Jun 1, 2002 12:00 PM, Mix staff

Weeks of June 1-14

Apogee Appoints Arbiter Group plc To Distribute In UK, Ireland
Apogee Electronics (Santa Monica, Calif.), the internationally recognized manufacturer of digital audio equipment, has appointed Hendon, UK-based Arbiter Group plc to distribute Apogee's expanding line of digital audio conversion systems and accessories in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
"Arbiter Group is the largest distributor of music and audio equipment in Europe," said Apogee's co-founder and CEO Betty Bennett, "and they have a very strong professional audio division. The British market is a sophisticated and knowledgeable one, and it's important that our distributor fully understands the products and can help dealers recognize Apogee's unique benefits. We are confident that Arbiter will be a strong partner in this area and will significantly strengthen our position in the UK and Ireland. In addition, Arbiter already handles Steinberg, which is particularly appropriate in view of our strong collaboration with Steinberg on the NativeTools package." NativeTools combines Apogee high-resolution A/D and D/A converters with Steinberg's Nuendo software to create a complete solution in one box.
For more, visit Apogee online at www.apogeedigital.com.

Henninger Vision, DTS Entertainment Release 5.1 Sampler Disc
Henninger Vision, one of the nation’s leading providers of new media, Internet and interactive services and solutions, and supplier of surround music in the DVD-Audio format, has completed an exclusive DVD-Audio sampler disc for DTS Entertainment. Created to demonstrate the high-resolution sound quality of this new DVD format, the sampler disc features distinctive 5.1 remixes of various titles by legendary artists such as Olivia Newton John, Les Brown and his Band of Renown, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Paul Gilbert, the Gluey Brothers, David Alan, Toy Matinee, Steve Stevens and Tchaikovsky.
"The 5.1 surround experience has already dramatically enhanced millions of home theater living rooms," said Tom McCarthy, Henninger’s director of DVD services. "This 5.1 music remix for DTS Entertainment was a great project to be a part of. The artists’ amazing compositions ‘come to life’ like never before."
"Much of the success of the DVD-Video format is directly tied to the ability to deliver a theater-like experience via high-quality 5.1 surround soundtracks," explained David DelGrosso, VP of marketing for DTS Entertainment. "But ‘home theater’ is only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ for 5.1 surround, as the new DVD-Audio format begins to pave the way for a similar market explosion for the record industry. And, working with the creative and technical expertise of the Henninger Vision team helped make this all possible. We look forward to working with them on other similar projects in the future."
This new DVD-Audio sampler offers 5.1 music tracks in Advanced-Resolution MLP, plus DTS 96kHz/24-bit tracks (as well as 2-channel stereo tracks) of these popular artists; the disc is compatible with all DVD-Audio and DVD-Video players. The disc is being made available to select retailers who choose to demonstrate the exceptional sound quality of the DVD-Audio format.
For more about the sampler disc, check out Henninger Vision online at www.henninger.com or DTS Entertainment at www.dtsEntertainment.com.

ATC Announces Production of HyperSonic Sound System
American Technology Corporation (San Diego, Calif.) announced factory production of the first commercial units of its HyperSonic Sound (HSS) system, which creates highly directional sound using the air itself.
The first HSS production model, PB1200, is a dual-emitter, digital playback version, which is fully self-contained in a compact enclosure. Other models are planned for introduction over the next several months based on customer application and requirements.
"HSS is an exciting audio innovation that is shaping the future of sound," said Terry Conrad, president of ATC. "Our proprietary production methods have now made HSS economical, and it will become even more economical as unit volumes and applications expand."
The wide range of applications was a result from recent improvements made by ATC in the sound quality and output level of HSS. The design of the current production HSS model has resulted in a system optimized for low distortion and smooth frequency response.
"Orders from existing ATC customers and licensees have already absorbed our full production capabilities through this fall," said Bob Todrank, VP of business development of ATC. "Initial applications for HSS include point-of-purchase displays, kiosks, retail store advertising, museum guides and exhibit booth sound."
The HSS systems being produced for ATC by HST Inc., its manufacturing partner, meet all appropriate government regulatory requirements and will carry the UL and CE labels, indicating that all safety requirements have been met. The FDA also has issued a "clearance to market" to ATC for HSS, as it pertains to ultrasonic devices for other than medical applications.
For more information, visit www.atcsd.com.

APRS Launches UK Post-Production Guide
The Audio Post-Production Studio sector of the APRS launched a specialist handbook called Audio Post UK, which focuses on audio post-production facilities and services provided in the UK. The handbook is targeted at producers and audio post supervisors involved in commercials, film and TV production throughout the world.
Over recent years, UK's audio post facilities have acquired a reputation for excellence for such high-profile movies as the series, Harry Potter, The Mummy 2, James Bond and Tomb Raider.
Supported by the DTI through Trade Partners UK, Audio Post UK introduces overseas clients to the benefits of bringing their projects to the post-production community in the UK.
Dennis Weinreich, chairman of APPS, the APRS' audio post-production studio sector, explained: "Our goal is attracting additional audio post-production work from overseas-produced films, especially those that are shot in the UK that might otherwise conduct their audio post-production at home."
For more, visit www.aprs.co.uk/.

Spectrasonics Intros Stylus
Sound developer Spectrasonics introduced its Groove Control Virtual Instrument -- Stylus Vinyl Groove Module.
Stylus is a new type of software plug-in instrument that integrates a massive core library of thousands of groove elements, loops and samples with a powerful user interface to create original grooves. Stylus can be used as a native plug-in instrument in hosts like Logic, Digital Performer, Cubase VST, Nuendo and Pro Tools; no sampler is necessary.
Stylus features include:
•  A massive core library of nearly 3 gigabytes
•  All-new remix groove library created by acclaimed producer Eric Persing
•  Over 1,000 turntable tricks, skips, stops, beat-juggling and scratch FX
•  Over 100 live percussion loops can be added to any groove
•  Elastic tempo, pitch, pattern and feel with Groove Control
•  Real-time groove jamming at any tempo with Groove menus
•  Built-in Groove auditioning system and near-instantaneous load times
•  A drum sample library featuring thousands of samples
•  Easy to use, built-in patch-management system
•  Sample-accurate timing
•  Fully programmable
•  Total recall with sequence
•  Multimode resonant filters for each sample, plus master filters
•  Three envelopes for pitch, filter and amplitude
•  Matrix-style modulation routing, two LFOs
•  Independent parameter control of each sample
•  Powered by custom 32-bit UVI engine
•  Cross platform and plug-in compatibility
Price: $299 MAS, RTAS and VST.
System recommendations: 192MB RAM, 3GB free hard disk space. MAC: OS 8 or higher, 300MHz G3 or better CPU, and MAS, RTAS or VST 2.0 host. PC: Windows 98, 300MHz Pentium or better CPU, sound card and VST 2.0 host.
For more information, visit Spectrasonics at www.spectrasonics.net.

