vinyl frontier
At NAMM 2019, Audio-Technica introduced a brand new turntable and cartridge duo to the market, highlighting the
company’s ongoing commitment to the DJ sector. Joe France, Audio-Technica UK’s DJ specialist, tells PSNEurope
why the world of vinyl is still ripe with opportunity…
B
ack in January, Audio-Technica unveiled and always have been, we’re seeing guys who have
Joe France
its latest offering to the DJ market at learned on controllers, but are looking to spice up their
NAMM 2019 in the form of the AT-LP140XP skillset by playing vinyl. Evidently, the demand is being
turntable and AT-XP3 cartridge. Designed driven by both types of DJ, which is really encouraging.
in Tokyo, the fully manual turntable features a high- Vinyl still offers DJs a unique world of rare,
torque direct drive motor, ensuring quick start up, and underground music that you can’t always find or
an anti-resonant, mass-damped, die-cast aluminum purchase as digital files. Some of the record stores we
platter for stable, on-axis rotation at 33, 45 and 78rpm. partner with, such as Phonica in London and Rush Hour
Its S-shaped tonearm allows adjustment for height, in Amsterdam, sell limited-edition records from around
tracking force and dynamic anti-skate control, while the world that might not have been played for decades;
additional features include selectable quartz-controlled that’s part of the reason that vinyl sales were up 14.6 per
pitch lock and pitch change slider (with +/-8%, +/-16%, cent in 2018.
and +/-24% adjustment ranges), stroboscopic platter
with a speed indicator and a retractable plug-type stylus What are the biggest opportunities for A-T DJ
target light. The product is available in black or silver, products in today’s market? Are there any key
with DJ-approved features such as a start/stop button, markets where you're pushing the new product?
forward/reverse play, selectable pitch change, a stylus In today's market, people are looking to match the
target light and more. sound of high-end hi-fi systems, so if they can achieve
The AT-XP3 cartridge, reflecting Audio-Technica's that in the DJ booth, they’re happy. Audio-Technica’s
leading innovation as a phono-cartridge designer of I'M REALLY EXCITED BY THE origins are in the design and manufacture of hi-fi
over 50 years, comes with a V-Mount dual magnet cartridges, so we have the opportunity to build upon
NEW PRODUCTS AND THE FACT
construction, carbon fibre-reinforced ABS cantilever and decades of experience and a reputation for delivering
nylon wire suspension for precise tracking.
THEY REFLECT SUCH A HEALTHY high-quality sound to the DJ sector.
Here, Joe France, Audio-Technica UK’s DJ specialist, MARKETPLACE – IT'S A GREAT Given the market’s increasingly demanding
explains why he believes the future is bright for the DJ TIME FOR VINYL AND THE DJS consumers, Audio-Technica’s recent DJ cartridges – the
sector and why the ongoing rise in vinyl sales in the UK WHO PREFER TO USE IT AT-XP3, AT-XP5 and AT-XP7 – are really designed for
represents a serious opportunity for the market... audiophile DJs. These guys are very selective, and by
JOE FRANCE
pairing the cartridges with the likes of the AT-LP140XP,
At NAMM 2019 you released a new DJ turntable. the quality of the turntable is fully realised by ensuring
How important is the DJ market for the brand? Vinyl has become much more accessible than it was the signal path isn’t compromised. The fact that the XP
The DJ sector is very important for Audio-Technica, and even a few years ago, with more and more artists cartridge models deliver audiophile quality while also
turntables are still a big part of the DJ world, which is releasing on vinyl only and chains like HMV stocking being robust enough to withstand back-cueing means
why we see continued development in this product area. records again; specialist shops are thriving and even they’re ideal for the rigours of the DJ booth.
