Audio specialist Sennheiser announced that its HD 700 headphones and the Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 wireless microphone capsules have been nominated for the 28th Annual TEC awards. Sennheiser’s HD 700 headphone, which has been nominated in the new ‘Headphone/Earpiece Technology’ category, is an open, dynamic stereo headphone combining high-end sound with an innovative headphone design. The cardioid KK 204 and supercardioid KK 205 capsules, which have been nominated in the ‘Microphone Technology/Sound Reinforcement’ category, are fully compatible with Sennheiser’s 2000 Series wireless handheld transmitters.

Presented by the TEC Foundation, the TEC Awards is the pro audio industry’s most prestigious awards show honoring outstanding achievement in product innovation and sound production. The 28th Annual TEC Awards will be presented during the 2013 NAMM Show, to be held in Anaheim, Calif. in January 2013. The nominations, based on product entries by audio manufacturers, were made by a select panel of 130 professionals in numerous audio specialties. Products and projects released and in commercial use during the period of September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012, were eligible for nomination.

Greg Beebe, president of Sennheiser USA, commented: “We are pleased that both Sennheiser and Neumann have once again been nominated for an Outstanding Technical Achievement Award by the TEC Foundation. Both the HD 700 headphone and the Neumann KK 200 Series capsules are best-in-class products, representing the pinnacle of premium sound and innovation.”

HD 700: A Wide Sound Stage with an Ultra-Fast Response
The HD 700 open, dynamic stereo headphone joins Sennheiser’s series of acclaimed audiophile headphones. A patent-pending vented magnet system manages air movement beneath the diaphragm, providing clean, controlled dynamics with ultra-low total harmonic distortion. An angled transducer design and a vibration dampening chassis offer audiophiles and mastering engineers outstanding spatial imaging without artificial coloration.

KK 204/205: Uniform over the Entire Frequency Range
The Neumann KK 204/205 microphone capsules were designed to complement Sennheiser’s renowned 2000 series wireless transmitters. The acoustic features of the KK 204 and KK 205 capsule heads are derived from the multiple award-winning wired Neumann stage microphones, the KMS 104 and KMS 105. The KK 204, with its cardioid pattern, ensures the best possible suppression of sound originating from 180 degrees to the rear, while the supercardioid KK 205 has greater directivity, and maximizes incident sound from the front as compared to sound from the rear. Due to the “single polar pattern design,” the polar patterns are very uniform over the entire frequency range and provide excellent resistance to feedback.

HARMAN Professional’s AKG Acoustics, JBL Professional and Lexicon will continue to serve as official P&E Wing Sponsors

Santa Monica, Calif., Oct. 3, 2012 — The Producers & Engineers Wing® of The Recording Academy® is proud that its relationship with HARMAN Professional’s leading audio brands AKG® Acoustics, JBL Professional and Lexicon has been increasingly successful in its efforts to promote quality in audio. As official “P&E Wing Sustaining Partners,” AKG Acoustics, JBL Professional and Lexicon have participated in a wide variety of activities, including being the title sponsor of high-profile regional Academy Chapter events, having a presence on the P&E Wing section of the GRAMMY 365 member Web site and serving as a sustaining sponsor of the P&E Wing Manufacturers Council. HARMAN Professional has reaffirmed its sponsorship for the coming year and will continue to work closely with the P&E Wing and support its initiatives and membership.

“HARMAN proudly supports the Producers & Engineers Wing,” noted Blake Augsburger, Executive Vice President, HARMAN International and President, Professional Division. “Their efforts advance the recording industry, benefitting artists, equipment manufacturers and most of all, the listeners. We look forward to another year of rewarding projects together.”

“We are very pleased that HARMAN has again chosen to continue its partnership with The Producers & Engineers Wing,” stated Maureen Droney, Sr. Executive Director of The Recording Academy P&E Wing. “JBL Professional, AKG Acoustics and Lexicon share the P&E Wing’s vision of capturing and delivering the highest quality audio. We look forward to this continued partnership and to having key individuals from the HARMAN family of products interact and exchange ideas with our membership.”

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like “The GRAMMYs” on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs’ social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue, and Instagram.

