Featured Writers: Vance Breshears, Keith Clark, Gary Stanfill, Gary Zandstra, and others

Keith Clark

Keith Clark is editorial director of ProSoundWeb and has worked in the pro audio industry for a dozen years. He served as install sound editor prior to being tapped to take responsibility for all PSW editorial and content.

Where are you going? Last time out, PSW Editorial Director Keith Clark talked about the valuable role of mentoring. Now, he asks for the youngsters in our industry to do their part!

Are you a mentor? Where are all the young folks who ought to be propagating the pro audio industry? PSW Editorial Director Keith Clark talks about mentoring and the responsibilities shared by us all.

Customer service? It can be tough to get a respectable level of customer service. Just how stupid can some companies really be? But the pro audio industry seems to be holding its own, and then some, in this regard. Keith Clark talks about it.

Relevant AES products. PSW Editorial Director Keith Clark trolled the AES show floor and found several notable new products for installed sound application. He files a report, including an exclusive on new Community loudspeakers, DSP and CobraNet developments, a Michael MacDonald sighting and more.

Eulogy to Common Sense. In 1776, Thomas Paine (left) published a pamphlet entitled “Common Sense,” a work of extreme relevance.

In praise of those who persist. Marking Crown's 55th Anniversary, Keith Clark talked with Gerald Stanley, who's been hard at work at the company for the majority of its existence. Plus additional Crown coverage.

When lawyers attack! Audio profesionals and sound companies are increasingly at risk of frivolous lawsuits.

Hartley talks Crest. An exclusive interview with Peavey CEO Hartley Peavey about the Crest acquisition, addressing problems and future directions.

Five minutes with Jimmy K. Peak Audio’s CobraNet technology has made major inroads in the ongoing audio networking battle. Why and how?

The drivers behind the drivers. Lorenzo Coppini and Simone Pratesi of B & C Speakers talk about the process of developing drivers used in many leading loudspeakers.

Teleconferencing passé? Some look at the telephone as an outmoded way of communication. Yet a new program by the NSCA is proving otherwise.

Perspective Of An Icon. A look behind the history and success of Shure, still thriving after more than 70 years in the industry and moving in new directions.

Five minutes with David Solari. The CEO of Nexo USA talks about building a staff, distribution, and the market’s impression of Nexo products.

Focus on community. What’s the reason for the success of NSCA Expo and why is it such a good place to do business?

Here, now and the future. A conversation with Mackie CEO Jamie Engen regarding acquisitions and navigating choppy business seas.

Syn-Aud-Con: An invaluable education. After attending a full week of Syn-Aud-Con seminars, a look at the process and success of audio learning.

A conversation with Don and Carolyn Davis. Two of the most influential audio educators talk about their past, present and future.

A detour along the way. The events of 9/11 also directly affected audio folks trying to return from a trade show in Europe. Stranded in Nova Scotia

Expanding customer base. Kingdom Sound & Lighting is a thriving sound contracting firm in Minnesota. The company philosophy and reasons for success.

The history and people of Electro-Voice. A look at the notable milestones and contributions of this notable audio industry company, interview with Jim Long and more.

The urge to merge. Why such compulsion for larger companies to gobble up smaller ones? Is this path really successful, and shouldn’t other alternatives be considered?

Evolving sales rep roles. A conversation with long-time, successful sales rep Sam Helms regarding changes in the role of the manufacturer’s sales rep firm.

Wonder device: Is it real or just killer hype? Every once in a while, a product comes along that is indeed too good to be true, and you can’t fool the industry.

The Internet as education tool. Chuck Walthall, founder of audioseminars.com, talks about his on-line audio education program.

Do you hear what I hear? In the audio industry, our ears serve as our most valuable tools. What are you doing to protect this asset?

Taking the incremental growth plan. A look inside the steady, common-sense growth of TPC Technologies, a sound company serving a broad constituency.

Keeper of the conduit. What’s the purpose of a site like ProSoundWeb. What do we hope to achieve and provide our readers?

Gary Stanfill

Gary Stanfill is a 30-plus audio industry veteran and served as president of Vega during that company’s dominant era. He now heads Colmar Systems, a consulting firm in Southern California.

It's a knockoff world. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but try telling that to a pro audio manufacturer whose killer new design has just been ripped off.

Will “good enough” win out? It appears in some quarters that the systems goal lies with mere adequacy rather than excellence? Is this a winning strategy?

With Gary’s Wireless Handbook, RF veteran Gary Stanfill details common - and not so common - problems that can severely impact wireless system performance.
Chapter 1: Antennas, intermod, frequencies and batteries
Chapter 2: Clear path, antenna cables & splitters, remote whips
Chapter 3: Digital interference, lav mic issues, overall sound quality
Chapter 4: Preventing and getting rid of noise

Gary Zandstra

Gary Zandstra is director of audio-visual systems for Group Signal of Holland, MI, where he has considerable experience with systems and sound company marketing. Gary’s also active with church-oriented technology.

Convergence: What's it really mean? The term “convergence” isn’t new, but it has increasingly different meanings in the systems world.

Sound guy as king of the free world What if feels like when you get the rare opportunity to mix sound for the president of the United States.

What is the meaning of "is"? The role that marketing plays, and does not play, in helping foster success for sound companies.

Acquiring and managing your business capital Exactly what constitutes business capital, and how to you both get it, and use it to maximum benefit?

Tough economies? Relationships matter! Price matters. Product matters. But relationships are often the deciding factor between winning and losing.

Web strategies for contractors The pros, cons, costs and benefits in developing a web site for your sound company.

Birth of a brochure The creative process can be tough in developing meaningful sales and promotional items for your business. Break through and be effective!

Skip the hype, let's go fishing Marketing goes way beyond just printing paper and sending it out. Look at every business facet as a marketing opportunity!

Vance Breshears

Vance Breshears is one of the most noted audio and acoustical consultants in the U.S., currently heads the firm he founded, Sound Technology Consultants, based in San Diego.

It’s still about the music. Reasons for participating in this crazy industry usually go well beyond pursuit of dollars and cents, tending toward passion for the art of sound.

Others

What’s convergence all about? NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson talks about how this term relates to the commercial audio/electronics industry. Where it’s going, and is it all for the best?