Audio-Technica’s previous DJ turntable, the AT-LP1240, supermarkets sell vinyl these days.
is widely recognised as a major player in the sector, and There has been some innovation in DJ turntables Tell us about the new turntable. What was
the release of the new AT-LP140XP, plus high fidelity themselves, although the tried and tested design might the production process and what has feedback
DJ-oriented cartridges, reflects the commitment the not have changed that much, what is noticeable is the from users been like?
company has to DJs and their product needs. improvement in the components used, and a better The AT-LP140XP launched at the beginning of 2019 and
For many, there’s still no better feeling than opening understanding of how to get the most out of recorded isn’t available for retailers as of yet, but it has been really
a brand new piece of vinyl and playing it out to wow a material. As such, I think DJs who play vinyl and buy well received by the trade and those who saw it at the
crowd. As a result, there still remains a real desire and turntables are much better informed and discerning NAMM show this year. Designed in the heart of Tokyo, It
demand from DJs for high-performing, great-sounding when it comes to the hardware they rely on. was conceived as a pro-level, fully manual turntable that
turntables and cartridges. gives DJs all the control they need. I’m really excited by
How much of an appetite is there for the new products, and the fact that they reflect such a
How has this corner of the audio market traditional DJ turntables in 2019? healthy marketplace – it’s a great time for vinyl and the
evolved in recent years? Interestingly, alongside DJs who are strictly vinyl-only DJs who prefer to use it.
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.AT.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:33P00
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xxxxxx
wwwww
A
Wave
s anyone present at this year’s NAMM will
attest, the overriding spirit across the LA
show was one of warmth and positivity,
and not just because of the glorious
sunshine in which the Anaheim Convention Center was
bathed for its duration. Throughout its four-day run (as
you can read about more in our post-show recap on
machine
p17) NAMM 2019’s pro audio contingent was virtually
unanimous in its praise for the show.
A vast and varied array of new products and
innovations were launched over the course of the event,
and among the most notable studio-related releases
was Waves Audio’s new CLA MixHub plugin, developed
in close collaboration with Grammy Award-winning mix
engineer Chris Lord-Alge. Indeed, the mood was no
more upbeat on day one of the show than it was at the
plugin giant’s booth, with company executives hailing
the product as one of the most important additions to its
At NAMM 2019, Waves presented its new CLA MixHub plugin, portfolio in its history.
developed with Grammy-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge and The partnership with Lord-Alge is certainly a
described by the company as one of the most significant releases in significant one, with the engineer having built a
reputation as one of the most successful exponents of
its history. Daniel Gumble caught up with the man himself to find out
his cra in the business. With multiple Grammy Awards
more about the collaboration and why he considers the Waves team to his name, he has worked with the likes of Green
‘part of his extended family’… Day, Muse, Sugarland, Keith Urban and many others.
The new CLA MixHub is the culmination of a lengthy
collaboration with Waves in order to capture the essence
of the engineer’s studio style.
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.waves.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:56P15
MARCH
2019
signature series. And every step of the way we worked
together on the CLA MixHub. I give the credit to Mike
Fradis, my product designer and friend; we spent a long
time bringing this workflow to a plugin. I went to Tel Aviv
and worked directly with everyone there and Mike came
I WANTED TO MAKE SURE IT
to LA to continue fine-tuning it right up until its release.”
Crucial to the product was its ability to convey Lord-
HAD FEATURES THAT WERE
Alge’s signature touches, not to mention the ‘mixing IMPORTANT TO THE WAY I WORK
in buckets’ feature, which has been so central to his CHRIS LORD-ALGE
approach in the studio.
“I just wanted to make sure it had features that were
important to the way I work,” he continues. “It was
created from scratch emulating my console and sound;
dual compressor flavours and a super gate that is
packed with features.
“Mixing in buckets is what I have been used to for
30 years. It gives the user the ability to see and make
changes quickly because you can see eight channels at
a time and up to eight buckets on one screen, making
it possible to see 64 channels of EQ or Dynamics or
Meters. It lets you see your whole song and adjust
settings rapidly as you hear them.”
According to Lord-Alge, the sound and style he has
Chris Lord-Alge doing cultivated over the past three decades has been shaped
what he does best largely by problem solving in the studio, making the
ability to adapt absolutely essential.
“All the key moments [in developing my style] were
solving problems that are easy now, but 30 years ago
were a challenge… SMPTE, synchronising , flying vocals,
The CLA MixHub allows users to mix up to 64 tracks using drum samples, tuning vocals, punching in record
– all from the same plugin window – using channel with no way back, cleaning noise from tracks… endless!
strips modelled from CLA’s personal console. According I have seen 16-track become 24-track then 24 become CHRIS LORD-ALGE’S TOP 5
to Waves, it is the first plugin to work in ‘buckets’ – 48-track then analogue become digital and Pro Tools SOUNDING RECORDS
groupings of up to eight channels, in up to eight buckets become endless. And everyone becomes an audio
in total. By mixing tracks side by side in buckets, users hoarder. The biggest thing that created my style was Back In Black, AC/ DC
Produced by Mutt Lange.
can gain a mixing perspective that allows them to attitude – positive and confident.
