"Our goal with the Meyer Sound seminars is to impart accurate, real-world professional information to the audio community," says educational programmes manager Gavin Canaan. "By offering instruction from some of professional audio's consummate authorities, we aim to bring a vital frame of reference and an unparalleled body of expertise to our users."
One of the most important seminars is a two-part, in-depth course encompassing both system design and training on the SIM 3 audio analyzer. The four-day course provides participants with theoretical and practical understandings of source independent measurement and a solid grounding in applications of the SIM analyzer in complex audio systems design.
To provide greater flexibility for attendees, the course has been split into two parts. Participants may register for one or both parts. Part one of the seminar begins with a brief review of SIM analyzer theory and development, then focuses on a comprehensive discussion of procedures for field use of SIM 3. This part of the seminar is recommended for all SIM 3 users, including those with experience on prior versions of SIM.
Part two of the seminar builds on the foundation of source independent measurement by extending the technology into the broader field of sound system design. During these two days, participants examine the challenges of system design from all sides, looking at the complex interactions of loudspeakers and acoustical environments from the standpoints of phase, frequency, and impulse responses. The updated course programme includes implementations for all new Meyer Sound products, including the M Series arrays and 700-HP subwoofer.
Also offered is a one-day course on System Design Principles. This seminar provides a broad overview of the essential principles involved in designing and measuring complex sound reinforcement systems. Participants receive a basic grounding in key parameters of audio measurement (phase response, impulse response) and how they relate to filters and phase alignment. A comprehensive summary of array configuration principles is integrated with a discussion of acoustical prediction using Meyer Sound's MAPP Online Pro software.
The System Design Principles seminar also introduces line array theory, outlining different line array solutions for specific applications. System optimisation approaches are covered in conjunction with an overview of source independent measurement as implemented in the SIM 3 analyzer.
A one-day Mixing Workshop from FOH engineer and Meyer Sound tour liaison manager Buford Jones will also be presented. The seminar focuses exclusively on aspects of FOH mixing, including artistic, technological and psychological considerations. The class draws extensively from Jones' three decades of experience mixing such acts as Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, James Taylor, Faith Hill, Counting Crows and Clint Black. As Canaan remarks: "The term 'voice of experience' applies to no one more than Buford Jones."
(Chris Henry)
