NEW YORK – The Juilliard School is picky about the students they accept – there are only about 800 undergraduate and graduate students in the renowned center for dance, drama, and music studies. Noted alumni include Patti LuPone, Van Cliburn, Wynton Marsalis and Henry Mancini. The Julliard School is also choosy about their gear, and Marc L. Waithe, chief audio engineer, has opted to use Earthworks microphones for close to a decade.
"Many of the people at Juilliard are among the most discerning listeners in the world-particularly those involved in the classical and acoustic jazz programs," Waithe noted. "With good reason, they can be very wary of any amplification of the acoustic sound."
It's all about performance at The Juilliard School, such as those for ensembles like the resident Juilliard String Quartet. When the performance requires live sound reinforcement, Earthworks microphones are a staple of the setup.
"The Earthworks microphones not only help me translate their musical visions transparently to the audience, they also enable me to expand the perception of just how good their instruments can sound in a live, amplified environment," Waithe noted.
In addition to being responsible for live sound reinforcement throughout Juilliard's main performance spaces, Waithe also oversees system design, maintenance, mixing, and the training of staff, interns, and students for all aspects of the school's SR (sound reinforcement) requirements. His sizeable inventory of Earthworks microphones has accumulated over the years.
"At this point in time," Waithe said, "we have over 30 Earthworks microphones. Our mic locker inventory includes the SR69, SR71, two SR77s, six SR20s and seven SR30/HCs from the company's Sound Reinforcement series. For use with drums and percussion, we also have Earthworks' CMK4 close mic drum system kit; along with four DK25L live drum mic systems. Our podium microphone is an Earthworks FM500, which the company is retrofitting for me with a wire-mesh pop screen," he noted. Waithe also said that "we use the Earthworks PM40 PianoMic when piano amplification is required.
"We handle a lot of instrumental miking when called for in the score," Waithe added. "Similarly, we use the microphones for Juilliard Jazz, foldback applications such as operas, and a variety of special events. Earthworks' SR Series microphones provide incredible off-axis response, which enables me to mic the various performers without having to worry about their movement. This way, the performers aren't restricted by the microphone as they play or sing. The microphones' extended frequency range captures every nuance-without compromising their artistry."
Waithe also credited Earthworks' PianoMic system – the PM40 PianoMic in particular. "For our big band jazz concerts, the piano is usually positioned next to the drums. Our PianoMic really helps bring out the clarity and beauty of the school's precious Steinway pianos-without any compromises or hassles. The PianoMic system offers us the freedom to mic the pianos with the lids either up or down, and the fact that the system eliminates the necessity for microphone boom stands makes setup easier, more streamlined, and also enables us to maintain a consistent sound should the instrument need to be re-positioned."
Waithe commended Earthworks for its customer and technical support. "Everyone is very friendly and responsive to my inquiries. Earthworks has a family oriented ‘feel' to it that is also quite refreshing. I love the fact that I can speak directly to the COO of the company about their products."
For more information, please visit www.earthworksaudio.com.
