Country star Luke Bryan's US tour setup includes an Aviom Pro64® digital snake that simplifies setup and teardown for engineer Chris "Sully" Sullivan. The ease with which the Pro64 digital snake can be configured and reconfigured and the flexibility of the system architecture allows Sullivan to provide digital input and output points from anywhere in the physical setup to accommodate any front of house, broadcast or monitor deployment.
“Aviom's Pro64 is an extremely powerful tool for us because the system makes all inputs and outputs available throughout the entire system at all times.”
Country star Luke Bryan's US tour setup includes an Aviom Pro64® digital snake that simplifies setup and teardown for engineer Chris "Sully" Sullivan. The ease with which the Pro64 digital snake can be configured and reconfigured and the flexibility of the system architecture allow Sullivan to provide digital input and output points from anywhere in the physical setup to accommodate any front of house, broadcast or monitor deployment.
Gear for country star Luke Bryan's US tour is connected by an Aviom Pro64 digital snake. FOH engineer Chris "Sully" Sullivan says that the switch to Aviom has made life on the road a lot simpler, while also noticeably improving the sound quality of their rig.
"The Aviom Pro64 system was really a revelation for us. It significantly changed our approach to setup for Luke Bryan's on-stage monitoring system," says Sullivan. "Luke has released one album on Capitol Records, so right now we regularly find ourselves in the opening act position. This, of course, means that speed is paramount in order for us to get on and off the stage quickly and efficiently to make room for the headliner. With the Aviom digital snake, we have shed all of our copper subsnakes and replaced them with Cat-5 cabling. Our speed in turning our stage around is untouchable. More...
Sullivan uses three Aviom 6416m Mic Input Modules in three separate small racks that are placed left, center and right on the stage. The input modules are interconnected with Cat-5 cable running A-Net®, allowing for convenient connections of the performers' mics and instruments, minimizing long copper wire runs and simplifying setup and teardown. The A-Net signal is transported via Cat-5 to three 6416Y2 A-Net Interface Cards in a Yamaha® M7CL digital console to drive the monitor system, where the mix is controlled locally for onstage in-ear systems. Monitor engineer Ed Janiszewski remotely controls the 6416m mic preamps directly from the Yamaha console using m-control™ for Yamaha digital consoles.
Because the Pro64 system is an audio network, Sullivan has a number of unique interconnect options. In the past to get the mic signals to front of house, Sullivan would need to split the mic signal at least twice, and then route it down a 300-foot copper snake to the FOH mic pre, compromising microphone performance. Now, with the addition of two Aviom 6416o Output Modules, each offering 16 balanced mic- or line-level analog outputs, connecting the performers' mics to the main FOH board is a breeze and Sullivan adds, "as far as the microphones are concerned, they only ever see one mic preamp. We can split the signal as much as we like in the digital domain without ever loading the microphones down excessively."
The switch to Aviom yielded results on stage as well. "The band members all commented on the great sound from the Aviom 6416m mic pre," explains Sullivan. "They had used an older, high-quality analog console for a while and were not too pleased about switching to a digital desk. When we added the Aviom mic pres and began using the Aviom system clock, the audio for their monitor mixes was not only restored, but was in fact surpassed. Needless to say we are very happy with the sound quality."
For Sullivan, however, the real benefit comes from the flexibility the system gives them as the tour travels from city to city. "Presently, we are not carrying a front of house console, so we are relying on a 'desk du jour' supplied by the local sound company," states Sullivan. "Aviom's Pro64 is an extremely powerful tool for us because the system makes all inputs and outputs available throughout the entire system at all times. This means that I can run a Cat-5 cable from any A-Net box anywhere on the stage to a pair of 6416o output units that we place either next to the FOH stage box or right out front on the doghouse of the front of house desk. We have a pair of short XLR fan-out snakes to connect the Aviom 6416o outputs to the stage box or FOH console to deliver crystal clear audio. Aviom has allowed us to shed our long copper runs, making setup and take down very efficient. In every way the Aviom Pro64 has made monitoring and setup easy."
