Sound System Training Test

I’ve added a link to the online interactive version of the “Test” ( see link in sidebar) or you can take the Test right here right now. Here is the “Test”




The online version does not have any questions from page 3 of the downloadable PDF file but is quite entertaining. It will give you a grade when you are done.

TV Show Audio for Video

We just finished doing a pilot (4 shows) for V-Boys Productions. The show is a talk show format similar to "The Vue" but with a Christian perspective. The Show is called "The Vanessa Waller Show". We provided the audio recording for the shoot. Here is a picture of the set.





There are 5 hosts for the show and a small live audience. We mic'd the hosts direct with wireless lapel mics, and recorded everything to Logic Studio. An important thing to remember, is the format. You need to record the audio in 16 bit 48 kHz because that is the format for the video when you bring it together in post. The show was shoot in HD (720p 30p) using Panasonic HVX200 cameras.


The next shoot takes place next month. We are going to record directly into one of the cameras and to Logic from now on. It is much easier to edit in post if you have good audio synced to a camera when you bring all the footage into post and the logic recording will be the backup.

Live Recording & Audio Recording/Video Capture-Editing Studio

We are installing a complete Live Recording - Tracking studio for Christ Life Church in Tacoma, WA. They are upgrading their existing live sound system to accommodate live audio recording and live video recording.

This church is blessed with remarkable musical talent. They have produced and recorded their own CD's (in a recording studio) already and now they what to capture their live performance.

We are installing a new 32 x 8 split snake from Radial Engineering and 2 of the new Tascam DM-4800 digital boards. One for the live and one for the studio. To record and track in the studio we are installing a Tascam X-48 (48 track hard-disk recorder) which gives them the ability to record the live performance to individual tracks as well as another 16 tracks available for tracking in the studio.

For the video capture we are starting with 2 Panasonic HVX200 HD camera's, a third camera will be added later. The editing bay consists of a new 8 core Mac Pro setup with 8 gigs of RAM 2 x 750 gig hard-drives and 2 x 24" Monitors that can handle 1080p HD. Software to edit video Final Cut Pro Studio 2, and Logic Studio to handle the audio.

The great thing about the Tascam board is that it is also a controller for the most popular DAW software (pro tools, logic, sonar, etc.)

We will be dealing with the acoustics of the sanctuary as part of phase 2 of this project. For now the church will be honing their skills on the new equipment.

Active or Passive for Main Speakers? Part Two

If you have a system that you are going to add to or just update some components, your existing speakers for example, the passive speakers are your best bet. Unless you are looking to really upgrade to the next level. I am working with a church right now that has a passive speaker system and are upgrading to a line array.
If they go ahead with the new line array system (they are active) some of the components of their existing system will be sold (excess amps and crossovers etc). They have a 6 speaker Turbo Sound 2 way system (main cluster), the subs are a dual 15" and single 18" cabs on each side of the platform, all powered by QSC amplifiers. They have a 80' x 80' sanctuary with a balcony in back (see pic).
We are proposing an ISP Technologies Active Line Array system consisting of either 6 HDL4210 boxes (12° vertical) and 2 XMAX212 active dual 12" horn loaded subs, or 2 Reference Line 4215 boxes and 2 XMAX212 Subs. We are conducting a listening demo during the week before Thanksgiving. This system will greatly improve the music quality of their system. All the other components of their system will stay. I will post pics of the demo and comments from the pastor.

New Site in the works

News!!! We are updating the site. Checking out a new format. It has a good blogging feature and podcasts as well.
What do you think?