Recording and Production in the News

Training Weekends kick off in Plymouth

Cambridge, UK: An exciting programme of masterclasses and seminars is now in place for those taking part in the first Mic To Master series of training weekends for engineers, producers and all other creative audio enthusiasts.

The event, which takes place at Deep Blue Sound in Plymouth, will run for two days starting on May 7th. There are still places available but those wishing to attend should register quickly as these are going fast.

Mic To Master is a joint initiative organised by high end recording and broadcast equipment manufacturer Prism Sound/SADiE and JAMES, the education arm of the Music Producers Guild (MPG), the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS), and the UK Screen Association.

The first course, at Deep Blue Sound, will feature guest lecturers Tony Platt, Al Stone, Simon Heyworth and Alan O'Connell, all of whom have a wealth of experience in the professional recording industry as producer and/or engineers and have worked with the likes of Jamiroquai, Mystery Jets, Depeche Mode and AC/DC.

Among the highlights of the packed schedule are the following sessions:

• So what flavour of music business do we want this month? - A lecture by Tony Platt, in which he discusses the tendency for everyone to run around desperately looking for the "next big thing" before settling for the same old format!
• Using More than One Microphone (Shut-up-ah-your-phase!) - A lecture by Al Stone in which he discusses the many ways of using more than one microphone - or indeed, whether there is a need for more than one microphone in the first place?
• Logic 9's Flextime editing - An opportunity to hear Al O'Connell introduce the editing features and real-world applications of Logic Flextime, an essential tool in a project studios.
• Is There a Future for Surround Sound - A lecture given by Simon Heyworth in which he takes participants on a journey through the development of surround sound, starting with his experiences in Quadrophonic sound with Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells album. He will also discuss how commercially relevant Surround Sound is in the current music business.

Participants will also have an opportunity to attend manufacturer sessions hosted by Prism Sound, SADiE, Focusrite, ATC and sE Electronics. These will highlight the latest cutting edge technology and will include practical demonstrations to show how technology can solve problems. There will also be forums where participants can fire questions at producers and manufacturing experts and listening sessions with producers where those attending can play some of their own work and discuss techniques to overcome specific problems.

Phil Harding, chairman of JAMES, says: "This is a great opportunity for those who are passionate about music recording, mixing and mastering and want to learn more. These events give music makers an opportunity to learn from professionals who are willing to share their expertise and impart some useful tricks of the trade. By holding them in JAMES accredited Universities and colleges we are also able to fulfil JAMES' remit of furthering links between Education and the Media Industries and make sure that many years of professional experience are not lost to future generations."