Multi-Zone Personal Mixing System on the <em>Tonight Show </em>
Monday, 08 March 2010 15:07
Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band, the house band on the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, uses a multi-zone Aviom Pro16® personal mixing system. Each member of the band uses an A-16CS Control Surface on stage to customize his monitor mix, and monitor engineer Dave Winslow can also make adjustments on the A-16R Rack-mounted Mixers that are next to the monitor console.
"We've been using the Aviom system for the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien band since the debut. Having the musicians mix themselves has allowed me to focus more on the production elements and cues. From a monitor engineer's perspective, it's the Holy Grail."
Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band, the house band on the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, uses a multi-zone Aviom Pro16® personal mixing system. Each member of the band uses an A-16CS Control Surface on stage to customize his monitor mix, and monitor engineer Dave Winslow can also make adjustments on the A-16R Rack-mounted Mixers that are next to the monitor console.
Before the debut of the Tonight Showwith Conan O'Brien Dave Winslow, monitor engineer for Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band since 2005, first with Late Night with Conan O'Brien and now with the Tonight Show, worked on another late night talk show where the house band was using Aviom's personal mixing system. Band leader Max Weinberg and the band's musical director and guitar player Jimmy Vivino came over and saw the system in action and agreed with Winslow that it would be a good addition to their setup.
"We've been using the Aviom system for the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien band since the debut," explains Winslow. "Having the musicians mix themselves has allowed me to focus more on the production elements and cues. From a monitor engineer's perspective, it's the Holy Grail."
Because the 40-plus inputs of the band couldn't be represented in only 16 stems, Winslow has configured a two-zone Aviom Pro16 system. On one system that is used for the rhythm section there are stereo submixes of horns and vocals. On the other (for the horn players and vocalists), he has individual channels for each horn and vocal. This gives Winslow the flexibility to give the musicians the stems they need to control most. More...
The setup for the Tonight Show includes two AN-16/i Analog Input Modules to interface the two separate Aviom Pro16 systems to the Yamaha PM1D console. Near the console, eight A-16R Rack-mount Mixers are daisy chained via Aviom's A-Net® digital audio protocol. A custom loom of Cat6 cable fans out to the monitor positions on the bandstand. Each band member has an Aviom A-16CS Control Surface that serves as a remote controller for his A-16R. With the control surface, each band member can customize his mix while playing. At each monitor position, a Rolls PM50 Personal Monitor Amp has been mounted to power the IEM's. Weinberg and Vivino each wear a lavaliere mic, which they operate with a foot switch, to communicate with Winslow and the rest of the band.
Various music sources are being sent to the 32 channels of the two Aviom Pro16 systems running on set. Winslow has also created a stereo submix of production elements and talkback that connect to the stereo aux mix inputs on the rear panels of all eight Aviom A-16R Rack-mount Mixers.
In addition to providing the musicians the ability to personalize their mix, Aviom's personal mixing system also provides Winslow with the ability to ensure that each band member is receiving a good mix. "One thing to keep in mind is that musicians often have no concept of proper gain structure, so I chose the A-16R/A-16CS combination, instead of the simpler A-16IIs, in anticipation of that," Winslow explains. "Having the A-16R rack mounts next to me in monitor world allows me to not only see each performer's mix and levels, but also allows me to take over momentarily to fix any gain structure problems. Having Aviom has made communications on the set, at least with the monitor engineer, less necessary."
Aviom's A-16II Personal Mixers at The Bamboo Room Studio
Monday, 08 March 2010 15:07
When mixing engineer and record producer Erwin Musper built The Bamboo Room Studio in his home, he seized the opportunity to upgrade some of the equipment he'd grown accustomed to using in other studios. This included the addition of an Aviom Personal Mixing System as part of his cue setup.
“Aviom lets us cutomize our own sound, so getting a personalized mix was easier than we thought.”
R (Arjan Nijman)
Bass and backing vocals
The [New] Shining
When mixing engineer and record producer Erwin Musper built The Bamboo Room Studio in his home, he seized the opportunity to upgrade some of the equipment he'd grown accustomed to using in other studios. This included the addition of an Aviom Personal Mixing System as part of his cue setup.