Euphonix System 5-M Console Installed in Hit Factory's New 96K Digital Studio
New York's Hit Factory has announced the opening of its new 24/96k Studio 5. The room features the Euphonix System 5-M console with 100 channels of 24/96k audio and a 48-channel Euphonix R-1 digital recorder.
Troy Germano, CEO of the Hit Factory, stated, "We wanted to offer the absolute purest digital environment to our clients in Studio 5. While 48k audio has been a staple for several years, it's time for us to step up to the 96k standard, so we replaced the Sony Oxford 24/48k console with the Euphonix System 5-M. We believe clients that are familiar with large-frame consoles will make the transition to an all-digital studio seamlessly with the Euphonix System 5-M."
The Hit Factory in New York has catered to some of the world's premiere artists, and its studios are the birthplace of many seminal albums. Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life, Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA, John Lennon's Double Fantasy and Paul Simon's Graceland were all created at the Hit Factory. Top artists such as Nelly, Destiny's Child, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears and U2 have also visited the studios for their recordings.
"It's great to be partnering with New York's premiere music studio," said Andrew Wild, VP of marketing at Euphonix. "We believe the Euphonix System 5-M is the only choice for high-end digital music recording and mixing and are pleased that Hit Factory feel the same. We are looking forward to some great-sounding records."
For more on the Euphonix System 5-M, visit www.euphonix.com/music/products/system_5/system_5.htm.

Dolby to Offer Surround Sound Services
Dolby Laboratories has launched a comprehensive range of services to help broadcast, post, music and DVD facilities deliver their products in surround sound and the new formats for DVD and Digital TV.
The Surround Sound Services team will provide technical assistance and operational advice to prepare a facility for the industry-standard formats Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital and Dolby E. Typical topics, according to Dolby, include studio monitoring configuration and calibration, encoding and meta data creation.
"With the success of surround sound on DVD and television, more and more facilities are being asked to deliver in Dolby surround sound formats," said Andrea Borgato, multichannel audio consultant at Dolby Laboratories. "We can help a facility set up their equipment and studios for surround sound work, and advise on recording and encoding techniques."
Among the first clients for this new service was Italy-based music and post facility Marinastudios. General manager Cristiano Solari said, "Dolby provided us with comprehensive training for delivering mixes in Dolby Digital, Dolby E and Dolby Surround, plus advice on monitoring, mixing and encoding. As a result, we can be confident that a mix that sounds great in the studio will sound great when it reaches the audience at home, too." Other clients have included post-production facilities Home, Lipsync, Stream and Transworld International, and broadcasters RAI and BSkyB.
For more, visit Dolby online at www.dolby.com.

Napster Seeks Bankruptcy, Part of Bertelsmann Deal
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Napster Inc. said on Monday it filed for bankruptcy protection, as German media giant Bertelsmann AG prepares to take over what remains of the once dominant Internet music-swapping service.
The filing is part of the survival plan for three-year-old Napster, which became one of the Internet's hottest properties by letting millions of people swap music online for free.
"They're still not dead," said P.J. McNealy, research director at Gartner/G2, a San Jose, Calif.-based technology research firm. "Napster will continue to hope that at some point down the road, it can leverage whatever value its brand still has left."
At its peak, Napster attracted nearly 60 million users. The music quickly died, though, as five big record labels sued the company for music piracy. Napster has been offline since July.
"It still holds a sense of promise of being a universal jukebox," said Steve Jones, who heads the communications department at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Closely held Napster, based in Redwood City, Calif., listed $7.9 million in assets and about $101 million of debts as of April 30, in papers filed with its voluntary Chapter 11 petition at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.
"Today's filing marks a new beginning for Napster," chief executive Konrad Hilbers, who joined the company from Bertelsmann last July, said in a press statement. "The demand for an Internet-based music file-sharing community that benefits artists and consumers is as strong as ever."
A Napster spokeswoman declined to say when the company expects to emerge from bankruptcy. Napster's lawyers did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

2002 TEC Awards Nominees Announced
The Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio (Emeryville, Calif.) has announced the nominees for the 18th Annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards, which honor outstanding technical and creative achievement in professional audio recording and sound production. The awards ceremony will be presented Monday evening, October 7, 2002, at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Nominations in 24 categories comprising 17 areas of technical achievement in product design and seven categories of creative achievement in audio production were made by a select panel of 112 audio industry professionals. Winners will be chosen by the 42,000 BPA-qualified Mix subscribers who cast the ballots that will be included in the August issue of the magazine.
The nominated products and projects represent the greatest advances in production/performance tools and the achievements of engineers, producers, designers and technicians who define the highest standard of excellence in professional audio. Notable among this year's nominees are the top five choices for Outstanding Record Production/Album, which offers a widely varied sampling of musical genres and illustrate the nominating panel's collective ear for superior production quality over popular preferences of style.
This year, recognition for production facility design has been brought back to the TEC Awards in the category of Outstanding Studio Design Project. Honoring studio architects, acousticians and studio owners, the award recognizes those whose outstanding work is evidenced in exceptionally designed facilities completed in the nomination eligibility period of March 2001 to February 2002.
Lifetime achievement awards will go to legendary recording engineer/producer Geoff Emerick and musician/composer Robbie Robertson. Emerick, best known for the sonic artistry he gave to the production of many of The Beatles' greatest recordings, will be inducted into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame. Robertson, renowned as a driving force behind seminal rock group The Band, will receive the prestigious Les Paul Award, presented each year for the creative application of music and audio technology.
For more, visit the TEC Awards online at www.tecawards.org.

MacPherson to Ship New Subwoofer
MacPherson Inc. (Skokie, Ill.), manufacturers of high-performance professional loudspeaker systems, is now shipping the KS115 Subwoofer.
Following the critically acclaimed launch of the Scholar 118 Subwoofer, the KS115 offers a high level of bass articulation and musicality in a smaller cabinet.
The KS115 uses a 15-inch, 1,000-watt woofer, which has been optimized for sonic quality, high-SPL output and durability. An innovative voice coil and magnet design virtually eliminates the over-excursion and power-compression problems often seen in subwoofers. And, like the Scholar 118, extensive electronic manipulation is not necessary to achieve optimal reproduction; all that's needed are the standard highpass and lowpass functions provided by an electronic cross-over.
The KS115 can be used singularly or in horizontal or vertical arrays. Space-friendly, its ultra-compact, low-profile design makes the KS115 usable for a wide variety of fixed or portable applications. With an overall height of less than 18 inches, cabinets can easily be used under portable staging or integrated into architectural designs, theatrical sets and trade show exhibits.
The cabinets weight less than 73 pounds each, allowing for easy transport and maneuver. Also featured are the built-in thermoplastic skid rails, which protect the cabinet's finish and provides a high-impedance interface between each cabinet and adjacent surfaces.
For more on the KS115 Subwoofer, visit www.macpherson-inc.com.

Music Industry Unveils New Piracy-Proof Format: A Black, Plastic Disc with Grooves on It
by Urban Reflex (a wonderful parodistic news service from the UUK--Ed.)
Music bosses have unveiled a revolutionary new recording format that they hope will help win the war on illegal file sharing which is thought to be costing the industry millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Nicknamed the "Record," the new format takes the form of a black, vinyl disc measuring 12 inches in diameter, which must be played on a specially designed "turntable."
"We can state with absolute certainty that no computer in the world can access the data on this disc," said spokesman Brett Campbell. MORE

