MIAMI, FL–The Legendary Hit Factory Criteria Studios celebrated its 50th Anniversary by upgrading Studio F with a 48 channel SSL Duality console. Duality, dubbed the analogue console for the digital age, combines the legendary sound of the SSL XL 9000 K Series mic pre and SuperAnalogue® signal path with the AWS 900+ inspired DAW control protocol to yield a magnificent creative tool for the contemporary recording studio. more…

Buena Park, CA - May 2008… Hosa Technology, the leading innovator of analog and digital connectivity solutions for the modern musician and audio/video professional and distributor of Da-Cappo Micro Microphones throughout the Americas, is pleased to announce that the Da-Cappo DA12 Single-ear microphone, the DA04 Lavaliere microphone, and the DA11 “The Stick” microphone are now shipping. more…

HOLLYWOOD, CA, MAY 1, 2008–When ATK Audiotek of Valencia, CA, was called upon to design an audio network for “American Idol,” it relied on Aviom and the company‘s A-16II Personal Mixer to help with its communication needs.

The task at hand required a system that would be capable of handling amateur singers accompanied by a professional band and judges exchanging dialogue and interacting with a host, all within a noisy, live performance environment. Drawing from its own experiences in designing audio networks for large venues hosting high-profile events such as the Academy Awards, which like “American Idol” also took place at Hollywood‘s Kodak Theatre, the engineers knew that communication was key in this type of environment.

This year, “American Idol” has a brand new, larger, multi-level set and, for the first time, conductor Rickey Minor, also the bass payer, is separated from the other musicians in a second-story balcony across from the band. This new configuration made its communication network even more vital to the production. For years, ATK Audiotek had been using an Orchestra Conductor System built for the company from a manufacturer that no longer makes or supports the product. Due to age and extensive use, the system began having technical difficulties. Making use of proven intercom technology along with innovative audio networking and monitor mixing equipment from Aviom, engineers were able to replicate the system, which allows for seamless bi-directional communication between Minor, the director and the mixing engineer as well as cues to the band.

“This system had long worked for us for events such as the Grammys and the Oscars,” Arango says. “Using control boxes and headsets, it creates a perfect communication network for large orchestras as well as for a band such as the one in ‘American Idol.‘ We knew we had to make it work, and the Aviom mixers made it possible. It also has the added benefit of allowing the musicians to have increased control over their own audio monitor levels, including the verbal cues.”

The system is arranged into two individual zones–one for the band and one for the drummer–to which Minor and the director can speak using Clear-Com® Party-line AB-100 and Studio Technologies 233 announcer consoles as the main interfaces. The band zone is equipped with an A-16R rack mountable mixer controlled by the monitor engineer while the drummer uses a standalone Aviom A-16II mixer, which he can control himself. Tweecomm OB-1 headset box with headphones are powered by Clear-Com‘s PS-464, a four-channel intercom power supply that features a fail-safe design for maximum reliability and delivers 2.5 amps at 30 volts.

For the first time, several other band members are using the A-16II for monitor control. “The players have embraced the mixer and are enjoying the increased control it offers,” Arango says.

In addition, the system was flexible enough to move from the small set during the earlier rounds of the show to the new, big stage being used for the semi-final rounds with simple wiring adjustments and the addition of several boxes.

“All we needed to do was add some more OB-1 boxes and lengthen our XLR cable to the units,” Arango explains. “It was that easy.”

Founded in 1983, ATK Audiotek is the foremost sound reinforcement provider in the professional audio industry. ATK Audiotek provides unparalleled quality and reliable service to all of its clients. ATK Audiotek’s client roster includes hundreds of television productions, special events, industrial conventions, permanent installations and concert tours. ATK Audiotek has received many awards including four nominations and two wins of the prestigious TEC Award for outstanding technical achievement.

Aviom is the world leader and pioneer of personal monitor mixing technology with the popular Pro16™ Series, as well as the exclusive developer of the revolutionary Pro64® Series of audio networking products. All Aviom products are powered by A-Net® the company‘s groundbreaking high-speed digital audio transmission protocol. Aviom products solve problems in a variety of different environments, including live sound reinforcement, audio recording studios, houses of worship, theater, broadcasting and post-production facilities and a host of commercial installations. Aviom‘s entire line of high-quality professional audio products are designed and manufactured in the USA..

