Cool microphone website

I was sent a link for this website a few weeks ago but never checked it out – assumed it wasn’t serious. Here’s a website that gives a pretty interesting synopsis of lots of microphones – frequency response, photos, mp3s of their “sound”, etc. There’s some cool extras at the bottom of some of the pages. It’s a good time killer site if you’re bored…

http://www.coutant.org/1.html

Job Opportunity

Pop quiz: what part of this complete job desription strikes you as slightly odd and also insanely cool?

Assistant Head of Audio Department
Cirque du Soleils’ “O”, Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Applicants should have a minimum of five (5) years experience with large-scale professional sound systems utilizing fully automated mixing consoles (LCS experience highly preferred), mixing front-of-house and monitors for complex live-music theatrical productions. Thorough knowledge of wireless microphone, in-ear monitor, and intercom systems required. Knowledge of video, distributed MATV, and paging systems a plus. Ability to swim is required, as is physical ability and willingness to be SCUBA trained (if not already). Must possess ability to take direction and follow cues in a live show environment. Ability to efficiently and effectively lead and supervise show crew is essential. Applicants must be computer literate, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, Windows, and Mac OSX operating environments (SUSE Linux a plus), as well as industry standard audio-editing/production applications (Pro Tools, Logic, GigaStudio experience preferred). Applicants must possess ability to effectively manage time and resources. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are essential.

This is a full-time, permanent, salaried, non-union position, requiring residency in or near Las Vegas. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package (health, dental, vision), tuition reimbursement, and company matching 401K.

Qualified and interested parties should e-mail resumes off-list to
Bill Mansfield, Head of Audio, bill.mansfield_at_cirquedusoleil

Behind the Scenes: Halo 3

Mix Magazine has a cool profile on the sound design for Halo 3, to be released later this year. Check it out:

http://mixonline.com/recording/applications/audio_locked_loaded/

Dual ICON Consoles used for Grammy’s Broadcast

This is interesting…

At this year’s 49th annual Grammy Awards telecast, sound engineers utilized a groundbreaking workflow, incorporating dual Digidesign® ICON systems to produce live mixes for all performing artists. From the XM/Effanel L7 mobile production trailer, XM/Effanel’s team of engineers delivered simultaneous real-time 5.1 surround and 2-channel audio mixes for every artist who performed on stage.

In addition to the XM/Effanel system, the Grammys employed a second mobile ICON system which was configured to mirror the ICON system in the L7 trailer. Both mobile production trailers housed a 32-fader ICON D-Control™ worksurface along with a powerful Pro Tools|HD® 7 Accel system for recording and mixing. By recording the rehearsals on one system, and then moving the session to the secondary system for further refinement while the next artist was rehearsing, engineers John Harris and Eric Shilling were able to achieve better mixes than ever before.

“Every year the Grammy broadcast becomes more complex,” says Hank Neuberger, co-broadcast audio supervisor. “By relying on the power and flexibility of dual ICON systems, we were able to develop a unique workflow. We captured more pre-mix time for our music mixers to create the very best balances. The performing artists and their producers had more opportunities to collaborate with our music mixers, and that resulted in a better sounding show.”

Neuberger concluded, “What we were doing was stretching the space-time continuum and creating rehearsal hours that we never had before. The result is the most polished mixes ever!”

XM/Effanel has a successful track record for mixing with ICON systems, including projects for Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Video Music Awards. For more information about XM/Effanel Music, visit http://www.effanel.com.