The AES Scottish Group is headed up by Dr David Moore of Glasgow Caledonian University and Jim Hunter, senior sound supervisor for BBC Scotland. Hunter has been a television sound supervisor for 25 years. He continues to deliver both live and recorded shows, in studios and on outside broadcasts. Dr Moore is a lecturer in audio technology and leader of the BSc Audio Technology degree programme at Glasgow Caledonian University.
The event kicked off with Andrew Britton, operations resource manager at BBC Scotland, who explained the law and regulations for front of house sound and Noise at Work regulations.
This was followed by a presentation from leading pro-audio provider The Warehouse Sound Services. The lecture drew upon The Warehouse's perspective and experience and outlined the creative and technical challenges of working in a Front of House environment.
The Warehouse's clients have included the BBC, Paramount Pictures, Edinburgh Festival Fireworks Concert, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. The company has also supplied equipment to bands including Muse, Biffy Clyro and Simple Minds.
Pete Harris sound hire manager at The Warehouse and Derek Blair, the company's director discussed what it was like to work FOH as part of Scotland's biggest pro-audio provider. Harris and Blair discussed the way in which The Warehouse Sound Services works with performers, instrument technicians and stage managers to perform sound-checks, ensure that all equipment is working properly and that the audience hears and experiences the ultimate performance.
Derek Blair also explained the importance in keeping up with the constant advances in live sound technology and the requirement for constant learning. Blair commented, "Advances in audio production technology have sparked amazing creative responses from audio providers, musicians and venues. Advanced audio equipment can enhance the experience of a consumer in ways that were almost unimaginable thirty years ago."
Derek added, "The pro-audio business is ever-evolving and the main challenge our industry faces is finding high calibre staff who are switched on and excited by the new technology. It was amazing to find a room full of excited and switched on students eager to learn and advance in the industry."
David Moore, AES Scotland chair, commented: "This talk was definitely one of the stand-out events of the year! This was a rare opportunity for students to listen to three of the country's leading professionals as they shared their unique perspectives in the field of audio. The talk certainly inspired and encouraged the attendees and the feedback was very positive indeed."
(Jim Evans)
