More than 40 students, engineers and producers attended the two-day event, which was organised as a joint initiative 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.
Phil Harding, chairman of JAMES, said, "It was a fantastic weekend that attracted good support from the industry and delivered key insights into some very pertinent topics. Many of those who attended expressed their delight in being able to learn from professionals who were willing to share their expertise and impart some useful tricks of the trade."
Throughout the weekend, participants attended seminars and masterclasses delivered by industry professionals including Tony Platt, Al Stone, Simon Heyworth and Alan O'Connell, all of whom have a wealth of experience as producer and/or engineers and have worked with the likes of Jamiroquai, Mystery Jets, Depeche Mode and AC/DC.
Commenting after the event, Tony Platt said, "Following on the heels of what has become an annual event that JAMES has staged for the last four years with Deep Blue Sound, this first collaboration with Prism Sound was a great success. Once again Prism Sound has shown its foresight, innovation and imagination as a manufacturer by supporting this initiative to widen the scope of the industry/education relationship. Everyone came up with excellent presentations and the students were absolutely delighted by all accounts. Also thanks to our hosts at Deep Blue Sound, without whom this could not have happened. It was truly a festival of sound - Prism Sound, Deep Blue Sound and Plymouth Sound."
Participants also attended manufacturer sessions hosted by Prism Sound, SADiE, Focusrite, ATC and sE Electronics. These highlighted the latest technology and included practical demonstrations to show how technology can solve problems. There were also forums where participants could fire questions at producers and manufacturing experts and listening sessions with producers where those attending played some of their own work and discussed techniques to overcome specific problems.
Graham Boswell, director of Prism Sound/SADiE, says, "The sessions we hosted were very well received and the audience really engaged with the debate. It was good to see such high level and challenging material being discussed. We were delighted to be involved with this event and the fact that it took place in a JAMES Regional Centre meant that we knew that it had real relevance for those attending."
Further courses are planned for later in the year including venues in London, Worthing, Leeds, Cardiff and Duncdee.
(Jim Evans)