Currently more than 6,000 professionals comprise The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing, which was established for producers, engineers, remixers, manufacturers, technologists, and other related creative and technical professionals in the recording field. This organized voice for the recording community addresses issues that affect the craft of recorded music, including the development and implementation of new technologies, technical guidelines and recommendations, and archiving and preservation initiatives. For more information, please visit www.producersandengineers.com.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

SAN FRANCISCO: Each year the Audio Engineering Society presents special awards to members who have made outstanding contributions to the Society in such areas as research, scholarship, and publications. Additionally, members whose accomplishments have advanced and enhanced our industry are recognized for their endeavors. This year’s Awards will be presented during the opening ceremonies of the 133rd AES Convention on Friday, Oct. 26th at SF’s Moscone Center.

“While their individual areas of expertise are diverse, AES Award recipients are similar in that each of them has made an indelible mark on the advancement of the art and science of pro audio,” remarked Awards Committee Chair Diemer de Vries. “The dedication and perspiration they have devoted to their life’s work, coupled with their ongoing efforts to further the goals of our Society, make them examples of perseverance and innovation. We are extremely pleased to honor these brilliant, original thinkers.”

RECIPIENTS OF THE 2012 AES BOARD OF GOVERNORS AWARD ARE:

•Jay Fouts, in recognition of his work on behalf of the Audio Engineering Society over more than half a century
•Kyungwhoon Cheun, in recognition of co-chairing the 43rd AES International Conference in Rohang, Korea, September-October 2011
•Ricardo Escallón in recognition of co-chairing the 2010 Latin American Conference in Bogota, October 2010
•Cesar Lamschtein, in recognition of chairing the 2011 Latin America Conference in Montevideo, August-September 2011
•Gunther Melendez, in recognition of chairing the 2012 Latin America Conference in Guatemala, August 2012
•John Oh, in recognition of co-chairing the 43rd AES International Conference in Pohang, Korea, September-October 2011
•Ville Pulkki, in recognition of chairing the 45th AES International Conference on Application of Time-Frequency Processing in Audio in Helsinki, Finland, March 2012
•Jeff. M. Smith, in recognition of chairing the 46th AES International Conference on Audio Forensics in Denver, June 2012
•Michael Santucci, in recognition of chairing the 47th AES International Conference on Music Induced Hearing Disorders in Chicago, June 2012
•Marcela Zorro, in recognition of co-chairing the 2010 Latin American Conference in Bogota, October 2010

AES FELLOWSHIP AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO:

•Juha Backman, for his contribution to bringing about high-quality audio for mobile devices

•David Bialik, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to AES activities in the field of radio broadcast engineering
•Poppy Crum, for her work in neuroscience and psyhoacoustics, allowing a better understanding of how we listen to audio
•Carlos Indio Gauvron, in recognition of outstanding contribution to the dissemination of audio knowledge in Latin America
•Garry Margolis, in recognition of his many years of activities in audio engineering, having worked in areas as diverse as loudspeaker development and digital audio coding.
•Jorge Moreno, in recognition of his many years of work in researching new technologies in audio measurement as well as his dedication to audio education in Latin America
•John Storyk, in recognition of his more than four decades of work in the areas of room design, acoustical treatment, and modification.
•Woon-Seng Gan, for contributions to signal processing, education, and research leadership in the field of Audio Engineering

THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICES MEDAL IS AWARDED TO:

•John Vanderkooy, in recognition of his many years of work as AES Journal Editor and as a member of the Board of Governors

AN HONORARY MEMBERSHIP AWARD IS PRESENTED TO:

•Ronald E. Uhlig, in recognition of his pioneering engineering achievements to enhance the film sound experience for the audience

“The significance of these AES Awards can not be overstated,” concludes AES President, Jan Abildgaard Pedersen. “The Awards Committee scrupulously deliberates every nominee recommendation. Our Awards are held in high regard because they honor noteworthy achievements and long, productive careers. Each recipient has earned the enduring respect of his or her peers. We are proud to honor them in this fashion.”

