The upcoming Audio Engineering Society 153rd Convention in New York City is slated to offer two full days of sessions on October 19 and 20 that are celebrations of foundational technologies that are now indelibly integrated into audio production alongside the exploration of the latest technologies.
Fifty years ago, the concept of a parametric equalizer was introduced at an AES Convention in a paper authored and presented by George Massenburg, now an AES Fellow and Gold Medal awardee. At AES New York 2022, Massenburg will return full circle for the golden anniversary of this seminal and now ubiquitous technology, discussing his coining of the term “parametric” and the experimentation and collaboration of individuals who contributed to the development of sweep-tunable EQ.
Fundamental technologies can be built upon generations after their introduction. In the workshop “Applications and impact of the parametric EQ on the 50th anniversary of its invention,” Massenburg and other engineers will review the established application archetypes for parametric and sub-band (“graphic”) equalization and explore creative applications of EQ.
Meanwhile, “Celebrating Al Schmitt” will recognize the enormous contributions to the art of audio production by this producer, engineer and mentor. An AES Fellow, the late Schmitt’s seven decades of award-winning and excellence-defining recordings have inspired and led the way for today’s audio professionals, while entertaining millions. The celebration, led by Elliot Scheiner, will include contributions from additional friends and collaborators of Schmitt’s, including Frank Filipetti, Chuck Ainlay, Niko Bolas, Dana Dowd, Paula Salvatore and Massenburg.
“One of the greatest aspects of the AES is the opportunity to meet and learn from the amazingly inspiring pioneers of our industry,” says Jonathan Wyner, AES past president and chair of the AES New York 2022 Convention. “The parametric EQ is something we take for granted, but we shouldn’t lose sight of its impact. It changed recorded music forever – and so did Al Schmitt, who set a standard for what recorded music could sound like.”
The convention will also offer additional training opportunities on October 18 and tech tours and networking events on October 21. Then, on October 26–27, the online event will bring its own separately curated program of workshops and papers to the audience.
AES New York 2022 event partners include Dell, IMES (Iron Mountain Entertainment Services) and Qualcomm. The convention will once again be collocated with NAB Show New York with a shared exhibits space. Exhibits+ registration, giving access to the in-person exhibition floor and related sessions, is free during the Early Bird period, while full technical program registration for the in-person or online components and All Access bundles are available at Early Bird pricing through August 31 at AESShow.com.
