PORTLAND, OR – Steve Linder, principal of SRI Training, a life coach public speaker who focuses on biofeedback and neuro linguistic programming (NLP) techniques, uses the Allen & Heath iLive R72 control surface paired with an iDR-16 MixRack to help get his message across.
"The iLive has really revolutionized my presentations," Linder said. "The audio is so clean and easy to control, it really keeps everyone focused on the content. People will put up with mediocre video, but not bad audio."
SRI Training presentations incorporate live wireless microphones and multiple professional video cameras to capture Linder's interactions with audience members. The iDR-16's digital signal processing and EQ help maximize gain-before-feedback in a simple, easy-to-repeat process, with the setup for each show saved in the scene memories.
Linder uses the iLive from his podium during the show, controlling channel faders on his iPad via Allen & Heath's iLive Tweak app. "For instance, if I want to highlight vocal inflections, say to exhibit stress markers in an audience member, I can literally just touch my iPad to make fine adjustments," he said. "It's so intuitive, I don't even have to lose eye contact. It's amazing to have that level of control at your fingertips."
In addition to his iPad at the podium, each member of Linder's team carries an iPhone with the same capability. "That way, any of my techs can assist, and there's no need to have one person anchored to the control surface."
SRI Training also captures audio and video from each presentation for use in webinars, podcasts and videos. This process is enhanced by the addition of the optional dual port iLive MADI Card to the MixRack iDR-16.
"The MADI card gives me the ability to capture each input channel as discrete audio, which is a tremendous upgrade over recording the mixed output," Linder noted. "Having that flexibility in our audio choices when we make a video lets us create a much more professional product. I used to have to manage multiple external devices with hundreds of settings. Having it so closely integrated with the iLive saves space, time, and money. And it's still all contained right in my rolling rack."
Linder credited the iLive R72 with iDR-16 MixRack as a critical factor in his success. "The core of my business is communicating clearly and effectively. I've had both analog and digital systems in the past, and they always required a lot of expense and expertise to make it all work. With the iLive, all that drama just disappeared. Logistically, the iLive is the last piece of equipment in my rack that I would ever part with."
Linder also credited Allen & Heath for its support. "The online training they have is pretty well done," he states. "But I was amazed by their on-site, in-person training."
As a performance trainer with a strong background in technology (former head of technology engineering for Bank of America, Charles Schwab and E-Trade Financial), Linder sees a direct correlation between his iLive system and the success of SRI Training.
"With our old systems, I had to hire a pro sound engineer for every show, and book plenty of set-up time at the venue," he said. "The iLive saves SRI Training a huge amount in both labor costs and room rental, because we can set up our system and tune the room so quickly. And the system is so easy to operate, I can now train people from my own staff to set it up and operate it. The iLive is not only saving us money; it's earning us money."
For more information, please visit www.AmericanMusicAndSound.com.
