Two one-day masterclasses in the art of where to stick your mic!

BBC Maida Vale Studios, London.
http://www.ibs.org.uk/press/pressoffice ... e_Info.pdf

These two masterclasses will be led by experienced industry experts including:
Chris Woolf MIBS Editor of http://www.microphone-data.com, a member of the AES panel for microphone specification, and freelance Technical Consultant.
Hugh Robjohns MIBS Technical Editor of Sound On Sound, Editor of Line Up and former BBC Technical Trainer.
Pete Freshney MIBS As The Crow Flies mobile recording, with 40 years’ experience of recording live concert performances for radio and TV broadcast, as well as for numerous commercial CDs.
Richard Merrick MIBS 30 years’ experience as a sound supervisor and location recordist specialising in complex location work, covert filming, live music, and broadcast communications.


Basic Theory – Chris Woolf MIBS
Discovering how to use microphones - which ones are best in a particular situation, where to place them, what to listen for when things sound wrong - requires a thorough blending of theory with practicality. During the seminar Chris will provide much of the foundation material. He will explain the different microphone types, their operating principles and their limitations. He will also provide much of the vocabulary that is needed so that you can distinguish between hyper and hypo-cardioids, feel comfortable with pressure-gradient rather than pressure operation, and know when and where to expect proximity effects.

Chris combines both an engineering and an operational background so theory never drifts too far from sharp-end practical usage. His presentations are frequently amusing as well as instructive, and he will be on hand at all times to offer additional help and technical explanations on an individual basis to anyone who needs it.


Instrument polar diagrams (where the sound comes out...) - Hugh Robjohns MIBS
Hugh presents a short lecture explaining the nature of sound generation in a variety of musical instruments with a view to optimising the placement of microphones.


Musical Instruments inc Piano, - Pete Freshney MIBS
Following on from Hugh Robjohns' analysis of the sound radiation patterns of various musical instruments, we get the rare chance to put theory into practice. Various instrumentalists will play live in front of the delegates, and then retire to an adjacent studio and continue playing while we try out the effects of different microphones and mic positions on the recorded sound. We anticipate being able to assess acoustic guitar, saxophone, flute, violin...

Additionally, there'll be the even rarer chance to listen to a Steinway concert grand piano, and then similarly assess different mic techniques. The piano is of course the most versatile of instruments - it can be solo in a concert hall, accompaniment to a singer or another instrument in almost any genre of music, part of a chamber music ensemble, used in a jazz group or a rock band - and each scenario requires a different approach. There will be a multiplicity of mic rigs, ranging from purist to quick 'n' nasty, very expensive to astonishingly cheap.

Participants will be encouraged to experiment - put a mic where your ears tell you it sounds nice! There are no right answers when it comes to mic placement, though there are probably some wrong ones.


Booms, personals, covert and radio mics... – Richard Merrick MIBS
The seamier side of placement, where we do everything EXCEPT put a mic on a stand.

This is the pantomime part of the seminar, where we learn how to fly through the air, hide in dark corners and use sticky substances next to warm flesh!

Prepare to be amazed as we take an express trip through the basics of swinging a pole and gasp with delight when we show you how to be in and out of a lady’s blouse with a radio mic in 20 seconds. We’ll also explore the “dark side of the force” and dabble with some of the myths and legends of radio transmitters.

Finish the session in clandestine style by becoming “Agent Johnson of the IBS” when we sneak a peek behind the curtains of the covert camera show and discover just how many places you never realised could be bugged.

“Oh yes we will – oh no we won’t - look behind you!!!”

Cost
The cost of this running this course is £250 per head, however with the help of Skillset we have been able to subsidise the cost.

IBS Member Rate £175
AMPS Member Rate £200
Non IBS or AMPS Member Rate £225
Non IBS members may join the IBS and attend the course at a total cost of £250

Booking
0300 400 8427 (Option 1)
http://www.ibs.org.uk/public/booking.php
Members of the IBS should login for access to the special rate

Places are limited to 40 people per day.
For the practical sessions you will be divided into two groups in order to maximise your hands on participation.

Any delegates who require financial assistance with the provision of a facilitator or carer, or are returning back to work please enquire at the time of booking.

Oliver Machin
30-08-2008 15:44
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Digital Dividend Review: geographic interleaved awards 470 - 550 MHz and 630 – 790 MHz

IBS Response to the Consultation Document.

This paper outlines the IBS reaction to the OFCOM proposals contained in the consultation document.

Before commenting directly the IBS would like to acknowledge the recent good work undertaken on behalf of OFCOM concerning interference issues that have been raised by the PMSE community in relation to OFCOM’s proposals for the cleared spectrum and the likely impact on continuing PMSE activity, particularly in protecting PMSE use of channel 69. We have also noted from the consultation that should cognitive devices eventually use the interleaved spectrum they will have to operate in such a way as to provide protection to PMSE equipment.

Question 1. The executive summary sets out our proposals for the digital dividend geographic interleaved award. Do you agree with these proposals?