For a detailed Preliminary Calendar of Events please visit: http://www.aes.org/events/133/calendar/calendar.cfm

Photo: John Vanderkooy will receive the AES Distinguished Services Medal

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The Audio Engineering Society was formed in 1948 by a group of concerned audio engineers. The AES counts over 14,000 members throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Japan and the Far East. The organization serves as the pivotal force in the exchange and dissemination of technical information for the industry. For additional information visit http://www.aes.org

Industry Veteran Brings More Than 20 Years of Experience to Company

REEDSBURG, WI, OCTOBER 2, 2012 — Sound Devices, developer of audio and video products for field production, is pleased to announce that Pat McConnell has been named sales manager. In his new position, Pat will work directly with the Sound Devices sales team to further promote the company’s entire range of audio and video products. In addition to driving sales initiatives, he will work to strengthen the Sound Devices reseller and distributor network. Pat is based at the Sound Devices office in Reedsburg, WI.

With more than two decades of experience in the audio and visual industry, Pat brings a strong background in live performance, systems engineering and production to Sound Devices. His consultative sales approach will help to further educate Sound Devices’ customers on the company’s products.

Prior to joining the Sound Devices team, Pat worked as a manufacturer’s representative with AudioBiz Incorporated, a Midwest U.S. representative of pro audio companies. During his 13-year tenure at AudioBiz, Pat received multiple national awards, including Salesperson of the Year from Shure Incorporated.

First starting out as a musician, he spent years performing professionally and taught recording technologies at an accredited Midwest media college. In addition to his performance career, Pat held several sales management positions in the Wisconsin area and also owned and operated PostScript Productions Incorporated, a regional sound company in Madison, WI.

“Pat’s extensive experience and proven track record will make him an important part in building Sound Devices’ position as a leader in our markets,” says Jim Koomar, director of sales for Sound Devices. ”We are very excited to have him be part of our sales team.”

Sound Devices, LLC designs and manufactures portable audio mixers, digital audio recorders, and digital video recorders and related equipment for feature film, episodic television, documentary, news-gathering, and acoustical test and measurement applications. The fourteen-year old company designs and manufactures from their Reedsburg, Wisconsin headquarters with additional offices in Madison, WI and Highland Park, IL. For more information, visit the Sound Devices website, www.sounddevices.com.

— Company offers mail-in rebates on their 4000 Series, 3000 Series or 2000 Series Wireless Systems in the U.S. between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012 —

STOW, OH, October 1, 2012 — Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology currently celebrating “50 Years of Passionate Listening,” is offering Wireless Rebates on its professional wireless gear, including the 4000 Series, 3000 Series and 2000 Series Wireless Systems, from October 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012. All customers who purchase systems from these three series from an authorized U.S. A-T dealer during the rebate period will be eligible for either a $40.00 rebate on the 4000 Series, a $30.00 rebate on the 3000 series or a $20.00 rebate on the 2000 Series.

Audio-Technica’s 4000 Series Wireless Systems provide outstanding clarity and versatility for live performance, regional touring, fixed installations and more. Features include 996 selectable UHF channels per band, dual compander circuitry, IntelliScan™ (which finds and sets the best available frequencies on linked receivers) and True Diversity operation. The 3000 Series is specially designed for wireless users ready to step up to an advanced system. Features include 996–1001 selectable UHF channels per band, nine pre-coordinated frequency scan groups for simplified multi-channel wireless system setup, and True Diversity operation. The 2000 Series provides easy setup, clear sound and automatic scanning. All 10 channels are compatible, with no confusing frequency groups. Other features include True Diversity operation and automatic frequency scanning.

The rebate details can be found online at audio-technica.com. Claims must be received by January 31, 2013, to be valid. For the sake of convenience, faster payment and real-time tracking, buyers may register online at http://audio-technicaus.4myrebate.com. Alternatively, buyers can manually complete and mail in the rebate form with the required documents, which include the original sales receipts for the Audio-Technica wireless products with the store name, date of purchase, model number and price paid clearly legible, along with the original UPC code cut from the carton of each product purchased.

For more information, please visit www.audio-technica.com.

