The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS) recently opened its doors to Focusrite. CRAS students were trained on Focusrite’s recently released 3rd generation of Scarlett audio interfaces, as well as its new midi controller keyboard, the SL MkIII from Novation by Focusrite staff.
“The Scarlett range of audio interfaces is geared towards small format, mobile recording and project studios, making it the perfect audio interface for students no matter what stage of their recording level,” explains Kody Standridge, field trainer & product specialist for Focusrite Novation who participated in the CRAS/Focusrite event. “The goal was to demonstrate the audio quality and ease-of-use of the new interfaces as well as show how they stacked up against our traditional ISA preamp, of which we are known for. The participation was awesome. CRAS students and staff are just amazing, forward thinking individuals with a great appreciation for the recording process and the gear used in the process.”
While on the CRAS campus, Standridge said he was able to sit in on two guitar recording sessions where two of Focusrite’s ISA preamps along with some of their new Scarlett preamps were used in order to introduce students to the traditional Focusrite sound and compare it to the new preamps.
Standridge added that he was also able to sit in multiple Ableton introduction classes where he was able to introduce students to Focusrite’s SL MkIII controller as well as the Launchpad Pro. “We explored how to use these controllers in Ableton and how to use Ableton’s features along with the features of the controllers to quickly and easily create tracks. I even learned a new mic’ing trick for acoustic guitar.”
David Kohr, CRAS instructor and CRAS faculty liaison AES Student Chapter, said that CRAS has one of the most active student chapters of the Audio Engineering Society in North America. “It’s companies like Focusrite that makes getting an education from the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences so much more unique than what you can get anywhere else. Having Kody on campus and being so open to our students is invaluable to them. Focusrite products and solutions are top shelf, and having someone like Kody train our students is something they will never forget.”
During the evening AES event, Standridge explained that CRAS students were engaged and asked a lot of great questions. “You can tell that the students at CRAS are really ambitious and I always enjoy giving advice about getting into working in the industry. It was really great to get so many people interested not only in our products, but also how to get into professional job and become part of the industry. I always have a great time when I visit CRAS and that’s due to the really positive, creative atmosphere at the school.”
During the event, CRAS student Jordan Tankard won the Focusrite 2i2 Recording Package giveaway, which included a Focusrite 2i2 Scarlett USB interface, CM25 MkIII condenser microphone, and HP60 MkIII professional closed-back headphones.
“Kody’s time with us was very well received and appreciated by our students and staff,” adds Kirt Hamm, CRAS administrator. “Being successful is not just about how to work the gear. It’s about relationships and how to work well with the musicians and manufacturers. Kody and Focusrite as a whole did a fantastic job educating our students with their first-hand knowledge and experience.”
