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Can 'o worms

Metering: Let’s Close That Can of Worms

Last month, we talked about dynamic range, headroom and signal-to-noise ratios, and how these concepts relate to the metering used on analog and digital gear. Since there was a bit of brain damage involved with last month’s T&P, we’ll quickly review a few important highlights. First, Zero on a VU meter is known as “operating level.” Second, In the pro audio world, when we see 0 on a VU meter, the signal level is approximately 1.23 volts. This signal level “standard” is known as +4 dBu. Third, Digital gear — such as mixing consoles, drive processors — often use meters calibrated in dBFS (deciBels below full scale), whereby 0 is at the top of their scale. When you hit 0 on a dBFS meter you are out of headroom. If we send +4 dBu (1.23 volts) into a dBFS meter it will typically show up at -18 dBFS.

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Roswell United Methodist Church in Roswell, GA upgraded with a Martin Audio MLA Mini system to provide precise sonic control while embracing the sanctuary’s high domed ceiling and excellent natural acoustic properties.

When Do You Need a New System?

Sound system purchasing decisions are among the largest financial decisions a church has to make. Depending on the size of your worship venue, a new sound system can exceed $100,000 or even $200,000. Even if you’re working at a smaller church that is only in a position to spend $10,000 or $20,000 on a new system, that’s a major expense. As a church technical director, I feel I have a responsibility to spend the church’s money wisely, because let’s face it, we are ultimately spending the hard-earned money of our congregants.

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The Roland M-5000 Digital Console offers numerous options for remote operations.

Roland M-5000 Digital Console

The digital console market is crowded in 2015. Every new console I encounter is better (and cheaper) than the last. Features that were previously only found on high-end mixing consoles are cropping up on sub-$30,000 boards left and right. It’s simply amazing how fast the market is moving, and how far prices have fallen in just a few short years.

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Beck joins the band for a cover of the Byrd's 'Going Back.'

Echo in the Canyon: I Know These Songs!

While working a James Taylor concert/video shoot for Austin City Limits last month, I received a message about an upcoming project in Los Angeles. Chris Adamson, my old friend and frequently my production manager over these last 20+ years, had recommended me for an excellent FOH position. If hired, I would be mixing two special one-off shows at the beautifully restored Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. I let Chris know that I was available and very much interested in being on the team.

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Illustration by Andy Au

Insurance: A Risky Business?

Insurance is a game of chance — a gambler’s game similar to Wall Street trading and big casino betting that, much like trading or gambling, is also a for-profit profession. Therefore, it would be a judicious move on the part of anyone entering the insurance field to ensure that the odds are stacked in favor of the house. One way that insurance companies try to protect themselves is through “risk management.” To quote Ricardo Antunes and Vincent Gonzalez: “Risk management’s objective is to assure uncertainty does not deflect the endeavor from the business goals.” The goal in this instance is to make a profit while offering a customer piece of mind against a perceived threat in one undertaking or another.

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Pat Quilter, 2015 Parnelli Audio Innovator

Parnelli Awards 2015: Another Year of Surprises, Laughs and Emotions

LAS VEGAS — Halloween came early to the 15th Annual Parnelli Awards on Saturday, Oct. 24. Audio Innovator honoree Pat Quilter dressed as Mountain Man with an Egyptian head piece; Visionary honoree David Cunningham came to the stage with two beautiful women and proceeded to change wigs and transform himself into a rock/drag star; and finally there was Chris Lamb, in his trademark cowboy getup.

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