Do I need to say more?
immediately hear how one track’s processing affects We then went on to discuss how the role of producer
others within a song. The channel strips were modelled has changed over the years, and what his approach is to
American Idiot, Green Day
directly from Lord-Alge’s personal console. making a record. Produced by Rob Cavallo.
Once CLA is inserted on the channels in your mix, He posits: “The songwriter or artist becomes the Sound and performance at its best.
you can assign your tracks to buckets and begin making producer and everyone can record in their home. My
adjustments, such as mixing dynamics, EQ, saturation, approach is still old school. Rehearse the band; go to a Thriller, Michael Jackson
and more without needing to switch plugin windows in great room and get great sounds; then do the overdubs Produced by Quincy Jones.
your DAW. While mixing, you can flip between two plugin however you can to get the best performance, and mix Timeless recording that is not over compressed, and
view modes: Bucket view, with control of up to eight as you go.” simple and concise production that is Quincy Jones.
channels at a time, or Channel view, focusing on a single As for his preferred set up in the studio, he offers: “I
Hysteria, Def Leppard
channel’s processing chain. Each channel consists of have so much gear it could make a book! But I use all
Also produced by Mutt Lange.
five sections: Input, Dynamics, EQ, Output, and an Insert the tools I can – analogue and digital. I have a 72-input
Again, Mutt changing all the rules and stretching the
point. Each processing module can be expanded to SSL G desk; SSL Automation; a 64-channel Pro Tools
boundaries. To this day it’s a big rock record.
reveal additional functionality. set up loaded with every plugin; racks of outboard gear,
Speaking to PSNEurope, Lord-Alge explained that his compressors, EQs, delays and reverbs. However, the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles
relationship with Waves has been a close one, spanning most important gear are my ears and my discipline.” Produced by George Martin.
several years. On the subject of the future and his relationship with Geoff Emerick and George Martin, four tracks and a
“Waves approached me about presets for the SSL Waves, he confirms there is strong intent from both lot of imagination. This was where we began and the
plugin some 12 years ago, and once I started using that parties to continue working together. “I look forward path was struck for the future.
plugin I became a believer,” he says. “We then went on to making more products with them. Waves is like my
to create my CLA classic compressors and the CLA extended family, we have fun together.”
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.waves.indd 2 22/02/2019 17:56Put the spotlight
on your brand content.
#thinkdifferentbeheard
S O C I A L M E D I A • P R • C O N T E N T C R E AT I O N
0 1 4 9 4 5 0 1 1 3 3 • W W W. S O U N D M A R K E T I N G LT D. C O. U KP00
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NAMM 2019 served up a show to remember in January, with attendees and exhibitors across the
board hailing it as one of the best outings in recent history, while attendance figures soared to record
highs. PSNEurope hears from a ra of industry heavyweights to get their take on why NAMM is
endearing itself to the pro audio community more than ever before...
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.NAMMreview.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:56P18
MARCH
2019
Top to bottom: Alan Macpherson (Yamaha Corp.
of America, general manager), David Bruml
(Funktion-One, sales director), Giles Orford
(Focusrite, brand director), Joe Lamond (NAMM
CEO), Mike Igglesden (sound engineer, Funktion-
One), Miles Rodgers (Meyer Sound), and Udi
Henis (Waves),
PSE84.NAMMreview.indd 2 22/02/2019 17:56NAMM 2019: 'The centre of the music universe'
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2019
T
he blue skies and soaring temperatures that be the premier event to launch products that will shape
permeated Anaheim back in late January how music is made, performed and recorded for years
certainly set the mood for NAMM 2019, to come.”
