Full Sail University’s flagship recording arts degree program commissioned a fully-loaded, 64-channel API Vision analog console that was placed in Studio B of the university’s extensive studio complex just over a year ago. Since then it has been used for hundreds of session recording courses.
In addition to providing students with clear-cut examples of signal flow, the console provides the classic analog sound that continues to be revered as a benchmark of excellence in professional audio.
“The Vision a great match,” said Darren Schneider, session recording course director at Full Sail University. Schneider teaches students about signal flow, taking advantage of the Vision’s comprehensive signal path to illustrate his lessons.
“Signal flow is easy to ‘see’ on the Vision,” he said. “We run it in-line, and every section falls in order – from the preamp, to the compressor, to the EQ, to the assignments. API also built us a custom switch which allows the compressor to insert pre- or post-EQ, which is also instructive.”
Schneider notes that the Vision’s ability to simultaneously mix in stereo and surround also lends itself to new educational perspectives.
“Both our new and advanced students benefit from working with API’s undeniably great sound,” said Dana Roun, education director of audio arts at Full Sail University. “Just walking into the room is an experience for first-timers.
“As more and more students come in with exclusively digital experiences, the sight of the console inspires them. The sound is something most of them have never experienced before.”
Reliability is a big deal for Full Sail University, which operates 24/7. The Vision has been used nonstop since it was installed and there has not been a single problem, notes Roun.
“Exposure to API gives our students real life experience with the analog sound that everyone in the industry talks about,” comments Schneider. “It enriches, and often changes, their perspectives.”