Dee Dee Ramone, Rock Singer and Artist, Dies at 49
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Dee Dee Ramone, the rock singer, artist and author who co-founded influential 1970s punk rock band The Ramones and went on to become a rap singer and a painter, has died, his agent said on Thursday.
Ramone, 49, was found dead on Wednesday night at his home in Los Angeles by his wife. The cause has not yet been determined, and an autopsy will be conducted, Chris Maggiore of Los Angeles-based talent agency Artists Worldwide told Reuters.
His death follows that of lead singer and band co-founder Joey Ramone, who died in April 2001 of lymphoma, also at age 49.
Ramone, born Douglas Colvin in Virginia in September 1952, grew up in Berlin with his military family, returning to the U.S. in his teenage years. He co-founded The Ramones in 1974 and played bass with the band until 1989.
Known for its chants of "Hey! Ho! Let's go!" and playing in jeans and leather jackets, the band has been called an influence on a number of modern recording artists, including top acts like U2, Pearl Jam and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The band's songs were not tame, with titles like "The KKK Took My Baby Away," "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Pet Sematary." Their first record, the 1976 The Ramones, is now considered one of punk rock's seminal albums.
After leaving the band, Ramone pursued a short career as a rapper under the name Dee Dee King, with little success.
In addition to his solo musical career, he moved on to writing and painting. Maggiore said Ramone had just finished writing his fifth book, which follows such titles as Lobotomy: Surviving the Ramones and Chelsea Horror Hotel.
During the 1980s, a number of The Ramones cleaned up from drug and alcohol addictions.
"He was sober for I don't know how many years," Maggiore said. Ramone produced a hand-written fan magazine called Takin' Dope that came out irregularly, with the last one being in December.
Maggiore said a benefit is being planned.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last March. A spokesman for the bandmembers said they had not prepared a statement yet.
Ramone is survived by his wife, the former Barbara Zampini.

Mackie Announces D8B Sales Promotion
Mackie Designs Inc. (Woodinville, Wash.) announced a special sales offer for customers who purchase a Mackie Digital 8 Bus console between June 1, 2002, and September 30, 2002. Mackie's "d8bonanza" provides new D8B customers with more than $4,000 worth of free plug-in cards, software and factory rebates. Also, if a customer purchases an HDR24/96 Hard Disk Recorder at the same time as the D8B promotion, they will receive a factory rebate for three free OPT-8 I/O cards.
In addition to receiving the gift pack, customers will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a one-on-one mix session with Keith Olsen, six-time Grammy Award-winning producer, at the Mackie studio.
A complete list of dealers participating in this promotion is available at www.mackie.com/d8bonanza.

Blu-Ray Disc Specifications Announced
Nine leading companies announced that they will begin disclosing the specifications for the Blu-Ray Disc, a next-generation, large-capacity, optical-disc, video-recording format, on June 14, 2002.
The disc enables the recording, rewriting and playback of up to 27 GB of data on a single-sided, single-layer, 12cm CD/DVD-sized disc using a 405nm blue-violet laser. The disc can also record over two hours of digital high-definition video and more than 13 hours of standard TV broadcasting.
The companies involved are: Hitachi, LG Electronics, Matsushita Electric Industrial, Pioneer, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Sharp Corporation, Sony Corporation and Thomson Multimedia.
As reported in May, Blu-Ray Disc's main specifications include: 23.3/25/27GB recording capacity, 36Mbps high-speed data-transfer rate, phase-change recording format, MPEG-2 video-recording format, and AC3 and MPEG-1, Layer 2 audio-recording format.
Inquiries regarding the disclosure of specification should be directed to www.licensing.philips.com.

CreamWare Celebrates Anniversary with Product Special
To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, CreamWare is offering two recording packages at reduced prices.
Anniversary bundle 1 includes Luna II EXtreme I/O, Luna II EX recording card plus ADAT/Z-Link expansion, A16 Ultra 16-channel AD/DA converter and OptiMaster Intelligent Mastering Processor plug-in.
Anniversary bundle 2 includes Luna II analog breakout, Luna II DSP-based recording card, Luna 24/96 I/O Box with eight additional external analog I/Os and OptiMaster Intelligent Mastering Processor plug-in.
The anniversary bundles are intended to be complete solutions for 24-bit/96kHz recording on a PC or Mac. Both offer a multitude of high-quality I/Os, such as: Luna II EXtreme I/O, which offers 36 inputs and outputs, of which 18 analog I/Os can operate simultaneously at 24 bits/96 kHz, and Luna II Analog Breakout, which has 12 inputs and outputs, of which 10 analog I/Os can operate simultaneously at 24 bits/96 kHz.
The bundles contain an extensive software package of DSP-supported effects (including the MasterVerb reverb) and mixers. In addition, the bundles include the OptiMaster DSP plug-in, which puts professional final mixes easily within reach. And with the new 3.1 software, both systems are easily controlled directly from within any software sequencer.
The anniversary bundles are available now at CreamWare dealers. The offers apply until August 31, 2002. Luna II Extreme I/O, $1,598 (normal list $2,439); Luna II Analog Breakout, $798 (normal list, $1,143).
For more information, visit CreamWare online at www.creamware.com.

The Ambassador Turns To Soundcraft
The 40-channel Soundcraft K2 and SM12 consoles were recently installed at The Ambassador, a large live performance venue built into a former bowling alley in a northern St. Louis suburb shopping center. Local dealer Sound & Lighting Systems provided the sale.
The 1,200-capacity venue, which is owned by international catering business entrepreneur Craig Spruill, specializes in hosting prominent R&B, funk and blues artists from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, including recent performers like The Barkays, Dazz Band and Shirley Brown.
Randy Anderson and Dimitrius Blanton of St. Louis-based Picture Perfect Sound are called upon to run The Ambassador’s system for most concerts. Anderson, who primarily mixes FOH, noted, "The K2’s eight stereo effects returns—four on faders and four on pots—give me a lot of flexibility and make the board feel even larger than its 40-channel frame size. Really, for quality and features versus cost, Soundcraft boards can’t be beat, and the K2 is a good example of that."
Blanton, who typically mans the monitor rig, adds, "The SM12’s noise floor is really low, and the completely active parametric EQ on each channel is wonderful for monitors. I also love the LEDs on each input strip as well as the console’s mute groups. And, like the K2, the club really appreciated its affordable price."
The K2 is set up in a traditional FOH position along with the club’s lighting controls, while the SM12 is located "stage right." The two desks are part of a system-wide upgrade that will soon also include Crown Macro-Tech amplifiers driving proprietary custom-built Sound & Lighting Systems cabinets utilizing JBL components.
For more on these consoles, visit Soundcraft online at www.soundcraft.com.

Euphonix TransferStation Teams Up with Steinberg’s Nuendo
Announced at this year's AES Munich, Euphonix has begun shipping an updated version of TransferStation, a hardware and software option for its R-1 multitrack digital recorder. TransferStation is now bundled with Steinberg’s Nuendo Media Production System for audio editing and processing.
The TransferStation translates R-1-formatted files to the industry-standard AES31 file format, retaining all edits, crossfades and vital time-stamped information within a multitrack session. This offers enhanced compatibility with current and future digital audio workstations. The product includes a rackmount Windows-based computer, eight Kingston-style removable drive bays, the R-1 software package and Steinberg’s Nuendo software. Backups can be done either onto an optional built-in LTO tape drive with a 200GB capacity or onto a networked file server.
Martin Kloiber, executive VP of technology at Euphonix, stated, "The TransferStation really opens up the world for high-end recording. Euphonix is dedicated to integrating our products with other industry standards. Users need to have a clear and easy way to move projects between systems. By including Nuendo software with the TransferStation, we are helping to start that process and hope others will follow."
Steve Garth, CEO of Steinberg North America, added, "In uniting the TransferStation and Nuendo, Euphonix is embracing a philosophy that is also core to us at Steinberg: Open-system architecture enables integration and a more efficient workflow. Combining high-end audio tools such as the R-1, TransferStation and Nuendo bring the audio professional the flexibility to work as they want and not as the technology dictates."
TransferStation has already been used on two important projects. Archiving rare Bob Marley multitrack analog audio tapes for Universal Music (see Mix June 2002, issue for more), and during the recording and editing of Korn’s upcoming album Untouchables. Engineer Frank Filipetti and producer Michael Beinhorn used the R-1 during recording and mixing and Nuendo for editing.
For more, visit www.euphonix.com or www.steinberg.net.

