FOH Engineer Kenny Kaiser and Monitor Engineer Marty Beath rely on DPA’s Live Sound Solutions
Always on the lookout for the newest audio solutions for the rock band, The Killers, FOH Engineer Kenny Kaiser and Monitor Engineer Marty Beath were immediately intrigued by DPA’s new 4055 Kick Drum Mic. Among the first to get their hands on the mic, the duo put it to the test at production rehearsals before heading out on the band’s “The Killing the Mirage” tour. After receiving universally positive feedback, the decision was made: DPA’s 4055 Kick Drum Mic was joining The Killers’ touring gear line-up alongside the group’s existing DPA solutions, such as the 4099 CORE Instrument Mics, 4011 Cardioid Condenser Mics and d:facto™ 4018 Vocal Microphone.
Before solidifying their kick drum mic of choice, Kaiser and Beath tested out three variations of a mic setup. “We had a plate mic, a ribbon mic and then the new DPA,” explains Beath, “and we were swapping between them, listening to what we could get out of each combination. Because the DPA is linear, you have to shape it, but that’s great because that’s what you want—to have control and not be dictated by the voicing of the mic. So, I think it’s fantastic for this drum, but it will also translate across multiple drum kits.”
Beath continues, saying, “It can handle the SPL, no problem whatsoever, and we’ve pretty much maintained our normal placement. We’ll probably experiment as we go along and get more comfortable with it, but so far, it’s mind-blowing.” Kaiser also notes that the mic’s voicing is one of the key standouts for the pair. “The overall design of this [mic] answers that famous line of optimize or compromise,” Kaiser explains. “The compromise for us is we have a very loud stage, so being able to design everything around that is huge.”
On the rest of the drum set, the pair utilizes DPA’s 4099 CORE Instrument Mics for tom toms and under the cymbals, along with 4011 Cardioid Condenser Mics on snare top and bottom, as well as on the hi-hat. “I’ve used the DPA CORE technology on lots of other acts and thought that it would be the greatest solution for [’The Killers’] kit because it is so small,” explains Beath. “We try to under-mic the cymbals because of the spill from the wedges, so we get a lot more isolation…and can control the stereo image more.”
The duo also notes that the 4011s provide the transient attack that people love without having to manage it too hard. “The previous mics we had, you had to do more finessing to get the tonality we wanted and lost a lot of that [transient sound],” explains Kaiser. The pair also loves the simplicity and subtlety of the DPA solutions, which allow for less mic stands and a neater stage presence without compromising on sound quality.
Also on stage are the d:facto 4018 Vocal Microphones, which Kaiser and Beath rely on for backing vocals. Working front of house, Kaiser’s main concern was loudness and trying to manage that volume. “I’m typically about 75 feet off from front of house,” he explains, “and I’m at 96 dB(A) with the PA off with just the wedges―it’s loud.” The d:facto makes this task a breeze, with Beath adding, “it’s simple to prove the rejection from a d:facto. You turn it 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and there’s nothing. You scream into the back and there’s nothing. It’s tightened everything up, and there’s no bleed―it’s amazing.”
The Killers closed out the U.S. leg of their tour on October 12. The band is now making stops throughout South America, New Zealand, and Australia to wrap up 2022.
ApexPro is the recognized distributor of DPA Microphones in Africa. Reach out to us to find out if DPA is the right solution for your installation or touring needs.
Q Up Arts Founder and Composer Douglas Morton Relies on Brand for Immersive Aquarium Exhibit
A journey into the depths of the ocean is out of grasp for most, but Q Up Arts Founder and Composer Douglas Morton has helped bring the sounds of the Earth’s waters to shore for a new immersive aquarium experience that takes visitors through galleries filled with deep sea animals, original music and ocean video footage. To craft compositions that transport and inspire listeners, Morton needed microphones that could keep his recordings as authentic and natural as possible and selected DPA Microphones’ 2011C Compact Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Microphones.
“I choose mics based on what type of instrument or sound I’m going for. What’s great about the 2011s is the amount of detail that they pick up without coloring the sound. It’s like capturing a hi-res photo, you get all the little details and trails of sound. I used a couple of tongue drums for the score. I was just barely hitting those drums, but with the 2011s you can hear the full attack of the mallet. I even played them with my hands a little bit and you can hear right when my fingers hit the drums. The mics captured all the delicate nuances of the instrument.”
