The second Audioversity Expo held recently by Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems in Las Vegas attracted more than 500 attendees.
The specialized event was catered toward audio professionals and those interested in gaining an in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience of all Yamaha Commercial Audio and NEXO products.
“It was clear that Audioversity provided invaluable lessons for many that are still gaining basic digital knowledge, but also those craving more mixing tips and techniques,” states Audioversity presenter Monty Lee Wilkes, and front of house engineer for such artists as the Scissor Sisters and the Replacements.
The event also featured digital mixer training seminars and panel discussions with leading industry professionals like Neil Diamond front of house engineer Stan Miller and Diamond recording and monitor engineer Bernie Becker, as well as A-1 Audio’s Al Siniscal, Martina McBride monitor engineer Robert “Bull,” and Monty Lee Wilkes.
“I really liked the Audioversity seminars,” notes Becker. “They ran just long enough, and the staff was very conscious to hit the key points that attendees needed.”
Attendees were able to witness, first hand, NEXO and Yamaha loudspeakers through live music demonstrations, hands-on line array rigging demonstrations, audio networking clinics, and systems solutions offered by the company.
“I have been training Local 720 audio operators for over 20 years, and Yamaha consoles are the principal consoles in town,” states Steve James, IATSE Local 720 training manager, Las Vegas. “The reason I attended Audioversity was for the networking seminars because that’s where we’re headed.”
Of special note were active discussions on monitoring and a demonstration of the new NEXO 45 N-12 line monitor by presenter and Martina McBride monitor engineer Bull and Randy Weitzel, monitor engineer, Audioversity presenter, and Yamaha district manager. Both also provided audiences with useful monitor mix tips.
Attendees were treated to an old Las Vegas-Rat Pack-style evening of food and entertainment. Drawings were held each evening for a chance to win one of two LS9-16 digital mixing consoles. The lucky winners are Dave Knighton, live performance engineer for Rogue DJ, and Kenny Mohs, AV supervisor at AVI Resort & Casino.
“I’d like to see more Audioversity Expos,” states Tony Alamia, A-1 Entertainment, Las Vegas. “It gave attendees a chance to see new product in a separate one-on-one environment versus a trade show. I can’t think of another company, other than Yamaha, that can pull this type of event off.”
