The Sony Microphone Saga: High-Resolution Recording with Craig Field
Release Date: 07/15/2024
The Pro Audio Suite
This week on The Pro Audio Suite, we dive into the fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—world of AI noise reduction. From Descript’s Studio Sound to Adobe Podcast’s quick-fix tools, we explore how these AI-driven solutions are shaking up audio post-production. What works? What doesn’t? And when do these tools cross the line from helpful to downright hallucinating? Join Robbo, George, Robert, and Andrew as they unpack real-world examples of AI audio gone right—and hilariously wrong. Plus, we talk about best practices for using these tools without sacrificing natural sound. Big...
info_outline And the Winner Is… Pro Audio Suite’s Mix Competition with Austrian Audio!The Pro Audio Suite
This week on The Pro Audio Suite, it’s time to crown the winner of our epic mix competition in partnership with Austrian Audio! We’re joined by Kurt Richter, the mastermind behind the Hi-X20 headphones, for an in-depth chat about what makes these cans a game-changer. Kurt spills the beans on Austrian Audio’s design philosophy, the evolution from the Hi-X15 to the Hi-X20, and how pro feedback shaped their signature sound. Plus, we break down what set our finalists apart and why the winning mix took the top spot. Was it the perfect timing? The blend? Or that touch of magic that made it...
info_outline Black Friday Bonanza: Gear Deals & Demo Gold!The Pro Audio Suite
This week, we’ve got a surprise Black Friday Special for you! Forget our usual Tuesday release; today, we’re diving into the juiciest audio deals and some gold-standard advice for voiceover demos. From George sharing insider tips on memberships and exclusive discounts at George The Tech, to Robbo breaking down his Black Friday demo deal, it’s a full table of offers, insights, and laughs. Robert also spills the beans on Source Elements' jaw-dropping discounts. If you’ve ever thought about upgrading your home studio setup or refining your VO game, this is the episode you’ve been...
info_outline Austrian Audio Competition Finalists: Who Made the Cut?The Pro Audio Suite
In this episode of The Pro Audio Suite, we're diving into the top finalists of the Austrian Audio Mix Competition! With the Hi-X20 headphones up for grabs, we put the spotlight on creativity, production quality, and technical brilliance. Join us as we break down the submissions, highlight standout moments, and get ready to send our top picks to Austrian Audio for the final judgment. Don't forget to check out the latest from our sponsors, TriBooth and Austrian Audio, and grab your exclusive discounts! Topics Covered: Top 10 Finalists for the Mix Competition What Makes a Great Mix: Creativity...
info_outline The Evolution of the TRi Booth: Designing a Portable Voiceover StudioThe Pro Audio Suite
This week on The Pro Audio Suite, we chat about the origins of the TRi Booth, a game-changing portable studio for voiceover pros. George 'The Tech' Whitham breaks down the challenges of creating a booth that balances acoustics, portability, and design. Learn how the TRi Booth came to be, why it uses a triangular design, and the process of optimizing materials for acoustic performance. We also explore the practical implications of using the TRi Booth in hotels and how it handles real-world noise scenarios. Don't miss our discussion on potential rental models and the future of portable recording...
info_outline Exploring Waves Curves Equator – Is AI Changing the EQ Game?The Pro Audio Suite
In this episode, Robbo, George, AP, and Robert Marshall take a deep dive into Waves' newest AI-driven plugin: Waves Curves Equator. It’s an innovative EQ that analyzes your audio and creates custom EQ curves based on what it “hears.” We break down its features, test it on Andrew Peters' voiceover, and explore how it could change the way we handle EQ. Discussion highlights: How AI EQ works and its real-world applications Robbo’s first impressions using Waves Curves Equator Automating EQ for radio imaging and other applications Will AI-driven plugins take over more of the audio...
info_outline Austrian Audio Hi-X 20s Headphones ReviewThe Pro Audio Suite
In this audio episode, the team dives deep into the latest offering from Austrian Audio—the Hi-X 20s headphones. Discover how these cans stack up against the Hi-X 15s and 55s and why they might be the perfect choice for voice actors, podcasters, and audio engineers. Hear real-world feedback from Robbo’s wife, Tahnae, and explore the key features that make these headphones a must-have for anyone serious about audio production. Plus, find out how you can enter to win a pair! 🎧 🔗 Giveaway: Enter at 💼 Sponsors: Austrian Audio - Making passion heard Tribooth - Get $200 off with the...