– Douglas Morton
Visitors can hear Morton’s compositions throughout the exhibit, transitioning seamlessly between songs and rooms. “As people travel through each gallery, it’s as if they’re on a journey descending down through the water to the ocean floor,” he continues.
“One room, designed to place guests in the middle of the ocean rather than the surface or floor, features a wall of 4K monitors displaying bright bioluminescent sea creatures. Wanting to take advantage of this massive visual aspect, we decided to add a Dolby Atmos mix within the room. Speakers to the front, overhead, sides and rear of the guests combine with psychedelic imagery to create an out-of-body immersive underwater experience.”
– Douglas Morton
When Morton began writing the score, he “tried to imagine what the water felt like and what we wanted people to feel as they traveled through the exhibit. A huge part of the compositional journey was just choosing sounds. It’s different than scoring a movie or TV show, we don’t want the music to be too stylized. If a guest is listening to the music instead of looking at the visuals, then I’m not doing my job. I ended up creating a beautiful, deep, dark, sonic landscape. The 2011s work well for this kind of recording because they’re so transparent and clear. They capture the delicate attack and sustain of the instruments.”
Besides traditional instruments, Morton was also able to utilize the sounds of real aquatic animals for his compositions. Underwater recordings of Monterey Canyon featured animals like blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins, but also natural phenomena, like underwater landslides. Morton added samples of the blue whales to his composition for an expansive, ominous portion of the gallery that replicates the sea floor and the life cycle of a whale.
As President and Founder of sampling and music production company Q Up Arts, Morton has utilized DPA’s mics for a variety of projects through the years. “I’ve tried different microphones before,” adds Morton, “but I always come back to DPA. They’re my go-to mics. Ultra-transparent, super clear, and a small sonic footprint, so they’re not going to color the sound. If I’m recording, what I’m hearing in the room is what the DPAs are going to sound like. That’s one of the biggest benefits of DPA mics, they’re so beautifully transparent. I’m a huge fan; they’re the number one microphones in my collection.”
Symetrix, Inc. announced hiring Jim Newhouse, a veteran of the professional audio industry, to be Director of International Sales.
“Jim brings a wealth of experience to the table and will be building out a team specific to our partners outside North America,” said Ty Hawley, Director of Sales and Marketing. “In collaboration with our network of distributors and certified resellers, he will help strengthen the Symetrix brand, position our products, and drive growth.”
Jim’s career in pro-AV began with a warehouse role 30 years ago, and he eventually launched his own successful installation business. More recently, he developed high-functioning sales teams for a global loudspeaker manufacturer.
“I’m excited about this opportunity and working with such a great team,” Jim said. “Symetrix’s products set the standard for DSP quality and integrated control flexibility.”
Director of international sales is a new position at Symetrix headquarters in the greater Seattle area.
“Despite all the challenges of the past few years, the Symetrix family has been steadily growing,” said Mark Graham, Symetrix CEO, and owner. “Investing in this strategic role now demonstrates how serious I am about our global partners’ success and delivering exceptional solutions for all our customers.”
Meyer Sound launches new initiatives focus on partnerships with leading learning institutions
Meyer Sound has announced an aggressive rebooting of its industry-leading education program, with a full program of workshops and training sessions scheduled at the Berkeley headquarters as well as at other locations in the US and overseas, and the formation of partnerships with leading educational institutions. Many of the sessions will be led by two long-time fixtures in the company’s education program, Director of System Optimization Bob McCarthy, and Senior Technical Seminar Instructor Mauricio ‘Magu’ Ramirez, with this duo now joined by another of the pro sound industry’s leading educators, Senior Technical Support and Education Specialist Merlijn Van Veen.
Extended renewal partnerships with leading universities
Meyer Sound also has announced new and extended renewal partnerships, most notably with Full Sail University in Florida, The University of California, Irvine (UCI) in California, and the University of Derby in England.
“We were forced to shift most of our focus to online platforms during the peak Covid months, but in 2023 we will be back with a greatly expanded program of in-person training sessions, with most organized and presented by Meyer Sound but with others presented in collaboration with our partner schools or through industry and professional associations.”
Meyer Sound Training and Education Manager Robyn Bykofsky,
Meyer Sound Education Program schedule
The in-person program for 2023 kicks off January 17–19 with System Design and Optimization training in Berkeley, with ‘Magu’ presiding and continues February 14–16 with Bob McCarthy leading the same training in Florida at Full Sail University (registration not restricted to Full Sail students). Also in February, ‘Magu’ heads across the Atlantic with trainings to date planned for Spain, Lithuania, Germany, and Switzerland.