The IBS views with some alarm the apparent change of emphasis as contained in the consultation.
While the Executive Summary does indeed mention PMSE as one of the potential users of the interleaved spectrum the emphasis on local DTT services does give rise to concern that, should they proceed as indicated, they will further restrict the availability of suitable spectrum for PMSE. It is accepted and understood that a spectrum award will be made to the band manager following their selection after the “beauty contest” and that they will be able to license UHF spectrum for PMSE use but our fear now is that the final available spectrum for PMSE will be even further constrained. OFCOM has previously announced that channels 61 & 62 will be part of the cleared spectrum auction and, more recently, the statement that by 2012 channel 38 will be cleared of radio astronomy has reduced yet again the amount of spectrum to be made available via the new band manager for continuing PMSE activity. In earlier discussions with OFCOM the Professional Users Group was given assurances by OFCOM that PMSE would have access to a similar amount of spectrum to that currently available in the analogue interleaved space. With all that has transpired in recent times, together with the publication by OFCOM of data at the beginning of 2008, current analysis by us and others (i.e JFMG Ltd) now shows a much reduced quantity of digital interleaved spectrum that could be accessed for PMSE. We would wish to remind OFCOM that PMSE has been a preferred secondary user of much of the UHF spectrum for a number of decades and what is now being proposed is the denial of access to much of the spectrum in which the PMSE industry currently operates to benefit of UK Ltd. As we have stated before the likelihood of the PMSE community being able to enter the auction bidding process both now and in the future remains extremely unlikely particularly as OFCOM has set an initial auction deposit at £25,000.
It has always been understood that PMSE would have to share the interleaved spectrum with other users but the consultation document appears to place significant weight on the idea of local DTT services becoming established. While it is for others to determine the financial viability of future local services, in light of the current position with ITV nationally, we have to question whether this is a realistic goal. We would strongly urge OFCOM to review their digital interleaved spectrum proposals before the auction process commences in 2009.

In previous OFCOM consultations and liaison meetings with the Professional PMSE Users Group much had been made of the regulator’s desire to offer protection to PMSE in the medium term and, while this is restated in this consultation document, the underlying feeling is one of gradual erosion of spectrum for the PMSE industry. We still have overriding concerns with the possible introduction of un-licensed cognitive devices into the digital interleaved spectrum and look for an assurance from OFCOM that this will not take place until very rigorous field testing of such devices has taken place and suitable interference safeguards have been agreed and introduced.
On the subject of improved spectrum efficiency in future wireless microphones we also note and support the conclusions of a recent report, commissioned for OFCOM, by the consultants CSMG that confirm the industry’s view on the subject.
We look forward to attending the September seminar on the proposals for the new band manager and will continue to contribute to the DDR process.

John Sullivan
IBS Chairman
August 2008

John Sullivan
22-08-2008 11:21
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The new IBS membership categories and rates are now on the website and can be found by clicking on the JOIN tab to the left of the HOME tab at the top of the page.

Chris Maclean
13-07-2008 17:28
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The Institute of Broadcast Sound will be attending the Freelances' Fair 27th June 2008 at BAFTA

The freelancers' Fair will contain an exiting mix of stalls, seminars and workshops. Both the newcomer and the 'old hand' will value the information and practical help that is on offer.

Further details are available for download

Location
BAFTA
195 Piccadilly
LONDON
W1 9LN

Peter Almgill
23-06-2008 13:17
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The Institute of Broadcast Sound is undertaking a comprehensive survey of it's membership.

In order to shape the future of the Institute it is important to know more about the demographics and needs of the membership. All members are urged to complete the survey as soon as possible, preferably using the online survey tool.
For more information please contact us using the form on the website, or call us on 0300 400 8427

Members can access the online survey by logging in and following the link.

Peter Almgill
01-06-2008 11:57
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The IBS is sorry to report the following from the Videosonics website.

"About Videosonics

On the 20th May 2008 Videosonics ceased trading.

APA Audio Post has taken management of the Videosonics facilities and will be offering a range of audio services from the studios in Delancey Street.

All of the team at Videosonics would like to thank their customers and friends for all their support through the last 24 years.

APA Audio Post can be contacted on 020 7209 0209
http://www.apaaudiopost.com
info@apaaudiopost.com

Dennis Weinreich"

Chris Maclean
22-05-2008 14:17
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The Institute of Broadcast Sound congratulates- PAUL PARAGON (MIBS), MIKE HATCH and BEN BAIRD for winning the BAFTA Craft award for Factual Sound for War Oratorio (More 4/Oxford Film & Television).

We would also like to congratulate the winners of the Sound Fiction/Entertainment BAFTA -PAUL HAMBLIN, GRAHAM HEADICAR, ANDRE SCHMIDT and PETER BRILL (MIBS) for Cranford (BBC One/BBC Drama Productions/WGBH Boston in association with Chestermead Ltd).

The awards were presented on Sunday 11th May at the Dorchester Hotel. David Croft and Jimmy Perry received a special award.

Chris Maclean
13-05-2008 13:08
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The Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP), the body responsible for writing the TV Advertising Code, has published a new rule on sound levels in TV advertisements.
The new rule clarifies existing guidance about noise levels to address consumer concerns that TV ads sometimes seem louder than programming. The revised code states that:
Advertisements must not be excessively noisy or strident.
The maximum subjective loudness of advertisements must be consistent and in line with the maximum loudness of programmes and junction material.

The rule will come into force on 7 July 2008.
The new rule has been drawn up in consultation with the broadcast industry, a process in which the IBS took part. The IBS response to the consultation can be viewed here: http://www.ibs.org.uk/press/index.php.
The summary of responses to the new rule can be viewed on the BCAP web site: here.

John Sullivan
07-05-2008 12:36
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The IBS has submitted a proposal to the AES to standardise the iXML format which emerged from discussions initiated by the Institute and which is now in regular use for the interchange of audio material and associated metadata between disk-based location recorders and post production systems. The initial draft may be seen in the Press information area of the website.

John Andrews
22-04-2008 12:44
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It is now even easier to contact the IBS!

From April 9th 2008 where you see a telephone number on the site it will be accompanied with a new icon. During office hours if the phone number is an IBS phone number the icon will light up like this giving you the option to have us call you back.

Simply enter your UK land-line number and click call, and you will receive a call from the IBS.

If we are unable to take your call we have individual voice mail for you to leave a message.

Peter Almgill
17-04-2008 22:52
0 comments