Erwin Musper, mixing engineer and record producer, recently called upon the Aviom Personal Mixing System in his studio, The Bamboo Room, for the production of a new CD for Dutch alternative rock band The [New] Shining.
Musper's experience alongside producers Mutt Lange and Bruce Fairbairn and artists such as Van Halen, David Bowie, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Jeff Beck, Chicago, Metallica, and the Scorpions, has provided him with the knowledge that time is of the essence. After decades of watching clients struggle with headphone cue mixes, Musper decided it was time for an upgrade. He found the solution with Aviom.
"I always thought headphone mixes were the weakest link in any recording studio; Aviom changed that and made my life a lot easier," says Musper. "Everyone remembers the frustration during the first hours of the session where the discussions always were: 'I need more bass in the cans,' …'NOOOO, it's already too loud,' 'Can't hear my guitar and there's too much of this,' and the ultimate surrender, 'I'll get through it.' You could see the frustration on their faces. It killed me every time. Not only does the Aviom system give every individual musician a balance they personally dial in, but also unsurpassed audio quality." More...
Designed for use in live performance or in the studio, the A-16II Personal Mixer gives each performer control over monitor mixes which can be custom tailored to their individual needs, allowing producers more time to focus on other tasks.
"Aviom lets us customize our own sound, so getting a personalized mix was easier than we thought," says R, guitarist for The [New] Shining.
"This is a very well thought out system, which has made it easier to focus on what we're doing – like making an awesome record," The [New] Shining lead vocalist Nax explains.
The 3,000-square-foot Bamboo Room Studio, aptly named for Musper's use of bamboo floors, was built as an extension to his Cincinnati home in 2004. The private facility offers all the modern, high-end equipment needed to complete a mastered music production, from start to finish. This includes the resources to write and record as well as produce stereo and surround sound mixes.
The studio features vintage instruments and recording equipment. Among this gear are vintage Pultec EQs, Urei 1176 limiters, a Lexicon 480L, and AMS RMX and DMX 15-80 units. Other equipment in the studio includes Pro Tools HD3 Accel powered by an Apple G5 and a collection of SSL 4000 plugins. Bamboo Room Studio also features Neumann, AKG, Rhode, Sennheiser and Shure mics, as well as preamps from Chandler, Focusrite and Vintech.
The [New] Shining's album, entitled Leap of Faith, is set to be released in the fall of 2009.
System Sound Upgrades to a Pro64 Aviom Digital Snake
Monday, 08 March 2010 15:07
System Sound, the leading sound company for musical theatre productions in the Asia Pacific and a longtime Aviom Pro16® user, is now using Pro64® digital snakes to distribute audio for productions such as Chicago and Jersey Boys.
“In addition to having the remote head amp control at your finger tips, the Aviom system's flexibility of design allowed me to easily create an isolated split of the band for a multi-track recording.”
System Sound, the leading sound company for musical theatre productions in the Asia Pacific and a longtime Aviom Pro16® user, is now using Pro64® digital snakes to distribute audio for productions such as Chicago and Jersey Boys.
When System Sound was faced with replacing its analog multicore, they decided to look into digital options. They selected a Pro64® Aviom digital snake because it was a cost-effective, high fidelity solution.
For shows such as Chicago, System Sound sets up a 64x32 digital snake that includes four input modules on stage. They have two 6416m Mic Input Modules for mic-level signals and two 6416i Input Modules for live inputs from wireless mics. These four units and the two 6416o Output Modules on stage that feed the PA and monitors are all connected in parallel to an MH10 Merger Hub. The system was in Manual Mode.
The MH10 on stage is connected to an MH10 at FOH with two Cat-5e cables. One of these cables is a backup cable. At FOH the MH10 provides parallel connections to four 6416o modules that feed a Cadac console and two 6416i modules that send returns to stage from the console. A fifth 6416o at FOH is used to create a split for multi-track recording. Head Engineer Simon Gregory says, “Using a spare 6416o out of our front-of-house MH10 and assigning the required channel set, the system quickly and easily removed the need to install active splits and any concerns for level loss.” More...