matching perfectly the mood of much of the Alan Macpherson, general manager of Yamaha
pro audio contingent at this year’s show. The NAMM Corporation of America, was equally full of praise for the
show was a huge hit this year, with 115,301 attendees 2019 show: “Overall, we feel it was Yamaha’s best ever
flocking to LA for the event – the biggest audience in its NAMM. It was gratifying to see so many people coming
118-year history. Numerous exhibitors cited it as one of to experience the wide array of products that allow our
the most vibrant trade shows in recent memory, pointing customers to create their perfect systems. Of note was
to everything from the daily breakfast seminars and the global launch of NEXO’s GEO M12; the response from
live performances, as well as to the multitude of new our customers was immediately positive.
products and innovations as major highlights. He continued: “The pro audio team worked their
Held between January 24-27 at the Anaheim usual market-leading magic as well. The new DZR-
Convention Center, this year’s attendance built on 2018’s Dante speaker line up made its NAMM debut, and the
then record-breaking figure of 115,085, which at the team launched the new Steinberg AXR4-T premium
time represented a 7.5 per cent increase from 2017. Thunderbolt 2 interface, which features Rupert Neve
Meanwhile, more than 2,000 exhibiting members graced Design’s famous SILK processing on microphone
the show floor in January, representing 7,000 brands. preamps. The Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage, dominating
The show also saw significant gains in its global reach, the NAMM Show, featured NEXO STM speaker systems,
achieving a targeted year-on-year increase of 14 per and Rivage PM10 Digital Audio Consoles along with the
cent in international participants. NEXO GEO M12 speakers.”
Notable news from the show included the much David Claringbold of d&b audiotechnik was also
discussed launch of new company LEA Professional, keen to highlight the benefits of exhibiting at the show:
a brand new venture masterminded by Harman “We launched the KSL System, the new addition to the
Professional’s former president Blake Augsburger and SL Series, our top range concert line array series,” he
other ex-Harman execs. The new firm is an amplifier said. “This was d&b's most significant product release
technology manufacturer, with its debut product range outside of Germany in the company’s history. We chose
expected to come in the shape of a series of professional the NAMM Show for a launch of this stature because
grade two- and four-channel amplifiers for small to the timing and location of NAMM is so well suited to our
medium-sized applications. global market. We were inundated with people wanting
Waves also caught the show floor’s attention with the to get up close to the KSL System and talk with our
release of its CLA Mixhub, developed in collaboration people on the booth and had a packed demonstration
with legendary producer Chris Lord-Alge. The company room for our d&b Soundscape immersive technology
told us at the show that it fully expects the product presentations. We look forward to returning next year.”
to become one of the most successful products in Andy Munitz of Sony Pro Audio added: “I love this
its history. The CLA MixHub allows you to mix up to show, there are so many types of customers that come
64 tracks – all from the same plugin window – using through, people that have used our products for years
channel strips modelled from CLA’s personal console. and love them and people that also want to learn about
It is the first plugin to work in ‘buckets’ – groupings of the new products constantly. We have videographers,
up to eight channels, in up to eight buckets in total. The recording performers, engineers, singers, and
channel strips were modelled directly from Lord-Alge’s musicians; you have quite the cross-section and that’s
personal console, which he has used to mix a number great for allowing us to promote our product, and of
of hits, from Green Day, Muse and Sugarland to Keith course at Sony, since we make so many different kinds
Urban and many more. of products.”
Other significant showcases included the launch Meanwhile, Miles Rodgers of Meyer Sound explained
of Powerso’s Armonia Plus System Manager and T why he believes that trade events with NAMM’s global
Series, while Neumann was busy revealing its first ever reach are so vital to the industry: “The question on
pair of studio headphones, as well as a new KH line everyone’s mind… are trade shows still valuable? With
subwoofer. d&b audiotechnik’s long-anticipated KSL the addition of the Pro Audio Hall at the NAMM show
system was presented for the world to experience, and we can now better focus on our market. This year was
NEXO finally lied the lid on its GEO M12 line array. an awesome step forward, and we were able to connect
Unsurprisingly, many exhibitors were quick to sing with existing and new customers in the market.
NAMM 2019’s praises. “The Pro Audio Hall was great as we could easily
“For four days, the centre of the music universe is connect with the other manufacturers that provide
right here at The NAMM Show, where we’re connecting equipment to our customers. I look forward to the future
with our top customers and artists,” said David Glaubke of NAMM!”
of Harman Professional Solutions. “This continues to Giles Orford, brand director of Focusrite, reflected on
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.NAMMreview.indd 3 22/02/2019 17:56STUDIO MONITOR KH 80 DSP
The KH 80 DSP – Small. Clever. Neutral.
