A collaboration between RMIT's Music Industry (Sound Production) and Audio Visual Technology departments, the MAVIS project is an opportunity for final year students to apply their skills in event planning, live sound, audio and visual recording in a professional setting, using industry standard equipment.
This year they were faced with a variety of acts, performing on two stages. The music ranged from cartoon metal warlords Barbariön, country rockers Alford's Band of Bullwinkles and psychedelic beatniks Wolfy & The Bat Cubs to singer/songwriter Violetta Delconte Race, aka Celery, and 'master of ethereal delicacies' Wintercoats. Taking place at popular venue the Corner Hotel, the DiGiCo SD7 gave the students a true taste of high-end audio.
"These courses aim to offer students the best, most relevant experience available to equip them fully for life out in the real world of technical production," says John Phillips, media and communication programmes manager at RMIT. "MAVIS gives them the chance to work in a real world scenario, working in a professional venue with professional artists.
"Being able to give them hands-on experience with a DiGiCo SD7 is a fantastic opportunity, which is why we were very pleased to welcome the e-audio OB truck back again this year."
Owned by renowned Australian producer/engineer Ernie Rose, the OB truck's SD7 was used to mix the performances for internet broadcast and a subsequent 5.1 surround DVD release.
The vehicle took a separate split from both stages - comprising 26 lines from the main stage, 20 from the side stage and five audience mics - to the SD7 via MADI, which were then routed to a Pro Tools recording rig and Steinberg Nuendo backup system via SSL MADI Delta Link, with WordClock sync locked between all devices.
"The SD7 is an invaluable tool to give the students a chance to 'audition' and fine tune their settings during the sound check process, which can then be stored and recalled ready for the live event later in the evening," says lecturer Tim Johnston.
"With five bands playing, the ability to setup and store multiple snapshots on the SD7 for inputs, gain structure, compression, EQ and effects is fantastic. It gives the students a much better chance of getting their mixes as close to balanced and fit for broadcast as possible."
(Jim Evans)