The schedule continues with CueSchool in Berkeley in the spring, and with more tentative events scheduled for New York City and Toronto. Also planned is a series of Spanish language trainings in Latin America led by Oscar Barrientos.
Bykofsky stresses the importance of forming institutional partnerships to extend both the reach and the depth of the program’s offerings.
“The exact structure of the partnerships will differ from school to school, but in all cases, the goal is to ensure that the coming generation of sound professionals, as well as those already working in the industry, have the skills and knowledge they need to give audiences the best possible sonic experience, regardless of the products used.”
University of California, Irvine (UCI) Meyer Sound Design Studio
The University of California at Irvine’s UCI Sound program has extended its partnership with Meyer Sound under the leadership of Michael Hooker and Vincent Olivieri, noted sound designers and composers as well as professors in the Drama Department.
“Meyer Sound has been an extraordinary partner with UCI Sound in fulfilling our education mission. The relationship is attractive for prospective students considering graduate programs and once enrolled, the access to our Meyer Sound inventory – including our Meyer Sound-equipped recording and immersive sound design suite – become pillars of their education. In addition, the workshops and trainings by Meyer Sound’s world-class designers and engineers enhance what our faculty teach on a regular basis. At UCI Sound we look forward to continuing this relationship well into the future.”
Vincent Olivieri, UCI
In England, a new partnership is underway at the University of Derby under the direction of Adam Hill and Jon Burton, who help supervise the undergraduate and graduate Entertainment Engineering programs.
University of Derby – Beth Walsh
“My first ‘educational experience’ as a live sound engineer was 25 years ago with the legendary ‘Magu’, and now it’s a great feeling to be introducing my students to the educational team at Meyer Sound,” says Burton. “From our students’ perspective, having experts in the field coming to us – either online or in-person – to enthuse about the subject is always inspiring. Merlijn Van Veen’s recent presentation, delivered across groups from foundation to postgraduate, held everybody rapt with his breadth of knowledge and clarity of explanation. We are looking forward to building this relationship over the coming years for the benefit of all students who pass through our doors.”
Dave Dean, Department Chair of the Show Production degree program at Full Sail University, comments: “At Full Sail, we take pride in our innovative approach to educating and cultivating the next generation of audio industry professionals. We can look back at a multi-decade relationship with Meyer Sound in pursuing this goal, and we look forward to continuing our educational collaboration into the future.”
Meyer Sound also will continue to sponsor educational offerings in partnership with professional and industry associations, including USITT and AVIXA.
In-person and Online Educational Programs
The expanded in-person offerings and institutional partnerships are supplemented by a wealth of online educational resources, including both short tutorials on specific products and applications as well as archived full-length seminars, many in Spanish, on acoustics, loudspeakers, audio networking, spatial sound, audio fundamentals and more. All are available in the Education section of the Meyer Sound website.
Award winners will be announced Saturday, April 13, 2023, at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.
Genelec, the leader in active monitoring technology for over four decades, is proud to announce that it has been nominated for two Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Awards. Genelec’s GLM 4.2 GRADE™ (Genelec Room Acoustic Data Evaluation) has been nominated for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Production Essentials category, and the 6040R Smart Active Loudspeaker has been nominated for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Studio Monitors category. The 38th annual TEC Awards will be held Saturday, April 13, 2023, at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. For invited members, voting in each category will begin on December 21 and end on March 1, 2023. Finalists from the 22 categories will be selected by industry professionals across major music, sound, and game audio associations, along with pro audio-focused media groups.
“It is a tremendous honor that our GLM 4.2 GRADE technology and our 6040R loudspeakers have been nominated by industry professionals for outstanding technical achievement. It is great to be recognized by our peers for the Genelec organization’s hard work, dedication and innovation, resulting in these tools being brought to the marketplace.”
