Wimberley - P&E Wing: Texas Retreat At The Rock
On Saturday, June 19, 2010, over 90 attendees gathered at the beautiful Blue Rock Studios in Wimberley, Texas for the P&E Wing: Texas Retreat At The Rock.
This day-long event gave producers and engineers the unique opportunity to hear from legendary innovators in the world of recording, George Massenburg and Rupert Neve. Attendees also participated in sessions with respected panelists covering current topics in recording, Steve Lamm, Tim Palmer, and Peter Reardon.
The day concluded with a special “Blue Rock Listening Room Experience” with GRAMMY-nominated, singer/songwriter Ruthie Foster and a networking mixer with complimentary appetizers and beverages. Ruthie was welcomed and introduced warmly by Billy Crockett, Texas Chapter member and owner of Blue Rock Studios.
Texas Chapter P&E Committee co-chairs, Dan Workman of SugarHill Studios and Malcolm Harper of ReelSound Recording, welcomed the packed house and introduced our keynote and featured speakers along with Maureen Droney, Senior Executive Director of the P&E Wing.
George Massenburg, keynote speaker, discussed the evolution of quality standards from 3 perspectives: technical, artistic, and “the business model” as well as changes in production methodologies and perception of a recording’s value. He also covered the marketplace evolution from label-driven to artist-driven incentives and revenues and the result of abandonment of substantive quality criteria. Lastly, he mentioned a generation of listeners that has grown accustomed to the destructive artifacts inherent to the badly-coded mp3 medium as well as “level wars” in mastering.
Featured speaker and Technical GRAMMY winner, Rupert Neve of Rupert Neve Designs, talked about his 60+ years of experience to an awed audience in designing and manufacturing professional audio equipment.
Steve Lamm, session panelist, discussed how producers and engineers can get the best productivity with the use of both digital and analog gear today. He focused on PC-based computer workstations including some from AMD, Nuendo, DAW controllers, analog mixers and outboard gear. Lamm also spoke about his experience building and integrating CGR Studios.
Tim Palmer, session panelist, discussed the evolving roles of producers and the various tasks involved with the position as well as how the industry has changed and adapted the way producers and engineers approach the job.
Peter Reardon, session panelist, lead a discussion he titled “Beyond Fidelity: The Studio as an Engine of Inspiration.”
Dan Workman, co-chair of the Texas Chapter P&E Wing Committee, said: “While it was a thrill to host an event with two of our industry's biggest icons (Massenburg and Neve), the audience included many Texas Chapter engineers and producers who are world class in their own right. I can't remember a day when I have enjoyed being a member of the professional audio community as much as I did on Saturday.”
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