There are certain times that mark the end of summer. After all those Labor Day picnics, it’s time to pack that Weber grill back into the garage and get the kids off to school. Heck, fall officially kicks in on September 22, so pretty soon, many of us will be enjoying the changing of the season, with trees exhibiting their amazing annual display of fall colors.
For us who are really old enough to remember, fall also meant the arrival of the exciting new cars and the new lineup of TV shows. Of course, this was at least back in the days when people actually watched network TV. And cars? Well, once upon a time, when people went to car dealerships just to “look,” there was real excitement about seeing just-unveiled Mustangs, Camaros, Firebirds and so on. Maybe it’s just me, but these days, I just don’t see people getting fired up about seeing what Kia has to offer in the way of new 2017 models.
Mark Your Calendars!
However, the annual phenomenon that does get a lot of industry folk excited about fall is the September return of the convention season, which thankfully, wisely skips the doldrums of August. On this month’s tradeshow lineup is the IBC Conference, Sept 9-13, which admittedly is a broadcast show (sort of a European NAB), but from a live sound perspective, there are at least a few interesting products there in terms of new microphones, wireless systems and digital consoles. Not really a lot to see, but at least it’s in Amsterdam, which offers plenty of adult diversions to keep you occupied (like museums and art galleries), making it a worthwhile excursion.
Also on this month’s horizon is PLASA 2016, from Sept 18-20, which is probably about 95 percent lighting-related, but at least this year the show has moved from the essentially soulless ExCel Center of the far edge of the Earth to the Olympia Center in the bustling heart of West London. That alone is a huge improvement, but admittedly, it’s still pretty weak on the audio side.
All this brings us to the Audio Engineering Society’s triumphant biennial return to Los Angeles for its 141st convention, from September 29 through October 2 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. There will be lots of audio — and even a selection of live sound products and a modicum of Sound Reinforcement Sessions, including SR6 — a not-to-be missed panel of experts who will untangle exactly what the FCC has done to the 600 MHz wireless band. Another must-see (or must-hear) session is SR9, is where Howard Page of Clair Global examines the dodgy subject of “Is too much low-end ruining the listening experience for the audience?” That particular topic should prove enlightening and maybe shed some light as to whether the kick drum really has to be the loudest element in most mixes you hear these days.
The Real AES Action
Of course, at any AES there’s always plenty of action on the show floor (and perhaps someday, a lot more representation by live sound speaker manufacturers), yet sometimes, the real action at AES happens off-campus via chance encounters or lengthy after-hours debates at the hotel bar. But either way, it’s really the only audio-only show we’ve got, so let’s make the best of it.
There is some hope that AES will someday have more than a casual representation of those of us in the live world. For the past few years, there has been an increasing push on the part of AES to re-embrace sound reinforcement (rather than just recording) as a major force in pro audio. So far it is progressing slowly, but at least it’s moving ahead.
Another positive sign comes from last month’s AES elections, where longtime live sound professional (and overall nice guy) David Scheirman stepped up as the society’s president-elect. For the next year, Scheirman will serve first on the AES Board of Governors and Executive Committee as president-elect and fully assume the presidency in October 2017 for a one-year term. Yeah!
Do Your Part and Vote!
No, I am not referring to the upcoming national and local contests on November 8th (although everyone should get out and vote anyway), but the election that REALLY counts: The Parnelli Awards! Subscribers to FRONT of HOUSE and PLSN should take a moment or two (3:00 a.m. on that Wi-Fi equipped tour bus is preferred) and cast ballots for their most-admired production professionals and companies.
Voting closes September 30 (at midnight for you procrastinators), and perhaps unlike the presidential race, your vote really can make a difference. You see, there are a lot of very close races on the Parnelli front, especially with a half-dozen choices in each category, and in past years, the voting has been very tight and a single vote (possibly yours) can actually decide the election. It’s your Parnelli patriotic duty, so log onto www.parnelliawards.com/vote (voting is fast and fun), get involved and do your part. An entire industry will thank you for your service.
For George Petersen’s introduction to the September 2016 issue of FRONT of HOUSE magazine, go to http://www.fohonline.com/main-news/15375
