Anaheim, CA – Winter NAMM Booth #7111, Hall A … Equator Audio Research, recognized globally as a leading manufacturer of highly accurate studio reference monitors for mission critical recording applications, is pleased to announce that Alhambra, CA-based Pinnacle College—formerly known as Sound Master recording school—has taken delivery of two 5.1 surround sound systems utilizing the company’s highly acclaimed Q-Series reference monitors. Delivered in the 4th quarter of 2009, the two monitor setups employ Equator Audio’s Q8, Q12, and Q18 systems.
Established in 1972 as the first school of its kind in the United States by the late Brian Ingoldsby, Pinnacle College provides practical training that prepares students for entry level positions in the fields of audio engineering, multimedia, and technology. The school recently re-located to its present facilities and is in the final stages of a dramatic, quarter-million dollar modernization project to provide students and faculty with the most up-to-date, creative environment for fostering meaningful careers in the sound arts.
Pinnacle College’s flagship studio—known as Studio A— is built around a Solid State Logic AWS 900+ SE analog console and a full 5.1 surround sound setup using Equator Audio Research Q12 reference monitors with a Q18 subwoofer. This studio is the school’s primary “hands-on� teaching facility for audio recording. Francis Buckley, a well known audio professional whose credits include a Grammy® for best recorded album, serves as Pinnacle College’s Development Manager. In this capacity, he oversees equipment selection, facility design requirements, as well as spearheading ongoing curriculum revisions to ensure relevance in the audio profession. Buckley commented on the decision to deploy Equator Audio’s monitor systems at Pinnacle College.
“When I first auditioned the Equator monitors for my own projects, I really liked what I heard,� Buckley said. “Imaging is excellent both on-and off-axis and they produce a very present, natural sound that translates well to a variety of playback systems. Combined with the available Secondary Reflection Correction™ (SRC) room tuning software, which is part of the company’s optional Q Series Room Analysis Calibration Kit and provides a welcome teaching aid that vividly illustrates room conditions such as EQ and reflection issues, I believe Equator Audio offers a comprehensive monitoring solution that is unmatched by the competition. When we first installed the new monitors at Pinnacle College and fed program through them, it was amazing. The Q18 sub moves an incredible amount of air and the entire system had such an immediate impact, we had people from all over the building rushing into Studio A to hear the system close up.�
“Equally significant,� he continued, “these monitors have a visual appeal that is stunning, and this characteristic is quite important in terms of attracting students. Upon touring our facilities, potential students take one look at the console and the monitors and immediately get a look on their face that says, ‘Right on, this is where I want to study.’ As a business, this attribute becomes an important recruiting tool.�
Pinnacle College’s Studio B is geared toward learning the ins and outs of audio post production. This room is equipped with a Digidesign Pro Tools | HD system and a C|24 controller, a surround sound setup consisting of five Equator Audio Q8 reference monitors, and two 47-inch display monitors. “This room is ideal for teaching the ins and outs of sound for picture,� Notes Buckley, “Whether it’s mixing a score, working with sound effects, or both, the Equator Q8’s do a tremendous job reproducing the soundtracks we create. The realism of this monitor system is, simply put, exceptional.�
In addition to the two surround sound setups currently in place at Pinnacle College, there are plans to add another Equator Audio system. “Pinnacle College also offers an accredited Occupational Associate Degree in video game audio,� Buckley said “the first program of its kind in the nation. Our Audio for Games and Interactive Media (GAIM) curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the estimated $50+ billion worldwide video game industry. As we move forward, we have every intention of outfitting this program with Equator Audio’s monitors. When it comes to the ability to accurately reproduce music, sound effects, or any other audio material where sound quality is critical, you just can’t beat Equator Audio.�
Pinnacle College will have representatives on hand in the Equator Audio Research booth (#7111, Hall A) during Winter NAMM, held January 14-17, 2010, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. For additional information about Pinnacle College, visit them online at www.pinnaclecollege.edu or contact them at (626) 284-0050.
About Equator Audio Research
Equator Audio Research is committed to delivering studio reference monitor solutions that overcome the myriad of challenges faced in today’s production environment. Audible obstacles such as comb-filtering from computer screens and consoles, standing waves, uneven first reflections, asymmetrical speaker placement, and poor low frequency diffusion can easily degrade the listening experience. Equator Audio Research designs products that overcome these challenges. Our products are used daily in mission-critical applications at many of the world’s finest recording studios. For additional information on all Equator Audio products, visit the company online at www.equatoraudio.com.
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Photo info: Image of Pinnacle College staffers Francis Buckley and Hector “Chico� Nadal.
