Hey Hey!

EARS meets this month at our own William Beith's Brick Audio. You might have met him at recent meetings, but probably didn't realize he writes for Pro Sound News, is a longtime keyboard player, collector and holds a patent on plate reverbs which he designs and builds for sale on a custom basis. Van Halen and Rod Stewart are clients. If you've heard Van Halen's "Jump" you've heard his plates. He'll give us a bit of a presentation on the plates but of course we're also there to see his studio, which is primarily a live analogue tracking facility, and hear about it's design and evolution.

The studio is built on 3 acres of land deeded to his family by President Polk in 1845. He remodeled the house and built the studio on the east wing. Doug Jones from Columbia College consulted on the design. It's a bit of a drive from the city but worth the trip. It's between North Ave. (Rt.64) and Roosevelt Rd (Rt.38) about 1 mile east of Rt. 47. See Mapquest for specifics.

From the city:

Take I-88 West to the North Farnsworth Ave exit.

Merge onto CR-77.

Turn Left onto E. Fabyan Pkwy/CR-8.

Turn Right onto S. Randall Rd/CR-34.

Turn Left onto Lincoln Hwy/IL-38.

Turn Right onto Beith Rd.

This is in unincorporated Kane county, so look for the fire number (43w020) sign by the mailbox. Use that driveway. It's the side of the house that faces the field.

Pizza and beverages will be provided. See ya there.

KJH

Suggestions Welcome!
If you have any ideas for the EARdrum, our website, or future meetings, please contact Kerry. My apologies for the website not being updated recently and for the lateness of this notice. The changing of the guard this year hasn't gone as smoothly as we'd hoped. We're all volunteers, and very busy! We have a lot of great meetings lining up for the rest of the year, some good website plans, and a lot of good fresh energy and hopes for a more vibrant, participatory EARS, so of course we're very interested in your input on everything EARS.

KJH

Recap/Appreciation File:
EARS MEETING AT CSO 1-24-07:

We gathered at Orchestra Hall to listen to the work of and congratulate two of our esteemed members who have been nominated for Grammy Awards; Michael Kolar and Hudson Fair. We were also treated to an exquisite recording of the Chicago Symphony courtesy of our host, Chris Willis.

Our Vice President, Michael Kolar, was nominated for his work with rappers Voodoo and Ludacris for both best rap album for Release Therapy and best duo or group performance. Kolar worked on the arrangements that eventually showed up on the final recording as well as some electric bass that was later re-recorded.

Hudson Fair was nominated in the category of best classical vocal and best classical album for producing and engineering Peter and Lorraine Lieberson’s set live from Ravinia. Fair recorded the album in a dark-sounding wood and plaster 800-seat auditorium. Unfortunately he had to fight for his producer credit, but his persistence paid off and he ultimately won the battle with an unwarranted challenger.

Chris Willis allowed us to listen to a sneak peak of the first upcoming release on the CSO’s own label. He explained how he constructed the sound with the use of several overhead and spot mics at Symphony Center. Willis even had a post-horn soloist way up in the attic above the stage. This attic acts as a natural reverb chamber and the sound was gorgeous. We also got a nice tour of the backstage and onstage facilities of Symphony Hall.

A very special thanks to Chris Willis and everyone at the CSO and Symphony Center who graciously allowed us to visit their fine building. Also, a huge congrats on behalf of all of us at EARS to Hudson Fair and Michael Kolar for their respective Grammy nominations. They are representative of what a diverse and talented group we are here at the Engineering And Recording Society, and we wish them well on Grammy night.

-Chris Cwiak
Secretary

EARS at the NARAS Chicago Grammy Party:

It's the same old story. Those in attendance were glad they came out and those who stayed home or otherwise didn't make it will never know what fun we had. NARAS once again invited EARS members to join their party, this year at the Hard Rock Cafe. They put out a nice spread and there were plenty of our colleagues there enjoying the big night. It was great to party with my EARS family as we watched the hysteria in L.A.

KJH