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Editor/Publisher:
Gary Khan
Editor:
Mike Castronovo
Volume
18 Number 7
July, 2003
EARS Meets at Colossal Mastering
1644 N. Honore #101, Chicago
773-292-1692
Tuesday July 29, 7:30pm
Owners Dan Stout and Barb Nashold welcome us to their state of the art
mastering studio. The facility features Spectral Design AudioCube III
Mastering System and gobs of cool gear. The noted specialist, Trevor Sadler
of Mastermind Productions will travel to Chicago from Madison, WI. to join
Dan in answering the question, "What is Mastering?"
Barb and Dan also invite you to bring up to two CD¹s to be run through their
CD checker. After chewing on it (not literally), the checker will spit out
a report of any errors and other nasties. You may bring up to 2 CDs with
the suggestion of the same material on the same media but different burn
speeds or different media same burn speed etc. and see the difference. First
come, first served as time and patience allows .
For directions, go to www.colossalmastering.com, get with the trusty, rusty
C.T.A. info or call 773-292-1692. Hope to see ya there!
-Mary Mazurek-
EARS Appreciation Files/Recaps
In May we gathered together at the studios of Sound/Video Impressions Inc.
Des Plains, IL. Matt Dempler from Mediaform drove out from Pennsylvania and
brought two of their new CD / DVD duplicating systems.
Matt delivered a detailed presentation about how CD duplication and the
various points of the process. Information included the differences in
record method (Track at once, vs. "Disk-at-once"), and how "Disk at Once" is
the method used to meet red book standard. Red book standard assures the
most compatible CDs, it allows for up to 99 tracks per CD, and can include
"sub-indexes".
Matt also informed us about the format competition currently going on in the
DVD mode (just like Beta vs. VHS). The two leading contenders for DVD
writing are DVD+R, and DVD-R. Right now it appears, as DVD-R seems to be
taking the lead because it is backed by more DVD producing companies. We
were also cautioned about using cheap media (blank CDs), sometimes at
high-speed burns they can shatter in the CD burner and cause more than their
share of damage. Matt gave us a "live" demonstration of the Mediaform
"Scribe" duplicator by taking a couple CDs from the members and making
copies quickly and easily on the spot. Thanks again to Mediaform for the
great presentation.
Our Ears appreciation also goes to Kathy Dunaj for hosting the meeting, a
room full of pizza, and showing us their new Neotek Elan & ProTools HD. Also
thanks to Sonic Foundry, and Mediaform for providing software and blank CD
door prizes for the meeting. Look for pix soon on the web.
- Mike Castronovo
In June, EARS regular Chris Wright gave attendees rare access to Chicago's
Moody Broadcast studios. Chris and fellow mic jockey, Joel Swan conducted a
"primo" tour of this award winning facility with a long history. Classic
1940's studio design philosophies were evident including a music room
reminiscent of Universal¹s studio "A", though not as large. Vintage
processing, AKG C-12's and RCA ribbons abounded, blended with modern
technologies in this busy complex which originates WMBI broadcasts on 90.1
FM and 1110 AM in Chicago.
During the meeting, a broadcast engineering discussion of amazing depth grew
out of an initial panel of veteran specialists. They including our host
Chris, current AES Chicago section chair, A.J. Bautista, past EARS
presidents Hudson Fair, Danny Leake and current hot-seater, Mary Mazurek who
between them have banged the faders on literally thousands of broadcasts!
They were joined by virtually everyone in attendance, going past midnight.
Besides disarmingly sharing "most heinous" broadcasts, various techniques,
tips and tricks were discussed including satellite and ISDN remotes. Since
this most recent meeting, host Chris Wright put info to use, which saved his
gig! Yet another "bene" of being an EARS comrade!
-Gary Khan
Malcolm Chisholm: 1929 2003 R.I.P.
On June 3rd, EARS roast honoree and past President; Malcolm Chisholm
succumbed to lung cancer at 74. Probably best known for his work at Chess
Records, this veteran engineer, educator, technical writer, consultant and
past E.A.R.S. president was a treasured member of Chicago's professional
audio community for decades and was born here in March, 1929.
Noted worldwide for his work and deep insights of our craft, he engineered
TWO of the recordings selected to represent human civilization on the
Voyager space probe, including "Johnny B. Goode". He was the first honoree
at an EARS "roast" a charitable event modeled after that notorious "dais"
started by the New York Friar's Club nearly a century ago.
Through his craftsmanship, consistently generous mentoring and by way of his
long tenure as a pioneering faculty member at Columbia¹ College's four-year
Sound Engineering program, he influenced hundreds of aspiring engineers,
including many EARS veterans, though occasionally dissuading some when
privately asked true to his no-nonsense reputation unyielding honesty. A
true renaissance man, few knew he was an accomplished photographer and diver
who swam the Great Barrier Reef, scaled Mount Kilimonjaro, and traveled
extensively, often on his "Harley" well into his 60's.
Though receiving multiple offers to host a memorial, his wife selected the
generous offer from Shirli Dixon daughter of seminal blues producer,
Willie Dixon who often worked with Malcolm. The June 29th tribute was at the
legendary 2120 S. Michigan address of the former Chess Records studios.
Under Shirli's leadership, it is now the home of the Blues Heaven
foundation, a non-profit cultural center and benefactor of current and past
blues artists in need. The succession of fascinating, respectful and often
humorous anecdotes, on videotape were augmented with heartfelt tributes by
many including EARS vets Tim Powell, Danny Leake and yours truly. The warm,
upbeat gathering of new and old friends was fitting for a man who would
characteristically prefer this kind of genuine and unpretentious
celebration of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ramune and his 29 year old son,
Colin, who has recreated his father's enlightening website at
ripco.com/~chisholm. It documents his considerable professional credits
and much of his writing. Noted national publication, Mix Magazine will print
a notice of his passing in the September issue due out soon. Editor, George
Peterson conveyed his sincere respect for Malcolm and his writings.
A classic "Chisholm-ism" spoke well of his spirit: "life is uncertain, eat
your dessert first!" Peace, old friend, you did make a positive difference
in this world.
G. K.
If you have any ideas for stories, wish to contribute an article, or want to
include any upcoming events, please contact:
Gary
at ears@ears-chicago.org.
Or write to:
Peagasus
Recording P.O Box 578903, Chicago, IL 60657.
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