Full Compass President Receives "Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year" Award
Full Compass System's (Milwaukee, Wis.) president Susan Lipp was awarded "Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year" by the National Association of Women Business Owners of Wisconsin (NAWBO).
The award is given to the woman business owner who contributes to the community, overcomes adversity, maintains company growth and profit. There are over 136,000 women-owned businesses in the state of Wisconsin, of which 40 top performers were nominated for this prestigious award. Lipp gave an inspired speech, recounting her personal history and the history of Full Compass, ending with a testimonial to her and husband Jonathan's 24-year marriage and partnership in life and business. She received several standing ovations for her commitment to promoting women in business, and professed her desire to continue supporting charitable and community organizations through personal and corporate philanthropy. Lipp currently serves on nine non-profit boards, as well as maintaining a busy schedule at Full Compass.
For more, visit www.fullcompass.com.

Musictech College Installs Blue Sky 5.1 Monitors
Musictech College (Saint Paul, Minn.), which is accredited to bestow A.A.S. degrees in music and recording technology, recently moved into new quarters in the former Science Museum. In the process, the recording technology department built nine new studios, including a definitive high-end 5.1 surround studio equipped with Blue Sky 5.1 monitors.
"We’re serious about surround, and that’s why we chose the Blue Sky 5.1 monitors," stated Scott Jarrett, head of the Recording Technology Department at Musictech College. "We have a very strong commitment to 5.1 surround audio education. Our intent is to be the Number One educational facility in this regard. The Blue Sky monitors were the perfect way to reinforce that commitment. Plus, we happen to also think they sound great."
Jarrett noted that he regards the Blue Sky 5.1 system’s cross-overs as "the most transparent in the business, whether you’re monitoring in stereo or surround. The detail and accuracy are absolutely astonishing. They have spoiled me for mixing and monitoring on anything else."
For more information on Blue Sky 5.1 monitors, visit www.abluesky.com.

JBL Releases Sound Reinforcement Guide
John Eargle and Chris Foreman have introduced JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement, a reference guide that covers basic information to the latest technology of line arrays and digital signal processing. Sections include audio basics, components, system design and various applications. The book, which is distributed by Hal Leonard Corporation, is now available.
"When JBL asked us to write a comprehensive book on modern sound systems, Chris and I were honored and daunted," stated author Eargle. "In fairly short order, we had outlined the structure and chapter headings, then with help from many people, this very extensive book was written and refined. In the end, I was amazed that we held it down to 450 pages."
"Following in the footsteps of classic audio books by Don Davis and Gary Davis, we feel this reference work by Chris and John will become the new standard for audio professionals, educators and enthusiasts," stated Michael MacDonald, president of JBL Professional. "John and Chris have over 70 years of audio experience between them. They pass along their knowledge in a way that is very deep and technical, but still readable and easy to understand."
The 29-chapter book falls into four broad sections. Section one, "Fundamentals," discusses the basics of acoustics, psycho-acoustics, electrical concepts and digital processing. Section two, "System Components," is concerned with the equipment used, including microphones, consoles, amplifiers, signal processing and loudspeakers, as well as computer-based system control. Section three, "System Design," is about the technical and practical sides of system design. System layout, specifications, analysis and design are covered as well as how to develop comprehensive customer-based analysis of their goals and expectations. "Applications," section four, ties it all together with detailed descriptions of several types of sound systems for tour, houses of worship, auditoriums, sports facilities, etc. Six appendices follow this chapter.
John Eargle is senior director of product development and application for JBL Professional. He is the author of several books on audio and recording. Eargle received a Grammy Award in 2001 and a Scientific and Technical Award in 2002 from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
Chris Foreman is VP of marketing for electronic contracting. He has over 30 years of experience in pro audio as a sound contractor, consultant and manufacturer. He is widely published and a former editor of Sound & Communications magazine.
JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement is available at music and bookstores nationwide, or through Music Dispatch (800/637-2852; www.musicdispatch.com).

Deluxe Laboratories Expands Euphonix Presence
Toronto-based Deluxe Laboratories has ordered two System 5-P consoles for its TV post-production rooms, bringing their total number of Euphonix System 5 Consoles to five.
The company installed the first Euphonix System 5-F digital film console in 1999, and returned two years later in 2001 to install two more System 5-F consoles. Rich Nevens, executive VP of U.S. sales at Euphonix, said, "We have a very strong relationship with Deluxe, and have worked together very closely to support their post-production requirements. They have been very successful with their current three film consoles and expect to continue this success with the System 5s in the TV post rooms."
Tom Allwood, executive VP and general manager of post-production at Deluxe Laboratories, stated, "After the tremendous success we've had with our previous three Euphonix System 5 consoles, it was the right choice to continue with Euphonix for the television post-production rooms. The new consoles can also double for film pre-dubbing, which could really pay off in a time crunch or when projects overlap. The System 5 consoles provide an excellent facility solution for Deluxe. Our clients love the console's versatility, flexibility and pure sound quality, and happy clients is good business."
The two System 5-P post-production consoles are set up with identical specs to make it extremely easy to work on a project in either room. The two 40-fader, 82-channel System 5-P post consoles are set to go online at Deluxe Laboratories on July 15, 2002.
Deluxe has had great success mixing films with the System 5-F digital film console. Some of the films dubbed at Deluxe include Ararat, American Psycho 2, Dracula 2:Ascension, Dungeons & Dragons, Hedwig & The Angry Inch, Project Greenlight and Say Nothing.
For more information on the Euphonix System 5-P, visit the company online at www.euphonix.com. Deluxe Laboratories, 424 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1N4; 416/364-4321.

Macworld Early-Bird Registration Offer
Attendees who register for Macworld Conference & Expo in New York by June 17 can take advantage of early-bird pricing. Macworld NY will be held July 15-19, 2002, at the Javitz Center in New York City.
Visit Macworld to register early at www.macworldexpo.com/macworldexpo/v31/index.cvn?ID=10002&p_navid=5".

Music Industry Says Worldwide Piracy Up Sharply
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Sales of bootlegged music grew by nearly 50% worldwide last year, an industry group said on Tuesday, as pirates seized on a new recordable CD format to churn out 1.9 billion illegally duplicated units in 2001.
While the U.S. music industry worries most about lost sales from individuals downloading songs from the Internet, there is a bigger threat globally from unauthorized copying of CDs and cassettes, said the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, or IFPI.
These illegal CDs and cassettes now account for two out of every five units sold worldwide, the group said, with piracy levels rising as high as 90% in countries like China.
Technology for recordable CDs, which are known as CD-Rs, have lowered the barriers to entry for pirates, the group said, making duplicating equipment cheaper and more portable. CD-Rs accounted for nearly one-quarter of pirated music sales last year, up from 9% the year earlier, the group said.
Most pirates operate sophisticated, international networks that take advantage of lax copyright-protection laws in countries such as Indonesia and Paraguay to manufacture and distribute their products, said Jay Berman, IFPI chairman and chief executive.
"Piracy on a global basis is for the most part a highly organized activity," Berman said at a press conference. "It takes a high level of sophistication to produce a disc at a plant in Malaysia and to find that disc in Brazil."
As former hotbeds such as Bulgaria and Ukraine crack down, pirates simply pack up and move to countries like Russia that have scant protections for copyright holders, he said.
Many governments need to beef up their copyright laws so police can seize pirated CDs and prosecute manufacturers, he said.
Certain countries should also regulate CD-manufacturing plants to limit abuses, said Neil Turkewitz, a VP with the RIAA.
Governments should require makers of blank CD-Rs to be licensed and print a unique tracking code on each disc they make, Turkewitz said, while duplicators should be required to verify that their customers hold the copyrights for music they want duplicated.
Berman said the recording industry was not trying to outlaw blank CDs.
"A blank CD-R by itself is a totally benign and legal product," he said.