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LAS VEGAS, NV, May 1, 2008 — The RapcoHorizon Company (InfoComm, Booth C4009), a leading manufacturer of audio/video interfacing and cable equipment, has been designated a Certified AudioVisual Provider (CAVSP) by InfoComm International. more…

St. Paul, MN (April 29, 2008) - Top music industry professionals discuss the realities of the music business and careers in music with more than 300 Minneapolis/St Paul Area high school students at GRAMMY Career Day, an initiative of the GRAMMY in the Schools® program. The day will include a variety of workshops focusing on various fields in the music industry. Students from numerous schools around the area will be represented including: St. Francis High School, Coon Rapids High School, Blaine High School, Anoka High School, Andover High School, S.T.E.P. (Secondary Technical Education Program) and South St. Paul High School. The program is presented by the Gibson Foundation and is free of charge. more…

Users of Propellerhead‘s Reason 4 can now increase their arsenal of Reason sounds at no cost thanks to Line 6‘s latest promotion. Line 6 offers FREE monthly ReFills and Artist Patches until 2009 to enhance the Reason 4 experience!

Prodigious artists like Propellerhead guru Kurt Kurasaki (aka Peff) unlock their sonic secrets and show you how they make Reason work for them. Plus, ReFill manufacturers like Sonic Emulations will raise the gates and share their sounds, allowing users to build complementary collections. No fuss, no hassle, just FREE SOUNDS each month until 2009!

Sign up online and Line 6 will send you a monthly email featuring a link to a new ReFill or Artist Patch. Register now and begin downloading FREE ReFills and Artist Patches: www.line6.com//club/promos/

About Propellerhead Software

Propellerhead Software is a privately owned company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Formed in 1994, Propellerhead has created some of the most innovative new music software (ReBirth, ReCycle and Reason) and technology standards, including ReWire and the REX file format, which are used extensively in all kinds of music production. Propellerhead ReBirth program was the first virtual emulation of vintage analog gear–a trend that now dominates music software. www.propellerheads.se

Propellerhead Software, makers of the highly acclaimed stand-alone music production system Reason, announces the continuation of its Producer Conference Series of events in San Francisco, CA, on May 3, 2008, Noon to 5:30 pm. Presented by Line 6 and hosted at Pyramind music production school (832 Folsom St., SFCA 94107), the 6-hour conference features artist appearances from Tommy Coster Jr. and DJ Khalil, along with James Bernard (Propellerhead Lead Product Specialist), Peff (aka Kurt Kurasaki, author of “Power Tools for Reason 3.0”) and Gerry Bassermann (Propellerhead Software Product Specialist) discussing a wide variety of topics on maximizing your Reason version 4 experience, including production and mixing techniques, sound design and more!

Whether you‘re just getting started or an advanced Reason user, learn the inside tips and trick for making beats, use of Propellerhead‘s new Thor polysonic synthesizer, Sequencer, ReGroove Mixer, streamlining your creative workflow, producing patches, sounds, and more! Attendees will have their chance to ask questions during the Artist section. This interactive learning session is only $35/per person. All attendees who are registered Reason version 4 users will receive a free “Music Production with Reason 4” DVD tutorial (valued at $59) at the event, so bring proof of your Reason registration! For more information and registration, go to: www.theproducersconference.com

SCHEDULE

• 11:30 am: Doors open

• 12:00-1:00 pm: Gerry Bassermann - “Improve Your Creative Workflow In Reason 4″

Discover powerful features in Reason version 4 and how you can improve your creative workflow with Reason‘s new sequencer. Gerry will also be providing tips and tricks for Propellerhead‘s new RPG-8, Combinator enhancements, NN-XT enhancements and more.

• 1:15-2:30 pm: Kurt “Peff” Kurasaki - “Modular Synthesis With Thor”

This tutorial will explore basic concepts behind sound design and using Reason‘s new Thor Polysonic synthesizer. Peff will provide an in-depth look at the available oscillators and filter types. In addition, he‘ll provide an in depth view of the modulation matrix and its capabilities.

• 2:45-3:45 pm: James Bernard - “Quantizing Your Beats With The ReGroove Mixer”

Learn the ins and outs of Reason version 4‘s exciting new real-time ReGroove engine. James takes attendees on a guided tour exploring the limitless possibilities of this powerful feature for building and modifying grooves.

