The AudioArt Blogs

The Blog is now sporting a new look. One of the frequent updates to the WordPress software was released recently. I had been using a modification of the default theme, but each WP update replaces all the files in the default theme folder. That means that all my customizations are lost.

I have been using a rather generic third party theme on many of my other blogs. This theme allows me to make the blog look much like the rest of the site. While I have not maintained the AA Sound site design for this blog I did change to the third party theme. WP does not disturb that folder on update. I do like the new design and may continue it through the rest of the site when I do an update to the AudioArt Sound site, bringing the site and blog in line as far as design is concerned. Please leave me a comment about how you like this design and if you think that I should implement it on the rest of the site. Thanks

I am exploring entering the digital audio age through an software audio console. There are some very enthusiastic supporters of the software. I have been researching this approach for the last few days. The options seem to be nearly endless.

The software will handle 72 channels of audio and has flexible internal virtual patching. I am way behind the curve as far as digital audio in concerned so I have to learn nearly everything. A hazy picture of what is necessary is beginning to form.

I was thinking of getting this together for BikeWeeK, but the more I read on the subject the more I realize how much that I have to learn before I will be ready to implement this solution. Possibly by Myrtle Beach I could have this system up and running. If I do go this route I will probably carry at least two complete systems, and possibly three, out to Sturgis in August.

Taking this approach will eliminate a huge amount of equipment. The house rack will be an unnecessary item as all of the functions will be built into the software or added via plug-ins. The snake and split are not needed. The software allows the FOH and 24 stereo monitor mixes to be operated for a show. The actual mix can be done from a laptop that can be located anywhere in the venue thanks to wireless technology. It would not be necessary to  have any wires from the stage to the mix location. The monitor tech with a laptop could stand right beside the musician while doing the initial monitor mix and hear what the musician is hearing without a cue wedge.

Even writing this entry gets me more excited about the possibilities. There are truly huge advantages to this system. It will give the possibility of doing small gigs with a full featured system without carrying large amounts of equipment. For the hotel gigs there will be no wires to tape down. For parties one can mix from anywhere in the room. There is the possibility to allow the musicians to mix their own monitors. The 24 monitor mixes are all stereo, so all in-ear mixes can be in stereo.

Beside audio, computers are of great interest to me. I have been a computer hobbyist for several years. This system will allow me to enjoy two of my areas of interest at the same time. I am looking forward to the challenges of getting this system into operation.

The new season has begun and I have updated the Concert and Convention pages to reflect the recent work. At this point we are only about three weeks from the Daytona Rally, so I am making plans for that event. I have my regular business at the BrokenSpoke with three shows this year. I am also working on another venue and a rental for the event. If it all comes through it will be a great start to the year. After the rally there is a Wailer’s show and some other things on the books to keep me out of mischief until the next rallies. There are many opportunities opening for this season so it should be a good year.