Now also available in white.
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MARCH
2019
this year’s NAMM and what he considers to be a new “The show saw the showcase of the V10 updated
lease of life for the show: “Focusrite has been attending Waves eMotion LV1 mixer, and it was a great opportunity
NAMM for 29 years, and I’ve done 20 of them. It is the to meet our users, learn from their feedback and show
most important trade show in our industry and a good intrigued visitors the benefits of our products.”
platform to exhibit on, but we’ve oen felt like the show Reflecting on this year’s outing, NAMM CEO Joe
provided much of the same each year. This year was Lamond concluded: “We live in accelerated times with
unique as the audience seemed to have become more technological developments, and global business and
diverse; NAMM as an association is clearly working hard market conditions, which can create unpredictability
to drive diversity in our industry, especially in the US. It OPPORTUNITIES LIKE NAMM, in any industry. However, if you take a look around the
was a good NAMM, it’s promising for the future of the TO MEET EVERYONE FACE TO NAMM Show, one could find many reasons to feel quite
show and the year ahead in our industry. FACE AND HAVE MEANINGFUL comfortable about the importance of music around the
“Opportunities like NAMM, to meet everyone face to EXPERIENCES THAT CAN DRIVE world and future of the music products industry.
face, and have meaningful experiences that can drive From the exciting innovations of our exhibiting
OUR INDUSTRY FORWARD,
our industry forward, that’s priceless; we need to engage members, the creativity of our retail members in finding
with and support human interaction in an increasingly THAT'S PRICELESS; WE NEED TO enhanced ways to serve their communities, especially
digital world. It’s not about a bunch of manufacturers on ENGAGE WITH AND SUPPORT music educators, to the expanded live sound, lighting
a trade floor, but about sharing minds in our industry. HUMAN INTERACTION IN AN and event tech professionals and companies who
”In terms of highlights, I think the breakfast and AE3 INCREASINGLY DIGITAL WORLD made the trip to Anaheim, the connections, business
seminars were inspirational and well executed, whilst opportunities, and education offered each the tools
GILES ORFORD
Gibson’s presentation as a brand was upliing for the needed to succeed in the year ahead.”
entire industry, and the quality of musical performances
were phenomenal.”
Funktion-One’s sales director David Bruml noted
the diversity and positivity that helped to define 2019 as
a vintage year for NAMM: “With the new focus on pro
audio announced for the NAMM Show 2018, Funktion-
One supported this expansion with a large booth last
Anaheim Convention Center
year, which was very successful. We decided to return
for 2019, and it was remarkable to see the development
year on year.
“NAMM 2019 was undoubtedly amongst the most
positive trade shows in all my many years of exhibition
experience. Such a remarkably diverse mix of people
from all sectors of the music industry and beyond
attended – from major musicians, through to top level
entertainment venues, tour and event production
companies, sound rental users and system integrators.
“All trade shows are melting pots of potential
connections, but NAMM excelled in this regard; the
organisers clearly have a highly developed sense for
how to choreograph and stage a great convention. I was
impressed by all aspects of the show and there’s no
doubt Funktion-One and Sound Investment both look
forward to returning in 2020.”
Mike Igglesden, Funktion-One sound engineer,
agreed: “The varied crowd made it lively – it felt like it
was full of people who are very passionate about music.
The facilities are great, and it’s well laid out; even without
a map, you could work out where companies were likely
to be.”
Udi Henis from Waves also conveyed the feel good
factor that appeared to be so infectious at this year’s
NAMM: “Waves had an exceptional NAMM this year.
We benefited from a full booth, partly due to our artist
presentations including Andrew Scheps, Greg Wells,
Jack Joseph Puig and Chris Lord Alge’s presentations of
the CLA MixHub, released on the first day of the show.
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.NAMMreview.indd 4 22/02/2019 17:56P00
P23
MONTH
MARCH
2019
ISE 2019:
THE PSNEUROPE
REPORT
We found out from top pro audio exhibitors about what
made this year’s show special in its biggest outing to date...