• 4:00-5:30 pm: Artist Panel / Q & A

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Tommy Coster, Jr. has an extensive range of credits include live and studio music recordings (Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Dido, Ice Cube, Carlos Santana, Mike Elizondo, Peter Frampton, Eric Clapton, 50 Cent, and more), film soundtracks, TV commercials, film trailers and film scoring projects. Coster worked with producer Dr. Dre on the “Marshall Mathers LP”, co-writing and performing on six tracks including the hit single, “The Real Slim Shady”. He has also written original scores for such films as “Serving Sara,” “The New Guy,” and “Barbershop 2″.

DJ Khalil is a Los Angeles based hip-hop / soul producer for Aftermath Entertainment and co-owns Angeles Records with DJ Muggs. He has worked on recording projects with Bishop Lamont, The Game, Xzibit, Talib Kweli, G-Unit, Cypress Hill, Nas, Jay-Z, and on 50 Cent’s new Curtis album single, “I’ll Still Kill”, featuring Akon.

Kurt Kurasaki, author of “Power Tools for Reason 3.0”, is a noted Reason user with credits in Keyboard and Computer Music magazines. He also works with Propellerhead Software as a sound designer and tutorial developer. Known as “Peff” throughout the Online ReBirth and Reason Communities, Kurt is one of the originators of ReBirth Mods.

Gerry Bassermann is an accomplished musician who works in many different acoustic and electronic styles. He holds several degrees in music composition and performance and currently owns and operates OPUS NINE (a project studio in the San Francisco Bay area). For over twenty years, he has worked for many prominent music companies, as a product designer, demonstrator and musical consultant. He is currently focused on electronic music composition and sound design, and teaches electronic music at University of California Santa Cruz.

James Bernard has a long and critically acclaimed career in the music industry as a recording artist with multiple releases and as Propellerhead‘s Artist Relations Manager, Sound designer and Lead Demonstrator. He‘s created original music for Re-Fills for Reason and travels the globe performing and hosting Propellerhead demos and training seminars.

About Pyramind

Pyramind is a media and music production school located in San Francisco, designed for the serious professional and developing recording artist. Pyramind’s certificate programs are the result of over 50 years of collective experience in production, composition, sound design, engineering, mixing, mastering, studio design and installation. Pyramind’s unique training programs include both Apple and Digidesign manufacture certificates. www.pyramind.com

About Propellerhead Software

Propellerhead Software is a privately owned company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Formed in 1994, Propellerhead has created some of the most innovative new music software (ReBirth, ReCycle and Reason) and technology standards, including ReWire and the REX file format, which are used extensively in all kinds of music production. Propellerhead ReBirth program was the first virtual emulation of vintage analog gear–a trend that now dominates music software. www.propellerheads.se

For on-line press releases, high-resolution images and other media resources, please go to www.propellerheads.se/press

LOS ANGELES, CA–Solid State Logic, the world‘s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast and post production professionals, is pleased to announce the appointment of Katy Templeman-Holmes to the position of Broadcast Sales Manager.

Templeman-Holmes will focus her sales efforts on call letter TV stations in the Western region and will be based at SSL‘s LA office. She has over five years of diversified experience in the professional audio and broadcast industries. Templeman-Holmes‘ extensive experience in both the broadcast and post-production sales markets makes her the perfect addition to SSL‘s growing team.

Templeman-Holmes comes to SSL from Euphonix Inc., where she oversaw sales and customer service for the broadcast, post-production and music markets. Prior to Euphonix, Templeman-Holmes worked as a continuity production coordinator for Premier Radio Networks where she supervised both Clear Channel and Fox Radio‘s international multimedia data bank. She also worked as a broadcast technical operator for Trans World International and as a broadcast journalist and board operator at Kestrel FM, both of which are in the UK. Templeman-Holmes earned a B.S.c in Media and Broadcast Technology from the University of Surrey where she was awarded First Class Degree and Broadcast School Valedictorian.

“I‘m proud to be working for a company that I have admired for so long,” Templeman-Holmes comments. “I have always admired SSL‘s technology and position in the professional audio market. I am very excited to be joining SSL and am thrilled to be involved in SSL‘s broadcast business.” more…

HOLLYWOOD - EASTWEST‘s unprecedented 20th Anniversary Promotion will be coming to a close on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008. Users visiting the EASTWEST website, www.soundsonline.com , still have time to purchase select virtual instruments at greatly reduced prices. more…

El Segundo, CA… While Mogami cables have long been a staple of the recording side of professional audio, they have now become a popular choice for touring professionals as well. Whereas touring pros have long viewed cable as a disposable commodity, the recent surge in wireless technology has actually fueled the need for high quality cable on stage, and Mogami‘s superior transmission and shielding qualities are proving immensely popular. more…