— Designed with contractors and system integrators in mind, SheetBlok-AF™ is a finish-grade isolation product more effective than solid lead at stopping the transmission of sound —

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 – Auralex® Acoustics, Inc., the world’s leading brand of acoustical treatments and soon to celebrate its 35th anniversary, offers its new SheetBlok-AF™ Sound Isolation Barrier material. Designed with system integrators seeking sound isolation solutions for both new construction and retrofit situations in mind, Auralex’s new SheetBlok-AF is a thin, dense isolator with a Class A fire-rated PVC laminate on its surface for a finished aesthetic. Intended as a solution for improved sound isolation between adjacent spaces, SheetBlok-AF can be implemented in home theaters, apartments, listening spaces, studios, offices and anywhere an increase in sound isolation is desired.

SheetBlok-AF is at least 6dB more effective than solid lead at stopping the transmission of sound. It acts as a thin, dense sound barrier layer in wall, ceiling and floor systems and is most effective when used as one component of a multi-layered construction scheme. However, SheetBlok-AF can be applied directly over the existing wall, and using Auralex’s proprietary base-coat paint (available in 1-gallon or 5-gallon containers), SheetBlok-AF is fully paintable using any latex paint, coordinating it with any decor.

SheetBlok-AF is supplied in 4’x10’ sheets that can be trimmed for custom fit. It is affixed with trowel-applied adhesive, which allows proper positioning and alignment during installation. With careful installation techniques, a virtually seamless appearance will result.

SheetBlok-AF is now available. For more information, please visit www.auralex.com.

LA HABRA, Calif., Oct. 2, 2012-The MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) today announced a partnership with the Audio Engineering Society (AES) to support the MMA’s upcoming “MIDI Makes Music” 30th anniversary celebration designed to educate consumers about the benefits of MIDI technology for anyone interested in learning, writing or playing music.

MIDI dramatically changed music-making 30 years ago-and it remains a key technology for music-making today. AES played a key role in MIDI’s history as the idea for the standard was first proposed at the 70th AES Convention in 1981.

At the upcoming 133rd AES Convention in San Francisco, the MMA will exhibit in booth 537 and host a session during AES’ “Project Studio Expo”. Developed in partnership with Sound On Sound and Craig Anderton, the Project Studio Expo (PSE) brings the latest recording techniques, best practices, and practical tips from leaders in the recording business.

“Our Project Studio Expo is focused on the very market that grew from the seeds MIDI planted 30 years ago”, said Bob Moses, AES Executive Director. “As someone who was there, actively participating in the MMA and developing early MIDI products in the 1980′s, I’m thrilled to welcome the MMA to our party as they begin their celebration.”

The MMA will formally launch its “MIDI Makes Music” campaign in 2013 at the NAMM Show.

“It takes broad industry-wide support to make MIDI a successful industry standard,” said Tom White, president, MMA. “We are grateful to AES for helping all of us celebrate this important milestone.”

About the MMA
The MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) is the publisher and authoritative source of MIDI specifications. Manufacturers achieve interoperability through compliance with MMA Recommended Practices. We provide forums for developers to coordinate changes to the MIDI specification, which today remains one of the most relevant standards in the entertainment industry. For more information, please visit www.midi.org

About the AES
The Audio Engineering Society was formed in 1948 by a group of concerned audio engineers. The AES counts over 14,000 members throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Japan and the Far East. The organization serves as the pivotal force in the exchange and dissemination of technical information for the industry. For additional information visit http://www.aes.org

Middle Atlantic Products has named Adam Gold as Midwest Regional Sales Manager. Gold’s territory includes Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri for all market segments.

Adam has over 20 years of experience in Audio, Video, Control, Automation and Lighting for both the Commercial AV and Residential markets. Prior to joining Middle Atlantic, he worked with security start-up ACI Protection as a National Sales Manager and served as Regional Sales Manager for Crestron, Bose and Mitsubishi after starting in AV retail sales.

Asked about his appointment, Gold stated, “Middle Atlantic has a culture like no other manufacturer and it’s really nice to work for a company where the focus is on customer satisfaction and achieving that result by doing whatever it takes. That’s what excites me the most about this opportunity.”

Commenting on Gold, Midwest Regional Sales Director Robert Newhuis said: “Adam Gold has a history of successful sales and customer support along with outstanding management capability that complements all of the markets we service. We’re very pleased to add Adam to our Midwest Sales management team, his commitment to excellence, support and service makes him a perfect match to work with our Reps and customers in the field.”