Bertelsmann Acquires Zomba Music Division
On June 11, 2002, the Zomba Music Group (Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Black Crowes and many other groups), an independent music label, announced that it has applied its long-standing option with Bertelsmann's music division, BMG Music, to acquire the remaining shares of Zomba that Bertelsmann doesn't currently own.
The business relationship between Zomba and Bertelsmann date back to the mid-1980s. In 1991, BMG acquired a 25% stake in Zomba's music-publishing division; in 1996, it acquired a 20% stake in Zomba's record division. Since 1996, Zomba has had an option that required Bertelsmann to acquire the remaining stake in both Zomba's record and music-publishing divisions, which will expire in December 2002.
Zomba's chairman and chief executive, Clive Calder, stated in a release: "With its outstanding executives and creative talent, Zomba should add a lot of value to Bertelsmann's music division, BMG. While the exercise of this option will undoubtedly be a surprise to many in the music industry, this is a natural culmination of many years of close business ties and a complex series of agreements negotiated 12 years ago."
The transaction is expected to close later this year. Both companies have agreed to not comment further on the pending acquisition due to the ongoing legal and regulatory processes involved.

Weeks of June 15-30

Sound Art Canada Tacks on Touring Tasks

Sound Art Canada has established a new division for servicing national and international touring artists. Dubbed "Sound Art Touring," the new division utilizes the company's cross-Canada resources to create customized sound systems for major recording artists in North America and abroad.

Based out of Toronto, the Touring Division is managed by concert sound veterans Jon Erickson and Jeff Berryman, formerly of Jason Sound.

For more information, visit www.soundart.com.

Warner Music Group To Lower Price of DVD-Audio Titles 35 Percent - Matching CDs

Sources inside of Warner Music Group tell AudioRevolution.com that they will soon drop the retail price of DVD-Audio titles (currently as high as $26) to between $16.99 to $18.99. This strategy is designed to get more consumers, especially those with DVD-Video players hooked up in a 5.1 home theater, to start buying DVD-Audio versions of new music as opposed to the more technologically limited Compact Disc.

Read the entire story at www.audiorevolution.com/news/0602/13.dvdaudio.shtml.

Pro Production 2003 Dates Announced

Timeless Communications Inc. has announced Pro Production 2003, "The Live Event Marketplace," which will take place January 10-12, 2003, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif. Building upon the highly successful inaugural show last year, Pro Production 2003 will offer expanded educational opportunities and social functions in addition to the trade show portion of the event.

Pro Production 2003 brings together live event production professionals who coordinate, produce and manage major concert tours, sporting events, political conventions, touring Broadway shows, large corporate meetings and trade show exhibits. Suppliers and purchasers of services and products used in these environments are also invited to attend. Over 1,600 attendees from 33 states and 10 foreign countries were on hand for the inaugural Pro Production convention in January 2002.

Pro Production 2003 will commence on Thursday, January 9, at the annual Rick O’Brien Golf Tournament, which will be held at San Diego’s Riverwalk Golf Course. O'Brien, a highly respected production manager, passed away suddenly several years ago. He left behind three small children. A portion of the proceeds from the annual golf tournament are donated to the Rick O’Brien Children’s Educational Fund; last year’s tournament raised $1,500 for the fund.

Along with the golf tournament, an "early bird" reception/cruise, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., will be available to all full conference badge holders. Individual tickets for this event are also available.

Continuing in the same vein as last year's conference, the Parnelli Awards are scheduled for Friday, January 10. This year’s expanded awards ceremony will include not only the Lifetime Achievement Award but also an additional 15 awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award is determined by the Advisory Board; other award winners will be determined by a vote of Pro Lights & Staging News and Front of House magazine readers. Other award categories are: Lighting Designer of the Year, FOH Mixer of the Year, Set Designer of the Year, Monitor Mixer of the Year, Scenic Design Firm of the Year, Production of the Year, Lighting Company of the Year, Sound Company of the Year, Production Manager of the Year, Tour Manager of the Year, Staging Company of the Year, Transportation Company of the Year, Video Rental Company of the Year, Video Director of the Year and Road Dog of the Year.

On Saturday, January 11, Pro Lights & Staging News’ editor Bruce Jordahl will head up the "Industry Jam." Last year’s jam hosted over 20 industry players and singers onstage, representing such companies as All Access, High End Systems, CWP, Mobolazer, and many others. This year’s jam promises to be even better with a fireworks display concluding the evening’s festivities.

Pro Production 2003 has expanded its seminar series. Tentatively scheduled seminars include: "Is Your Venue Ready For the Show?," "Moving Your Mid-size Production House to the Next Level," "From the TD’s Perspective: The Live Broadcast Event," "Keeping Up with Technology," "Lighting Designer’s Project Analysis," and many others.

Registration for the event will be available starting July 1, online at www.proproduction2003.com. Questions on exhibiting or attending can be answered by dialing toll-free 866/PRO-2003.

SOS Management Upgrades with Pro Tools Addition

New York City-based SOS Management, a division of Sound On Sound Recording Inc., has just purchased Digidesign's Pro Tools|HD High-Definition Audio Production Workstation for editing and recording. The portable system will be accessible to all four of Sound On Sound's recording studios, as well as be available on a rental basis through SOS Management. The system has the capacity and power to complete large projects quickly, efficiently and with unprecedented sonic fidelity. It is operated by Britt Meyer, whose credits include Melissa Etheridge, Aimee Mann and the late John Phillips, as well as on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Incorporating a new, advanced hardware architecture, Pro Tools|HD features more DSP power than before, support for increased sample rates (up to 192 kHz), high-resolution audio interfaces and peripheral options, higher track count and I/O capacity, expanded routing flexibility, and much more.

SOS Management's Pro Tools|HD is configured with five processing cards, 48 inputs and 72 outputs. Although few users are likely to tap the system's HD capabilities right now, its increased processing power is an immediate advantage. "People aren't recording at 96- or 192kHz sample rates yet, but Pro Tool|HD's revamped analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters produce superior sound than the original Pro Tools at 44.1 or 48 kHz," noted COO Christopher Bubacz.

SOS Management's system also features a ProControl surface with an 8-fader interface. Fader and send levels, pan position, scrub/shuttle, transport control, edit tools/modes, plug-in access and editing are all available from the ProControl surface. Control room and studio monitoring of stereo or surround sound Pro Tools mixes are also accessible from ProControl.

Customers who rent the Pro Tools|HD system through SOS Management can also obtain Brit Meyer's skills. "Although equipment rental companies have kept current by having Pro Tools|HD in their inventories, they don't supply any talent with their systems," Bubacz said. "We take the unique approach of offering both the system and the talent. Britt is an experienced Pro Tools operator with top-notch credits who can edit, record and troubleshoot the system."

