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Mad Men

Fig. 1: This 1952 ad for RCA’s BA-6A vari-mu compressor emphasizes specs, features and a sepia-toned product shot.

Mad Men

Pro audio advertising hasn’t exactly lived at the cutting edge over the last half century but it has been evolving. When you look back at ads in the trade publications from the 1970s and earlier (like everything else, they’re up there online), you’ll see pretty staid graphics and copy, mostly nerdy product shots and verbiage that consisted mainly of dry data taken directly from spec sheets, such as the 1952 RCA BA-6A vari-mu compressor ad shown in Fig. 1. No CLIO Awards for this bunch.

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This Whirlwind Power Link portable distro system is designed for safe tie-ins to AC power by licensed personnel.

Power Distro Basics: Stay Safe

One book that should probably never be written is Power Distro for Dummies. Given the high voltages in play where power distribution is concerned and the danger of physical harm, it’d be a better idea if dummies stayed out of the electrical room and left electrical work to licensed electricians. However, there are certain things about power that audio people need to know, and though we do not suggest that you attempt adding a new circuit breaker box to a venue unless you are a licensed electrician, it might make your life easier if you knew a bit regarding power distro requirements.

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Low-profile wedge monitors can reduce the chance of blocking views from seated parishioners. In some sanctuaries — such as here in Austin’s Unity Church of The Hills — the monitors can be “stairstepped” to increase sightlines even farther.

Monitoring Your Monitors

We all take monitors pretty much for granted. Whether you use in-ears or floor wedges at your church, they are as common as your main front of house speakers. But did you know that, in the early-mid 1960’s, many bands hit the road without the benefit of monitors of any type. Before floor wedge monitors became popular and commonplace, speakers were simply placed on either side of the stage and turned toward the performers.

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Illustration by Andy Au

“I Should Have Known”

In a recent 60 Minutes interview, President Obama admitted that the U.S. intelligence community had underestimated “ISIS” and what was taking place in Syria while — at the same time — overestimating the Iraqi army’s capability to combat the threat. A shocking admission but, then again, over- and under-estimations have shaped history for thousands of years, and sometimes it is not just a lack of foresight that attributes to a poor judgment call or policy. Official procedure, monetary concerns, various alliances and hubris are a few talking points that might lead to a poor assessment of any given situation.

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Production of The Oldest Boy Gets Support from Masque Sound

NYC Production of “The Oldest Boy” Gets Support from Masque Sound

NEW YORK – The Oldest Boy, which made its debut at Lincoln Center Theater’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater Nov. 3, is using audio gear specified by sound designer Darron L West and supplied by Masque Sound. The Meyer Sound speaker package includes UPA-1P loudspeakers for the mains, a variety of UPMs for fills, UPJ-1Ps for the center ring and USW-1P subwoofers. Masque Sound also provided a Yamaha DM1k console and DPA 4021, 4022 and 4061 mics.

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AV Networking Training Session Set for Nov. 19 in NYC

NEW YORK — A free session, focusing on hands-on workshops using Dante technology, will offer attendees a Dante Virtual Soundcard license and three InfoComm Renewal Units. This industry event is sponsored by Audinate, Bose Professional, Attero Tech, Audio-Technica, Digital Audio Labs and Shure.

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Midas Announces PRO Series Firmware Update

Midas recently announced the G2.5 firmware release for the company’s PRO Series digital live performance consoles and select DL15x and DL25x fixed-format I/O devices. The new firmware adds an array of new features and provides more than 100 significant performance enhancements.

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