info_outline The Future of Voice Licensing: AI, James Earl Jones, and the Ethics of Voice ReplicationThe Pro Audio Suite
In this episode of the Pro Audio Suite, the team dives into the ever-evolving landscape of AI and voice licensing, exploring the groundbreaking decision by James Earl Jones to license his voice to Disney. What does this mean for voice actors? And where do we draw the line between legal licensing and exploitation? We also discuss recent lawsuits surrounding AI voice replication, the ethical boundaries of using voices without permission, and what these changes could mean for the future of the industry. The conversation gets heated as Robbo, AP, George "The Tech" Whittam, and Robert Marshall...
info_outline The Ultimate Audio Mix-Off & Austrian Audio GiveawayThe Pro Audio Suite
In this episode of The Pro Audio Suite, we’re excited to announce an exclusive Austrian Audio Giveaway as part of our new Audio Mix Competition! Tune in as Robbo, Andrew Peters, George "The Tech" Whittam, and Robert Marshall share the details on how you can win a brand-new pair of the latest Austrian Audio headphones! 🎧 The challenge? Create your own interpretation of a mix based on the provided stems—no matter your skill level, we want you to have a crack! We're not just looking for pros; we welcome everyone, from casual creators to seasoned engineers, to throw on their headphones and...
info_outline Voiceover Essentials with Jim Edgar (Part 2) – Advanced Techniques and TroubleshootingThe Pro Audio Suite
In Part 2 of our interview with Jim Edgar on The Pro Audio Suite, we dig even deeper into the world of voiceover setups. Jim walks us through the iterative process of improving your recording space, explains why foam might not be the best solution for sound treatment, and provides expert troubleshooting tips for common voiceover issues like mic placement, echo, and hollow sound. We also cover the importance of sound engineers and agents being involved in quality control and how to continually refine your space to stay competitive in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting,...
info_outlineIn this weeks episode of The Pro Audio Suite, we delve into the world of high-resolution audio and the development of cutting-edge microphones with our special guest, Craig Field. Known for his work at the National Archives of Australia and his intriguing collaboration with Sony, Craig shares the fascinating journey of co-developing a groundbreaking microphone that has revolutionized high-resolution audio recording.
Hosts:
- Robert Marshall, Source Elements and Someone Audio Post, Chicago
- Darren "Robbo" Robertson, Voodoo Radio Imaging, Sydney
- George "The Tech" Whittam, LA
- Andrew Peters, Voiceover Talent and Home Studio Guy
Special Guest:
- Craig Field, National Archives of Australia and co-developer of the Sony microphone
Sponsors:
- Tribooth: The best vocal booth for home or on-the-road voice recording. Use code TRIPAP200 for $200 off.
- Austrian Audio: Making passion heard.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
-
The Story Behind the Sony Microphone:
- Craig's journey from owning Elkwood Studio in Sydney to collaborating with Sony.
- The development process and challenges of creating a high-resolution microphone.
-
High-Resolution Audio:
- The significance of high-resolution audio in different parts of the world, particularly in Japan and Europe.
- How high-resolution audio formats like DSD and PCM are utilized and appreciated.
-
Technical Innovations:
- The importance of having high-quality microphones to complement advanced A/D converters, digital preamps, and cable technology.
- Details about the Sony C-100 microphone and its unique capabilities, including its ability to capture frequencies up to 50kHz.
-
Real-World Applications:
- Recording a unique performance on the world's largest piano built by Wayne Stewart, using the Sony microphones.
- How high-frequency recording is beneficial for sound effects and Foley work.
-
Microphone Technology:
- The significance of anti-vibrational technology in microphones to minimize reverberance within the capsule.
- Comparisons with other high-end microphones and the innovative features of the Sony microphones.
A big shout out to our sponsors, Austrian Audio and Tri Booth. Both these companies are providers of QUALITY Audio Gear (we wouldn't partner with them unless they were), so please, if you're in the market for some new kit, do us a solid and check out their products, and be sure to tell em "Robbo, George, Robert, and AP sent you"... As a part of their generous support of our show, Tri Booth is offering $200 off a brand-new booth when you use the code TRIPAP200. So get onto their website now and secure your new booth...
And if you're in the market for a new Mic or killer pair of headphones, check out Austrian Audio. They've got a great range of top-shelf gear..
If you haven't filled out our survey on what you'd like to hear on the show, you can do it here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWT5BTD
Join our Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/proaudiopodcast
And the FB Group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/357898255543203
For everything else (including joining our mailing list for exclusive previews and other goodies), check out our website
“When the going gets weird, the weird turn professional.”
Hunter S Thompson