Will Eggleston, Genelec Inc. Marketing Director
Presented annually by NAMM during The NAMM Show, The NAMM TEC Awards recognize the individuals, companies, and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games, and other media in Technical and Creative Achievement Categories. The Les Paul Award is given at the event in tribute to musical artists and others whose work has exemplified the creative application of audio technology. Through its Hall of Fame, The TEC Awards also honors the pioneers of audio technology and the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. The NAMM Foundation’s TECnology Hall of Fame celebrates innovations and groundbreaking technical achievements of the past. For more information, visit www.tecawards.org
About Genelec GLM GRADE™:
GRADE™ (Genelec Room Acoustic Data Evaluation) is a powerful new reporting tool in GLM that creates a full analysis of room and monitoring system performance, revealing the information needed to effectively fine-tune acoustic treatment, adjust monitor and listener positioning, and optimize bass management.
About the Genelec 6040R Smart Active Loudspeaker:
Genelec’s two-way 6040R Smart Active Loudspeaker was introduced as the first model in its Signature Series. 20 years after the launch of the original 6040A, the newly re-imagined 6040R now features professional-grade LF drivers, proprietary Class D power amplifiers, and tight integration with our GLM calibration software. This allows the 6040R to deliver clean performance, a consistently smooth frequency response, precise imaging and low distortion – even in challenging acoustic environments. Created in conjunction with celebrated Finnish industrial designer Harri Koskinen, the floor-standing 6040R fuses the very best of Finnish technology and design, bringing exceptional performance and beautiful aesthetics to all lovers of high-quality audio.
ApexPro is the sole distributor of Genelec Professional products in Southern Africa.
Initial Toolset Provides Connectivity and Monitoring
Meyer Sound has announced the introduction of Nebra™, a new software platform that brings together multiple tools for specific tasks into a single integrated solution. The initial release is focused on fast and intuitive connectivity for endpoints in Milan™ AVB networks, including Meyer Sound’s PANTHER large-format linear line array loudspeaker, three ULTRA-X series point source loudspeakers, and the USW-112P™ compact subwoofer. Nebra also provides comprehensive system monitoring directly via the AVB network or, for other Meyer Sound products, through the existing RMS network via the RMServer™. Nebra also will provide connectivity for Meyer Sound’s Galileo® GALAXY Network Platform and for third-party network devices using the Milan protocol.
Nebra’s connectivity tools are designed for fast, trouble-free configuration and connection of complex Milan-based audio systems. “Many current audio-over-IP solutions are heavily text-based,” notes Andy Davies, Meyer Sound’s senior product manager. “Here, by displaying connections and monitoring in a clear visual layout, the system overview is much easier to understand. Connections are shown as graphical wires offering a clear picture of the system, while device icons change color to quickly identify any potential points of failure.”
Nebra leverages the latest in sensor fusion technology to simplify the task of monitoring large and highly complex networked audio systems. Disparate system health information is collected from all connected devices, with sensor data combined from multiple sources and displayed in one simple summary.
“A ‘traffic light’ indicator in the corner of the screen constantly displays overall system status,” Davies continues, “so all the user needs to see is that one green box to know everything is fine. In addition, critical system messages are brought to the user’s attention via banner alerts, so there is no need to constantly review the status of every device. If there is a warning, Nebra directs the user swiftly to the source of the problem.”
Nebra is a stand-alone solution for all Milan-based devices. For Meyer Sound loudspeakers using RMS technology, Nebra functions in parallel with Compass control software.
Nebra is now available as a free download from the Meyer Sound website. Versions will be available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Nebra will immediately enable comprehensive connectivity and monitoring functions for Meyer Sound Milan equipped loudspeakers, the GALAXY Network Platform, Milan-certified AVB switches, and other Milan-certified devices. Nebra is conceived as a comprehensive software platform, and other functions will be incorporated into future releases.
In addition to the PANTHER linear line array loudspeaker, Nebra is compatible with the newly introduced Milan endpoint versions of the ULTRA-X20™, ULTRA‑X22™, and ULTRA-X23™ loudspeakers and the USW-112P subwoofer.
“Nebra is unique in the way it applies software tools to groups and identifies large numbers of Milan endpoint devices, presenting an intuitive workflow when making a large number of connections, such as with PANTHER deployments. Touring sound users will benefit from the ability to quickly reconfigure systems for different venues, while installed sound users will benefit from a clear, easy-to-understand monitoring screen that operators can grasp with minimal training.”
The first use of the Nebra software platform was by rental company Major Tom, Ltd. on the massive, in-the-round Ed Sheeran +-= ÷x (“Mathematics”) Tour, underway since early 2022.
Milan is a standards-based deterministic network protocol for real-time audio and video media. Certification by the Avnu Alliance assures that devices will work together for maximum convenience, reliability, and functionality.