For more information on SOS Management, visit its Website at www.soundonsoundstudios.com or SOS Management at www.sosmanagement.net.

Walters-Storyk Design Group Europe Tapped For DJ Studio

Western Europe's notorious professional house DJ/producer/remixers DJ Antoine and DJ Mad Mark have picked WSDG-E, the Walters-Storyk Design Group (Europe), to build their new recording studio in Sissach, Switzerland. Currently under construction, the facility is scheduled to be online by the end of June.

"Due to tight timing and move-in restrictions, the full acoustical design, including sound isolation, and heavy construction phases were completed only two weeks after the contract was signed," said WSDG-E general manager Dirk Noy.

"Ergonomic design was our main concern in terms of accessing our gear," commented DJ Mad Mark. "The WSDG-E team has transformed the space into a fully functional mixing room/production suite complemented by an adjoining machine room, storage area and lobby."

Primarily comprised of MIDI-based production gear augmented by modern and vintage synthesizers, the studio houses two paralleled, fully loaded Yamaha 02R consoles, and is outfitted with Genelec and Yamaha NS-10 loudspeakers.

Celebrating its 33rd anniversary, the Walters-Storyk Design Group (www.wsdg.com), headquartered in New York and Europe, has designed over 1,400 media production facilities in the U.S., the Far East, Europe and South America. Recent projects include: Tim Mosley's new Timbaland Studios in Virginia Beach; Brooklyn Recording, a new 4,500-square-foot, two-room recording studio in Brooklyn's elegant Cobble Hill neighborhood; film composer Carter Burwell's Tribeca New York studio; and Thirteen/WNET (New York) new 5.1 audio suite.

Mad Mark and DJ Antoine credits include remixes for such world stars as Mary J. Blige, Spike and Robin S.

TerraSonde Intros New Mic System

TerraSonde (Boulder, Colo.) has announced its new Precision Microphone System and Precision Microphone System LN (Low-Noise), which will hit the market on June 21. These new additions to the TerraSonde product line offer a higher degree of precision to Audio Toolbox users. The new systems bring the Audio Toolbox to ANSI Type-1 standards, allowing for more precise measurement capabilities.

The Precision Microphone System and Precision Microphone System LN each provide a 1-inch TerraSonde Precision Microphone and a battery-powered TerraSonde preamplifier that are designed to interface directly with the Audio Toolbox and Audio Toolbox Plus via any standard XLR cable. The systems function without change using up to 250 feet of cable for added flexibility. The microphone and preamplifier are connected with an included 6-foot cable.

Specs include:
• Self-noise at 20 dBA (14 dBA LN)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz, +/-0.7 dB
• Long-term stability: >250 years/dB
• Influence of humidity: <+/-0.1dB (non-condensing) at 55 degrees C, 95%
• Response characteristic: free field, 0 degrees
• Temperature coefficient: -10 degrees C to +50 degrees C: 0.01 dB/degrees
• Preamplifier gain: switch selectable, 20 dB, 30 dB, 40 dB
• Fully balanced output
• Power: two standard 9-volt alkaline batteries
• Mic/preamp connection: 6-inch cable included
• Toolbox interface: up to 250 inches with standard XLR cable

The Precision Microphone System has a MSRP of $1,150; the Precision Microphone System LN lists at $2,100. For an additional $535, TerraSonde will calibrate and certify all components to Type-1 standards.

Visit www.TerraSonde.com, or call 888/433-2821 for more information or to place an order.

Here Ye, Here Ye, Loft Marketing Announces Focus Groups

Loft Marketing is seeking people involved with sound reinforcement and recording for a series of focus groups in Los Angeles the week of June 24. Qualified end-users will receive $50 for the two-hour study where they will be asked about their equipment, likes and dislikes, and general opinions about their craft. The dates and times of the focus groups are:

Tuesday, June 25, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Santa Monica
    Subject: Recording monitors and recording--pro level. They will discuss current recording and recording monitor technologies. Qualifications: Experience with 8-plus-channel analog or digital recording. Use or ownership of monitors such as Genelec, KRK, JBL, LSR and others in the $1,000 to $2,500 price range.

Tuesday, June 25, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Santa Monica
    Subject: Hobbyist and home recording. Loft Marketing will discuss home and hobbyist recording products and methods, and recording monitor and signal processing. Use or ownership of monitors from Alesis, Yamaha, Event, M-Audio or similar monitors in the less than $500 range.

Wednesday, June 26, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Encino
    Subject: Live sound for small and mid-sized events. Target participants is band sound mixers, club audio engineers, small sound system rental/providers to discuss speakers and related technologies for live applications. Use or ownership of sound systems with brands such as EAW, Electro Voice, JBL, Peavey and Yamaha.

If you are interested and qualified, please e-mail: LoftMarket@aol.com.

Rolling Stones Are Satisfied with SACD

The entire Rolling Stones’ catalog, originally released in the '60s and early ‘70s on ABKCO/London Records (ABKCO/Decca in the rest of the world) has been meticulously restored and will be re-released on a series of dual-layer, hybrid Super Audio discs under the banner ABKCO’s The Rolling Stones Remastered. Twenty-two albums, including Let It Bleed, Out of Our Heads, December’s Children, Beggars Banquet, 12x5 and The Rolling Stones, Now!, are part of the most comprehensive single artist re-issue series ever undertaken. Each disc has been encoded with two layers: One containing a normal CD program, and the other with a Super Audio CD program of the same repertoire. The idea is to provide complete backward and forward compatibility for the consumer, as the albums are playable on both SACD-compatible machines as well as standard CD players.

Each dual-layer disc was remastered using Sony’s Direct Stream Digital process resulting in brilliant fidelity in both standard or SACD formats. "Over the years, we have had many requests to re-issue these titles using the latest digital re-mastering techniques," remarked ABKCO’s Jody Klein, who noted that the albums were first released in the CD format in 1986. Klein, who supervised the development of ABKCO’s The Rolling Stones Remastered Series, stated, "Improvements in technology had only been incremental since then, so we didn’t feel there was a compelling reason to go back to the market with these classic albums, until now." Klein cites DSD mastering, which samples the original audio signal 2,822,400 times per second, 64 times faster than standard CD encoding, as one of the main catalysts for the series. "DSD more accurately reflects the sonic quality of analog than any other medium, so the depth one hears on these discs in standard or SACD playback is quite amazing."

The restoration process for The Rolling Stones Remastered Series started with hundreds of hours of painstaking research on both sides of the Atlantic to determine the analog sources most true to the original studio recordings. Final mastering for all albums was completed under the direction of Bob Ludwig, who commented, "While three generations of music fans, myself included, are all quite familiar with the Stones’ material, DSD has afforded us the opportunity to showcase both their brilliance and rough edges all over again in a meaningful way."

A release date was not provided.

Copyright Office Halves 'Webcasting' Rates

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The U.S. Copyright Office on Thursday cut in half the proposed per-song rate Internet broadcasters must pay musicians and recording companies for the use of their material.

Capping a contentious process that lasted nearly a year, the Copyright Office said, "'Webcasters,' who stream radio-style music programs over the Internet, must pay 0.07 cent per listener per song to the owners of sound recordings."

The decision cut in half a proposed rate set of 0.14 cent per listener per song set by an arbitration panel in February, bringing it in-line with the rate commercial radio stations must pay to rebroadcast their over-the-air programs online.

Webcasters had protested that the arbitration panel's rate would force many of them out of business, while recording companies and some musicians had initially sought a higher rate.