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.ISEreview.indd 1 22/02/2019 17:34P24
MARCH
2019
I
n amidst Amsterdam’s inevitable darkness and promotes standardised measurement of a loudspeaker
drizzle at this time of year, ISE (literally) shone system’s maximum linear output.
bright with all of its AV attractions and audio “As Meyer Sound marks its 40th birthday this year, we
innovations. The 16th edition of the show was couldn’t be more excited about the collaboration within
the biggest, widest-reaching and most exciting yet, our own team and with our partners around the world as
as confirmed by exhibitors, and asserting it as the we continue to innovate and provide solutions across all
international destination of choice for AV professionals. segments of our business.”
With the largest ever ISE show floor hosting 1,301
exhibitors – 17 per cent of which were companies James King, director of marketing at Martin
exhibiting there for the first time – the show closed Audio, commented:
with 92 per cent of the available floor space at ISE 2020 “ISE 2019 continued its strong year on year performance.
having already been sold. The show seemed busier with record numbers into
As well as hosting 15 halls containing the latest our audio demonstration room and a consistent flow of
technologies and solutions for pro AV and systems traffic to the Martin Audio stand.
integration, the show provided a diverse professional "Importantly, we received a lot of visitors that were
development programme, extending its coverage of new to the brand. Partly, this was due to the success of
major vertical market sectors. Indeed, a key theme the show and partly, because the momentum around
of the show was how AV technology enables creative the brand has increased exponentially in the last year.
imaginations to produce rich experiences, which was The recent launch of the optimised Wavefront Precision
explored in its array of sessions and seen across the Longbow line array, as well as the new cardioid
show floor. subwoofer SXC118, created a real buzz, as did the
Mike Blackman, managing director of ISE, summed ADORN commercial series."
up this year’s event: “As an exhibition, an unbeatable
source of education and professional development, and Genelec’s marketing director, Howard Jones,
a destination for a global industry to come together also illustrated the impressiveness of this
and do business, ISE 2019 has delivered. Our Opening year’s show:
Address, Closing Keynote, and two projection mapping “We felt that ISE 2019 ranked as the busiest ISE we’ve
features were fantastic showcases for how event ever experienced. In addition to the sheer visitor
professionals and others can harness AV technology to numbers involved, our increased booth traffic is a clear
better realise their creativity.” reflection of Genelec’s enhanced presence in the AV
Exhibitors made the most of the opportunity to market. There’s no doubt that we’re now a serious
launch new products and showcase their latest contender in the premium AV installation business.
solutions. Among the technology trends revealed were “We had an amazing response to the unveiling of our
8K displays; smart building technology; AI-equipped Smart IP audio platform; it’s a unique proposition and
devices; the continued progression of conferencing and customer feedback made it clear that people are crying
collaboration technology; 3D projection mapping; LED out for this single cable solution that can deliver power,
displays; and further developments in AV over IP and audio-over-IP and flexible speaker management tools.
audio networking. “Our S360 high-SPL smart loudspeaker was also very
PSNEurope spoke with top pro audio exhibitors to well received. Again, visitor reactions made it clear that
find out their perspectives on this year's show, and the there is a market for a compact installation loudspeaker
response was certainly positive… that offers high acoustic power coupled with Genelec
studio-quality precision, which is great news for us as it
John McMahon, SVP of marketing, Meyer extends our field of application still further and broadens
Sound, reported on the brand’s experience of our AV offering.'
the event: He continued: “One of the things that we appreciate
“Meyer Sound launched three new products at ISE this so much about ISE is that it is a truly international event.
year, creating a platform for one of our most successful Many other long-standing shows that have served the
trade shows ever. New products included the ULTRA-X40 pro audio market for years, although international in
point source loudspeaker, the UPQ-D3 ultra-wide name, in reality are becoming more and more regional.