Also at FOH, Gregory has an RCI Remote Control Interface and an MCS Mic Control Surface so that he can remotely control the Aviom mic preamps and monitor all the mic- and line-level inputs on stage.
In addition to using A-Net® to distribute audio from stage to FOH and from FOH to recording, System Sound uses Aviom’s Pro64 VDC™ technology to distribute RS232 and MIDI. RS-232 is used to support bidirectional text communication between stage and FOH, while MIDI is used for a variety of applications such as triggering a conductor's track. For most shows, the sound company also integrates an Aviom Pro16® Personal Mixing system (shown in the diagram).
System Sound Director John Scandrett says, “The Aviom gear performs well and sounds great teamed with a Cadac console and the Meyer speaker system. That’s a good demonstration; it sounds as clean and natural as ever!”
Showorks Simplifies Audio Distribution for Corporate Events with Pro64
Monday, 08 March 2010 15:07
Showorks Audio Visual, a provider of A/V services for major corporate events throughout the Northeast for over 20 years, is enjoying the considerable benefits of the light weight, small footprint, and simplicity of a Pro64® Aviom digital snake.
“Particularly in today's economy, time and efficiency are your best friends
—from load in through load out. The more efficient you can be, the smarter you can work. And Aviom lets us work smarter.”
Showorks Audio Visual, a provider of A/V services for major corporate events throughout the Northeast for over 20 years, is enjoying the considerable benefits of the light weight, small footprint, and simplicity of a Pro64® Aviom digital snake.
As the preferred event staging company for a number of Fortune 500 companies, meeting and event planners and producers across the United States, Showorks is responsible for some very critical projects, and reliability, efficiency and crystal-clear sound are always essential elements. With that responsibility in mind, the company chose a Pro64® digital snake to connect the stage to front of house and for signal distribution to monitors and recording.
"Aviom's Pro64 system is the simplest way of splitting audio between multiple consoles while offering a low noise floor in a design that's lightweight," says Showorks Project Manager Mark Allen. "It's a lot easier to run Cat-5 or fiber than a piece of copper with 64 channels in it."
The scale of Showorks' typical events is exemplified by the national sales meeting for Toys"R"Us, Inc., which took place in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and featured multiple speakers on stage and entertainment by Boston legend Peter Wolf, former front man for the J. Geils Band. For the band, Showorks provided an Aviom monitor mixing system, including 10 A-16II Personal Mixers that were fed from an AN-16/i Input Module connected to the monitoring console. This console and the front-of-house console, which each had three 6416Y2 A-Net® Interface Cards installed, received audio from three 6416m Mic Input Modules on stage. The mic pres were able to be controlled remotely from both of Showorks’ consoles using m-control™ for Yamaha® digital consoles. "We used the Aviom Pro64 digital snakewith two Yamaha M7CL 48-channel digital audio consoles," explains Allen. "Splitting 48 channels has never been easier. Our noise floor is getting lower and there are no ground loops, no buzzes or hums when we use the Aviom snake." More...
For another large event, the Campbell Soup Company's annual event at the Tweeter Center in Camden, New Jersey, which was attended by approximately 1,400 employees, Showorks added an additional 48-channel split to its setup. "For that event, we did a three-way split using Aviom: one for front of house, one for monitors and one for recording," Allen recalls. "To do that with three analog snake systems would be cumbersome, and noise problems would make it even more challenging. With Aviom, there is none of that. You simply connect Cat-5 from console to console and you're done. That was the most sophisticated system we've put together using Pro64, but it was very, very simple to do."
Another benefit, explains Showorks Senior Audio Engineer Ken Keplar, is Aviom's reputation for exceptional customer service. "The Aviom staff is the best at communicating and helping us through the process," says Keplar. "We're big fans of Aviom because it is a growing company with a great product. The system has been great. We haven't run into any limitations with it. For our particular application, it's been flawless."
According to Jesse Logan, president of Showorks, that flawless performance and reliability are critical to success for live events and demanding corporate clients. "Particularly in today's economy," says Logan, "time and efficiency are your best friends—from load in through load out. The more efficient you can be, from load in to load out, the smarter you can work. And Aviom lets us work smarter."
Aviom