Universal Studios Phones Rane

Technomedia Solutions was recently commissioned to join John Meyer and Kevin Mayfield of Universal Studios Florida to upgrade the ET Adventure exhibit in Orlando.

John Miceli, president of Technomedia, co-founder and longtime president of Soundelux Showorks, was the original sound designer for the attraction 12 years ago. Meyer and Scott Mosteller, VP of production for Technomedia, spent several days resequencing, balancing and equalizing the attraction to bring it back to its original magical quality. During the process, they decided to replace all of the overhead music EQs for added DSP flexibility and high-end sonic quality. They chose the new Rane RPM 88 DSP processor with Drag Net software. According to Universal Studios, Florida, the music that before sounded flat, distant and with artifacts actually jumped out of the speakers now with a new clarity and fullness that makes the 12-year-old soundtrack sound brand new.

The attraction's renovation included sound, lighting, characters, scenes and programming. It was completed and open in time for the 20th anniversary of the release of Steven Spielberg's classic film ET in late March.

For more on the Rane RPM 88 DSP processor, click on www.rane.com/rpm88.html.

Propellerhead Reason 2.0 Released

Propellerhead Software, the Swedish company behind acclaimed products such as Reason, Recycle! and ReBirth, announced the release of Reason 2.0, an upgrade to its popular flagship music software program.

Reason, available for both Windows and Mac platforms, emulates a rack of electronic synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, FXs and sequencers. Reason 2.0 fully supports both Windows XP and Mac OS X. Mac OS X support includes Core Audio, Aqua GUI and any MIDI interfaces recognized by Mac OS X.

Reason 2.0 will be available worldwide on June 18, 2002, for $399. Existing registered owners can upgrade for $89 through their local distributor. This major upgrade comes on three CDs and has been tested by 3,000 registered users in a special compatibility-testing program. Reason is distributed in the U.S. by Midiman/M-Audio, 800/969-6434, www.midiman.net.

THX Goes the Indie Route

THX (San Rafael, Calif.), formerly a division of Lucasfilm Ltd., announced that it has been spun off as an independent company, THX Ltd. Lucasfilm will remain as an investor in the newly formed, privately held company, along with other corporate and private investors. The formation of THX Ltd. will allow the company to expand into markets outside of Lucasfilm's core areas of expertise.

To better serve its current markets and position the company for growth in new areas, THX Ltd. also announced a reorganization of its programs and services into five key areas: THX Studio, THX Cinema, THX Home, THX Mobile and THX Games. In the professional arena, THX will continue to expand its list of licensees in the newly established THX Digital Cinema Certification Program as it develops new standards and criteria for the next generation of THX theaters. The THX Digital Cinema Program establishes performance and quality levels for digital systems and individual digital cinema components, including projectors and servers.

For studios and filmmakers, THX Studio provides comprehensive quality assurance and mastering programs for theatrical film and digital releases. THX Cinema works with the exhibition and post-production communities around the world to deliver the ultimate cinema experience by designing and building certified theaters that adhere to comprehensive and proprietary THX standards. THX Home allows consumers to replicate the theater experience at home through THX-certified home theater and multimedia products. THX performance is also available in automotive entertainment systems through THX Mobile, and for computer games and game consoles through THX Games.

"As a separate company, THX is better positioned to grow our existing markets as well as new areas where our expertise in quality sound and picture presentation can be applied," said Mike Hewitt, acting general manager at THX Ltd. "One of these exciting new areas is the Digital Cinema initiative, which now falls under the THX Cinema umbrella."

For more, visit THX online at www.thx.com.

Sonic Foundry Offers Fleetwood Drum Sounds

Sonic Foundry (Madison, Wisc.) announced today the exclusive release of Mick Fleetwood: Total Drumming, a "Loops for ACID" library containing more than 800 audio samples created by Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood.

The new loops, according to the company, can be used to create royalty-free music with Sonic Foundry's ACID loop-based music-creation tool. The Fleetwood loops, formatted as ACID-based .WAV files, are perfectly suited for use in ACID, as well as many other audio-production tools that support loop-based music construction.

Mick Fleetwood commented, "There's nothing that equates to the creative thrill of making music and the collaborative process. Through this library, I'm now able to share my drums with music producers and fans worldwide. I'm proud to be part of the cutting edge in music technology."

The price for Mick Fleetwood: Total Drumming is $59.95, and is available immediately. Additionally, Sonic Foundry is offering, while supplies last, a Signature Series product that includes a personally signed copy of Mick Fleetwood: Total Drumming, a booklet that includes session photographs, production notes by Mick Fleetwood and key members of his production team, and a pair of Mick Fleetwood imprinted signature series drum sticks (price: $99.95; available only from Sonic Foundry).

For audio samples and product information, visit www.sonicfoundry.com/fleetwood or call Sonic Foundry at 800/577-6642. For additional information on Mick Fleetwood, visit www.mickfleetwood.com/loops.htm.

Studio Mega Orders "Extra-Large" XL Console

Studio Mega (Suresnes, France) announced that it has ordered the largest XL 9000 K SuperAnalogue Series Console in Europe. The 96-channel console, supplied in a four-wing configuration, will be delivered in August to be installed in Studio A, a 30-square-foot control room and the premier studio in Mega’s four-room, all-SSL facility.

The studio holds an international client roster including Lenny Kravitz, Celine Dion, Sting, Roger Waters, Bryan Adams and Elton John, coupled with movie credits encompassing many box office hits such as the musical comedies Ten Commandments and Romeo and Juliet.

Last year, Thierry Rogen, manager of Studio Mega, was convinced that, with two MT Plus digital multitrack consoles and a second SSL 9080 J Series installed in Studio B, his clients could enjoy the best of both the analog and digital worlds. When he saw the XL, "It really was love at first sight," he said.

"The new K Series computer, which we enjoy in our MT Plus studios, is a familiar and much appreciated asset, and the sound quality of the 9K is an industry benchmark," said Rogen. "To improve on this was a fantastic feat from SSL’s engineering team, but I had no doubt that they would succeed. As for the innovative 5.1 mixing tools, that’s the icing on the cake!"

Studio Mega opened 15 years ago as a two-studio facility in a converted concrete bunker on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne. In 1996, the studio moved to its current location, which offered more space. Studio A, for example, has a large 53.3-square-foot live room, capable of accommodating 70 musicians. Now, with the arrival of his XL, Rogen asserted, "In offering our clients the choice of recording and mixing in analog or digital environments, Studio Mega maintains its unique position in the premier league of world-class studios."

For more, visit www.solid-state-logic.com or www.studiomega.com.

SSL Adds New VP to Its Staff

Solid State Logic has appointed Steve Zaretsky to the position of VP, Broadcast for the East Coast. In this position, he will be responsible for all broadcast customers within the region.

"Steve is joining our team at a time when the future of our broadcast business looks very bright," said Rick Plushner, president of SSL North America. "Looking at the business ahead, we are fortunate to have a strong industry veteran like Steve in this vital broadcast position."

Zaretsky has held positions with New England Digital, Otari Corporation and Euphonix. Most recently, Zaretsky worked in the equipment finance business, specializing in the pro audio and video marketplace.

For more, visit Solid Stage Logic on the Web at www.solid-state-logic.com.

D.A.S., Sennheiser Part Ways

D.A.S. Audio (Valencia, Spain) has expanded its Miami office's sales responsibilities from only handling Canada and South America, to include all U.S. sales and service, as of July 1, 2002. The Miami office is located at 6970 N.W. 50th St., Miami, Florida 33166, and can be contacted at 305/436-0521 or by fax at 305/436-0528. For the past five-and-a-half years, Sennheiser (Old Lyme, Conn.) handled the U.S. territory.