For technical specifications and in-depth information about Middle Atlantic Products, please click to www.middleatlantic.com or call 1.800.266.7225.

Middle Atlantic Products has appointed David Bromberg as Regional Sales Manager for the Western Region. Bromberg’s territory includes Southern California and Southern Nevada for all market segments and Arizona for Residential, Security and DataComm channels.

Prior to Middle Atlantic, Bromberg was Senior Business Development Manager and Senior Account Manager specializing in local and national Government Sales for TESSCO and Commscope, as well as Global Government Sales Manager at The Siemon Company where he opened up the company’s Federal Division.

Bromberg educational background includes an MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziado School of Business and Management and a BA from California State University, Long Beach.

“Middle Atlantic is one of the most challenging starting positions at any of the companies I’ve worked for,” said Bromberg. “It’s been an awesome experience so far, like working with family. The culture, the people, and the response I’m getting from customers are unlike anything I’ve seen before.”

Asked about Bromberg’s appointment, Middle Atlantic Western Regional Sales Director Whitt Adams said, “David brings an outstanding track record of successful selling experience combined with excellent management skills that complements the core markets Middle Atlantic Products serves. I am so happy that David is now a part of our Western Sales Management Team, his commitment to the customer blends perfectly with our ‘Customer First’ philosophy.”

For technical specifications and in-depth information about Middle Atlantic Products, please click to www.middleatlantic.com or call 1.800.266.7225.

Nashville-based pop rock band Hot Chelle Rae burst onto the charts last year with its double-platinum single, “Tonight, Tonight,” off its sophomore album, Whatever. Since then, the band’s intense schedule has taken them on an almost non-stop international tour with headline appearances in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan. Premium audio brands Neumann and Sennheiser have been along for the ride as Hot Chelle Rae’s equipment demands have become increasingly sophisticated and their fan base multiplies.

Hot Chelle Rae‘s core members have been playing together for the better part of seven years and were born into Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter families. Just two years ago, the bandmates were touring in a van and a trailer playing 1,000-capacity clubs. Their single “Tonight, Tonight” helped rocket them to the top, coming in at number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts and number five on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 charts.

With a rigorous tour schedule that now involves buses rather than small trailers, the band routinely finds themselves opening for acts like Taylor Swift and The Script when they are not playing major headline dates themselves. The band has dramatically improved the audio quality of their live performance by utilizing a combination of Neumann KK 205 capsules and Sennheiser SKM 2000 wireless transmitters for their two primary vocal positions.

“We were looking for better clarity in our vocal performances,” commented Zach Snyder, monitor engineer and production manager of Hot Chelle Rae. “We selected the Neumann KK 205 mic capsule because of its warm sound and super-cardioid pattern, which does a great job in rejecting ambient stage noise. Paired with our Sennheiser SKM 2000 transmitters, these capsules save us an incredible amount of time on sound checks since they sound great out of the box since they require very little EQ.”

Snyder, who says he likes the frequency response of the KM 205 more than any other mic capsule he’s used, expects to add a Neumann KK 204 capsule when the band adds a new keyboard player to its lineup in the near future. In addition to the Neumann KK 205s, Hot Chelle Rae maintains 16 channels of Sennheiser RF on stage: six channels on guitar, eight for wireless personal monitors and two for vocal microphones. Snyder says he plans to increase that number to 22 in the near future.

The transition to the KK 205 capsules was seamless and has been a measurable improvement: “They’re really pumped and Ryan’s [Follesé's] vocals come through extremely clear,” says Snyder. “Also having the Neumann capsules have brought us tons of credibility with other engineers!”

The acoustic features of the KK 204 and KK 205 capsule heads are derived from the multiple award-winning wired Neumann stage microphones, the KMS 104 and KMS 105. The KK 204, with its cardioid pattern, ensures the best possible suppression of sound originating from 180 degrees to the rear, while the supercardioid KK 205 has greater directivity, and maximizes incident sound from the front as compared to sound from the rear. Due to the “single polar pattern design,” the polar patterns are very uniform over the entire frequency range and provide excellent resistance to feedback.

Photo caption:
Ryan Follesé of Hot Chelle Rae relies on a Neumann KK 205 microphone capsule, coupled with a Sennheiser SKM 2000 wireless transmitter.