coverage loudspeaker, and the MPS-482HP power That’s not the case for ISE. We see customers from
supply. Within a week of the show, we already sold over all over the world – it’s probably the only show that
2,400 units of the ULTRA-X40, which also earned itself has such an extended reach and has definitely been
Top to bottom:
the Best of Show Award from PSNEurope. instrumental in enabling us to gain a foothold in AV Adrian Hogg (Focusrite, European sales
director), Chris Merrick (Shure, director
“The preview demos of our latest in spatial mixing markets beyond the Nordic regions, where we are of global marketing), Dave Haydon
systems, Spacemap LIVE, already has the market already very well established. (Outboard TiMax, director), James King
(Martin Audio, director of marketing),
anticipating its launch later this year. ISE was also the "ISE is an absolutely essential element in our Johan Gunsing (Adam Hall, international
sales manager), and John McMahon
first trade show debut of M-Noise, a new test signal that continued global expansion into the AV space.” (Meyer Sound, SVP of marketing)
PSE84.ISEreview.indd 2 22/02/2019 17:34P4 P00
P25
DECEMBER MONTH
MARCH
2018 2019
ISE as busy as ever
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OutBoard TiMax, director, Dave Haydon, said: year running, reflecting our ongoing commitment to
"Feedback from new visitors and existing associates customers' needs.”
confirmed to us that our evolutionary TiMax
developments continue to lead the way in spatial Adrian Hogg, European sales manager of
reinforcement, immersive audio processes and in Focusrite, stated:
ensuring smooth workflow." “One of the great things about shows like this is the
sheer variety of technology that you can get stuck
Johan Gunsing, international sales manager, ISE 2019 RANKED AS THE into. Members from many of our technology partners
Northern Europe, Adam Hall Group illustrated BUSIEST ISE WE'VE EVER were also at the show, such as Audinate, the Media
the company’s experience: EXPERIENCED. IN ADDITION TO Networking Alliance, and the OCA Alliance. Having all
“We are pleased to look back on a successful ISE those brains together makes for an interesting time, and
THE SHEER VISITOR NUMBERS
2019, where we announced a series of new product it’s great to be up to date on the latest developments.
innovations as well as a new technology partnership INVOLVED, OUR INCREASED “It’s a busy, busy show. Had I not been on our booth
with Xilica, the Canadian DSP developer. As part of BOOTH TRAFFIC IS A CLEAR the whole time I still doubt that I would have found time
this cooperation, the Adam Hall Group is expanding REFLECTION OF GENELEC'S to see everything. Some parts of the hall were solid with
its installation portfolio within its pro audio brand, LD ENHANCED PRESENCE ON THE people, which is both a good and bad thing depending on
Systems, including the introduction of the new IMA how you look at it!
AV MARKET
and IPA amp series, in order to provide AV planners, ‘There’s no new expansion planned for next year,
integrators, installation service providers and end users HOWARD JONES which isn’t surprising considering that the RAI was at
with a wide range of integrated solutions for fixed full capacity this year and is guaranteed to be next year.
installation. The Xilica partnership also makes it possible I’m expecting a similar show next year with the really
to further expand upon the functionality as well as the big change coming in 2021 when the show relocates to
Universal Control approach of Xilica’s Designer So®ware Barcelona, allowing it to expand and hopefully reach its
as the central control platform for installation projects.” full potential.”
Chris Merrick, director of global marketing,
Integrated Systems at Shure, expressed:
The AV world coming together at ISE
“ISE was an important event for Shure, not least because
it was the first showcase of the company’s refreshed
identity outside of North America.
This new positioning now aligns the divisions within
the company, to present Shure as one organisation.
Importantly, this is a progressive move on our part as
both Systems and Pro have many common challenges
and solutions across both markets – and the rebrand
will now allow us to showcase our solutions in one
‘common’ environment.
“The increased numbers of end users visiting
the show was positive, especially as many of those
attending were from world leading enterprises looking
for partners that they can work with throughout the
value chain. This year, integrators bringing customers
to the booth were greeted with a range of themed
zones covering the likes of government, corporate
and educational facilities. All offered a range of audio
solutions that could be ‘physically’ experienced, plus
spaces for mic demonstrations and event production
solutions. It allowed us to bring all of our products to life,
addressing customers' individual audio requirements.
“The diversity of visitors to ISE this year was a real
bonus, too, particularly with an increase in Pro end users
interested in our Axient Digital offering, while we also
enjoyed great conversations regarding the availability of
MicroFlex Complete wireless for all types of government
and international events.
"We were also honoured to be named ‘Best Stand
Design’ in the large category award for the second
www.psneurope.com
PSE84.ISEreview.indd 4 22/02/2019 17:34You can also read