"So much of our recent success owes much to the hard work of Jeff Alexander and the Sennheiser team. They have been great to work with, and we have a lot to thank them for," noted Robert Giner, director of marketing for D.A.S.

"D.A.S. Audio is one of the most respected loudspeaker names in the world," said Jeff Alexander, director of distributed brands at Sennheiser Electronic Corporation. "It's been a terrific experience representing their product lines."

Visit D.A.S. on the Web at www.dasaudio.com.

French CBC Radio Rents Out Rooms

Since April, six out of the 34 studios of the CBC French radio network (Montreal) are available for rental, including famous Studio 12, which features computer-controlled variable acoustics. Until now, these specialized studios were used only for CBC's production needs.

Studio 12 was built in 1973 at the same time as the 23-story Montreal CBC Tower. At the time a live-to-2-track facility, Studio 12 closed in 1997 for 18 months to be fully renovated and modernized, a $2.5 million investment that transformed Studio 12 into a state-of-the-art multitrack studio.

Studio 12 is equipped with a variable-acoustics system that permits modulation of the room's acoustical properties according to each production's specific needs. A computer-controlled array of mobile panels allows the room's reverberation time to be adjusted and recalled from anywhere between 0.5 seconds to 1.7 seconds. The system was designed and developed by CBC engineers.

"Studio 12's variable acoustics allow us to record ensembles of all styles and sizes," commented Hendrick Hassert, who is responsible for studio rentals and customer service. "We alternate sessions in jazz, chamber music, rock and pop. We even record full symphony orchestras for film music, and in each case, it is a thrill for both the musicians and the engineer!"

"Studio 12 was only used 60 percent of the time," added Pierre Le Lann, director of business development. "It was thus logical to allow access to private productions and put the down time to good use."

CBC is Canada's national public radio and TV broadcaster consisting of two radio networks and one TV network in English (CBC) and the equivalent in French (Radio-Canada).

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 1400 René Lévesque Blvd. East, Suite 813, Monteal, Quebec  H2L 2M2; 514/597-5345 or 514/951-4821; fax 514/597-7479; www.radio-canada.ca/studios.

West L.A. Musics Present Pro Tools Seminars

West L.A. Music invites interested parties to learn about the Digidesign's Pro Tools at the Apple Education Center, located at 2401 Colorado Ave., Suite 325, Santa Monica, CA. Seating is limited, and reservations are required at www.westlamusic.com.

Here is a list of seminars available:

• Introduction to Pro Tools, featuring M Box and Digi 001, hosted on July 25, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., is tailored for songwriters, composers, musicians, DJs, hobbyists, educators, church music directors, home studio owners and anyone considering a digital recording system. Digidesign factory experts and West L.A. Music’s Mark Spiwak will present a complete overview of the recording process featuring Digidesign’s M Box and 001 recording systems. Each attendee will receive a certificate for a free personal consultation with West L.A. Music's trained product specialists.

• Pro Tools HD, on July 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., is for record company executives, songwriters, producers, engineers, film and TV professionals, studio owners, educators, and anyone who wants to learn about Digidesign’s most advanced system or upgrade to the latest version of Pro Tools. Digidesign Pro Tools experts and West L.A. Music’s George Adjieff will focus on the latest features of Digidesign's new HD release, including enhanced DSP power, higher sample rate support, new high-resolution audio interfaces and sync devices, abundant track count and I/O capacity, extensive routing flexibility, as well as an explanation regarding the hardware and software components needed for stellar sound quality. Attendees will receive a free analysis of your proposed system design so your system will work properly the first time.

• Pro Tools Control Surfaces, Plug-Ins & Surround Mixing, held on August 8, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees should include Pro Tools owners, producers and engineers, studio owners, post-production facility owners and broadcast company owners. Digidesign product specialists and West L.A. Music’s Joe Taupier will explain and compare Pro Tools control surfaces including ProControl, Control 24 and Edit Pack. Discover new and advanced features of Pro Tools HD. Learn the secrets of automation, surround sound monitoring, accessing plug-ins from each control surface, using joysticks with Edit Pack for surround sound panning, plus shortcuts and power user tips. A presentation of third-party software plug-ins will include Native Instruments Battery, B4 and Pro 52; Waves Platinum Bundle, Masters and Restoration; IK Multimedia Sample Tank and Amplitude; and Spectrasonics Stylus.

Tributes Flow in for Who Bassist John Entwistle

LONDON (Reuters) -- Tributes flowed in on Friday for John Entwistle, bass guitarist with rock group The Who, who died of a suspected heart attack on Thursday. The group was about to begin a North American tour when Entwistle was found dead in a Las Vegas hotel. "The entire Who family is terribly saddened by John's passing," said manager Bill Curbishley. "Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and the millions of Who fans the world over," he said in a statement.

Fellow Who members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were said to be too upset to comment, but they posted a message to their friend, affectionately called "the Ox."

"The Ox has left the building--we've lost another great friend. Thanks for your support and love. Pete and Roger," they wrote on Townshend's Website (www.petetownshend.co.uk). Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, another bassist, called Entwistle "a great friend for many years--the quietest man in private but the loudest onstage! He was unique and irreplaceable--I am shocked and devastated," he said.

Fan sites also carried many tributes; www.thewho.net changed its front page in Entwistle's honor. "Dear John, Thank you for all the wonderful music and wonderful times. You will live forever in our hearts and our minds. Sincerely, Scott C. Smith," the page read.

Entwistle's family said his death had left "an irreplaceable void," and thanked fans and friends for their support. "We, his family, are deeply grateful for the many tributes and messages of condolence that we have received," they said. "He will be mourned deeply by his family and many friends... it is a terrible loss to all who knew him and his many, many fans," the family said in a statement.

Founders, CEO Regain Control of Audio Precision

Nearly two years after selling the company to a small group of private investors, two Audio Precision Inc. (Beaverton, Ore.) founders and the current CEO are reinvesting in the company. With this move, founder Bruce Hofer gains a majority share and becomes chairman of the board. Robert Wright, founder and a principal engineer at Audio Precision, as well as Alan Miksch, CEO, have also acquired shares.

Hofer said in a release that since the sale in 2000, Audio Precision has seen too much emphasis on short-term performance and too little consideration for longer-range strategic issues facing the company. "Profitablity is important to any business," said Hofer, "but we must also remain responsive to changing technologies and market conditions. Offering reliable, high-quality products at an attractive price with unrivaled customer and technical support is what made Audio Precision the market leader. We intend to grow the company based on that approach."

In addition to the buy-back of majority control, plans are in place, according to the release, to strengthen Audio Precision's board of directors with senior people in the industry. "We plan to build on our leadership in the business and accelerate growth," said Miksch. "We want to grow sales strategically and that will require a wider outside perspective from industry experts around the world. We are currently discussing board participation with influential market leaders in Asia and Europe. They will add an invaluable dimension to our board."

Audio Precision was founded in 1984 by four engineers and managers who first met at Tektronix Inc. The decision to sell the audio test and measurement company in September 2000 was made when one of the founders chose to retire. After the sale, Hofer stayed on as the company's temporary president and CEO. Miksch was brought onboard as CEO in March 2001 to accommodate Hofer's desire to return to a more technical role.

For more, visit www.audioprecision.com.

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