Ex'pression College

Whoa! I didn’t realize how big AES would be! For those that don’t know what AES stands for, it’s an acronym for the Audio Engineering Society. Using MacWorld as my gauge for “Big Conventions”, I was impressed with how much Moscone real-estate AES vendors and exhibitors covered. Granted, there was just one south-hall that was filled, but they even managed to pack in a semi-truck; an audio exhibition on wheels. 

Besides industry leaders and newcomers alike, there were also a few audio schools represented; Ex’pression College being the number one choice… but then again, I’m biased. Apple was also there hiring iPhone audio engineers. Mix Magazine and Ex’pression College sponsored a blog, too.

I spoke with a handful of Ex’pression students and here’s what got them excited:

• Pre-release information about Pro Tools 8.
• Vegas Mode on the D-Control.
• Free schwag… and more schwag (t-shirts, buttons, keychains, etc.).
• Great networking opportunities.
• Able to test a wide variety of gear.

Ryan John, soon to be Sound Arts graduate, was telling me about Bob Heil, of Heil Sound (famous for creating the Talk Box that Peter Frampton used). “Also be sure to buy an “A440” by AEA Microphones, if you’ve got an extra $6k laying around”, says Ryan. Affordable plug-ins from Massey, a former Digidesign employee, were impressive, too. Ryan saw some amazing techinical lectures, including one on compression that blew him away. Chris Lord-Alge showed up unannounced and shared some serious technical expertise. Ryan also had the opportunity to meet Stephan Jenkins, lead-singer of the band Third Eye Blind.

Mary Ann Zahorsky, Sound Arts faculty,  said AES was like a high-school reunion, as she connected with former colleagues and clients. She was surprised by the number of microphone vendors, in what she considers a mature and already crowded market place. Mary Ann also mentioned the hot-topic of being able to manage multiple roles to stay competitive and relevant in today’s audio world, such as managing AND producing a band. Traditionally a person had one job function. Now people are covering multiple jobs as budgets shrink and project studios abound.

I also had the chance to meet Ex’pression College graduate Suzanne Elliot of Barefoot Sound. Barefoot Sound has been handcrafting revolutionary studio monitors in San Francisco for close to a decade now. You can read more about their breakthrough technology on their website or purchase some speakers through Vintage King Audio and find out first-hand what makes Barefoot Sound special.

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