LONDON — PLASA 2012 rolls into London’s Earls Court expo center from September 9 to 12, 2012. In addition to hundreds of exhibitors showing the latest in sound. lighting and entertainment production technology, PLASA 2012 recently announced a greatly expanded and varied program with 80 free-to-attend sessions, seminars and events for lighting and sound reinforcement pros. From the creative minds of world-renowned LD’s and sound engineers, to the thrusting visionaries of tomorrow’s technology, the PLASA Professional Development Program is the largest free knowledge sharing event of its kind.
According to PLASA CEO, Matthew Griffiths, “The new style program forms a roadmap for the next 12 months in theatre, live concert and touring, live events and installed environments. PLASA 2012 continues to be the place where pace setters converge to share expertise and ideas, and we are delighted by the concentration of talent coming to London this September, it is simply phenomenal.”
To make the most of everything PLASA 2012 has to offer at Earls Court on Sept. 9 to 12, 2012, register now at www.plasashow.com and take advantage of a 50% discounted entry to the entire four-day event for only £10.
Organized into 10 distinct categories, the new Pro Development Program has been designed to entertain as well as inform. The new additions to focused specifically on the needs of sound reinforcement pros include:
The Art of Noise
A look at the issues surrounding creeping noise control regulations at urban concerts and festivals, the latest tools on the market which aim to allow engineers and promoters to monitor noise levels, and the methods that sound engineers employ to stay within the sound boundaries. Panelists: John Taylor (d&b audiotechnik), Jim Griffiths (Vanguardia Consulting) and Jacob Nayne (SGAudio Aps).
Keeping it Within Limits
How to try and maintain a dynamic mix while still remaining within the increasingly draconian noise limits being introduced around the world. Presented by Jon Burton, chief live sound engineer for The Prodigy.
Are We Near to Perfect Sound?
As pro sound systems become ever more sophisticated, along with accurate prediction software and more and more powerful DSP, how close are we getting to guaranteeing perfect live sound in any environment? Is that even a realistic objective? Leading product designers discuss the questions. Panelists: Jason Baird (Martin Audio), Werner “Vier” Bayer (d&b audiotechnik) and Miguel Lourtie (Meyer Sound).
Capturing Adele at the Royal Albert Hall
Toby Alington describes his live recording and subsequent post-production of Adele’s high-profile concert recorded at the Royal Albert Hall at the end of 2011, and the subsequent post-production for DVD, Cinema, TV and CD.
Mixing the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert
Toby Alington takes us through the thrills and spills of mixing the biggest music event of the year for live world-wide television broadcast. With more than 20 artists performing back-to-back sets for nearly three hours of television, the technical and artistic challenges were immense for the audio team.
dB Limits — Mutual Respect, the Road to Compliance
Knowing what to measure and the difference between measurement types, will simplify daily life for sound engineers, venue operators and concert organizers. Join the noise and legislation consultant for Roskilde Festival, Jacob Navne, as he presents his “everything you need to know” session in “a very unscientific manner.”
Sound System Fundamentals
A fresh look at some Sound System Principles using experiments and practical demonstrations for working sound engineers and beginners alike. Presented by d&b audiotechnik.
Audio Think Tank
Forward thinking audio for forward thinking sound engineers. Join Dave Swallow (La Roux, Imogen Heap, Amy Winehouse) and a panel of front line audio professionals as they talk about the future; where should the technology be going and how can it be achieved?
The Loudness Issue
International standards for loudness measurement have been established in Europe and the USA, giving broadcasters new responsibilities. This session will explain all about loudness and how it matters and how it can now be controlled in the broadcast and content making industry. Mark Yonge, AES Standards Manager, will lead this panel session along with experts from the program origination and broadcast sectors.
NEXO’s Post-Modern Take on Line Array
Francois Deffarges (NEXO R&D Director) presents the company’s Scale Though Modularity system, their new flagship sound reinforcement technology. From concept to delivery, Deffarges examines the patented innovations within this multi-element modular system, from driver design to rigging hardware. STM: Is it a genuine alternative to mainstream line arrays?
Digital Innovation and Spectrum Planning
Presented by Shure Distribution. Major global changes to available spectrum for radio microphones and PMSE users have created the need for a better understanding of co-ordination of wireless systems. Shure’s Tuomo George-Tolonen talks about RF transmissions in professional applications and how to sensibly approach spectrum planning utilizing the latest in both digital and analog wireless technology.
Commissioning an Installed Sound Environment
NTI’s XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer measures the intelligibility of speech in an installed environment, enabling users to create full reports on the STI-PA (Speech Transmission Index for PA) values for a room. The NTI audio solution for installed sound provides the instruments to measure all the important factors that influence Speech Intelligibility, including SPL, frequency response, distortion, reverberation time (RT60) and ambient noise (Noise Curves). This workshop further demonstrates how to find faults in a system as well as measure polarity and configure Delay Speakers to improve the sound quality and speech intelligibility in large venues. Presented by NTI Audio.
For more information about PLASA 2012 at London’s Earls Court on Sept. 9 to 12, 2012, go to www.plasashow.com and take advantage of a 50% discounted entry to the entire four-day event for only £10.
