Game sound instructor's Dave Kalberg (far left) and Sean Condlking (far right) flank Rainbow Studios Karen Murow Waller and Dave Lowmiller

On December 16th 2009, Rainbow Studios Dave Lowmilller and Karen Muro Waller talked game audio with CRAS students in an after hours special event that drew a packed house. The duo talked about everything from the production process, technical tools they use and shared insight into how they achieve the motor sport racing sounds Rainbow is known for in titles such as MX vs ATV and Cars. They also showed the other side of Rainbow by explaining sound design in the Wii hit Deadly Creatures as well as techniques for capturing weapon sounds. CRAS integrates game audio into its master recording program and graduates have enjoyed success with audio credits on titles from the Modern Warfare, Call of Duty, Halo, and Saints Row series just to name a few.

Legendary audio engineer Eddie Kramer visited CRAS for an event open to the public on September 3rd 2009.  Eddie was warmly welcomed by a packed house of several hundred people for the Waves sponsored event held in the Conservatory’s live sound room.  Eddie told tales of his work with Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and more and also showed off his signature series of plug-ins with the help of Waves product specialist Michael Pearson-Adams.  Eddie generously allocated much time for Q and A, and graciously stayed late for everyone that wanted their albums, t-shirts and even laptop computers autographed.  This event marks the second time Eddie Kramer has visited CRAS.  View photos from this amazing event here.

photo caption: Nickelback is just one of the touring bands employing CRAS grads

Our MRPII grads have done very well for themselves. The list of CRAS attendees below have gone on to their internships and then been hired to work on major tours or with live sound companies.

On Tour
Jeremy White, PA Tech - Aerosmith, Snoop Dogg, Nickelback
Wayne Newton, FOH engineer - Aerosmith, Snoop Dogg, Nickelback
Alex Rotelle, PA Tech - Aerosmith, Snoop Dogg, Nickelback
Nathan Lettus, Crew Chief/V-DOSC engineer - Chicago
Matt Strasser, PA Tech - Chicago
Armando Montalvo, PA Tech - Nickelback

Working at PRG Las Vegas
Adam Parrish - Operations Mgr.
Cory Harrington - Shop Mgr.
Mitch Sorenson - Assistant Shop Mgr.
Marian Mast - Inbound/Outbound Asset Coordinator
Bruce Kilmer - Speaker Quality Control

Congrats to all of you, keep up the good work

Ken Johnson from M-Audio and Jayson Helgeson from Sibelius recently lectured 400 assembled students on advanced features in Pro Tools and Sibelius software.

The Eddie Kramer guest lecture was SRO. Visit the web gallery for a view of what went on before and after the visit.

photo caption: l to r, Waves’ Michael Pearson-Adams and Eddie Kramer

Eddie Kramer, producer/engineer of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Kiss, David Bowie and more, brought the benefit of his deep experience to the Conservatory when he recently lectured students. Eddie is on the road as part of the Waves’ Studio Classic Collection Experience and has visited venues and institutions in 7 states. Visit the web gallery for a view of what went on before and after the visit. The Conservatory has an active guest lecture program that brings audio luminaries to the school to talk to the students covering a variety of audio topics.

caption: l to r, Kathleen Wirt, Paula Salvatore, Candace Stewart and Kirt Hamm (CRAS)

Three of Los Angeles’ top studio managers recently visited the Conservatory to talk to students about studio jobs and life in a big city market. Kathleen Wirt, owner/manager of 4th St. Recording, Candace Stewart, manager of Firehouse Recording Studios and Paula Salvatore Senior Director of Capitol Studios talked to an assembled group of over 400 students and faculty, giving the crowd the benefit of their years at the top of the industry. The Conservatory has hosted an impressive list of guest lecturers including Rupert Neve, EveAnna Manley, Mike Sokol and later this year, engineer Eddie Kramer.

Engineer and Author Dave Hampton and his wife Lisa recently visited the Conservatory as guest lecturers. CRAS students Bryce Meehan and Desiree Garcia interviewed the Hamptons asking questions about their careers in audio and what its like to work as an audio pro in Los Angeles.

 

 Dave and Lisa Hampton Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Martin Atkins is an interesting guy. He’s played with John Lydon’s post-Sex Pistols band, Public Image Ltd (PiL). He’s also drummed for Ministry, Pigface and NIN. Atkins is currently teaching his fourth year at Columbia College in Chicago where he instructs the course “The Business of Touring.” He recently visited the CRAS where students engaged him in a podcast interview and then he later lectured for a larger group. Check out the interview on the CRAS website.

photo caption: (l to r) Kevin Burgin, Rupert Neve (Rupert Neve Designs) and CRAS Director of Education Kevin Becka

When you’re up and coming, no matter what the industry, hearing the voices of experience from the lips of those who came before you is worth its weight in gold. That’s why the Conservatory has regular guest lectures from the best and brightest in audio. The CRAS has hosted Rupert Neve, Eve Ana Manley (Manley Labs), Brad Lunde (Las Vegas Pro Audio), Martin Atkins (Pigface, NIN), Craig Schumacher (TapeOp) and Ed Simeone (TC Electronic) to name a few. The current guest roster planned for 2007 will invite Grammy nominated producer DJ Vudu Spellz and audio legend Bob Heil to the school to talk to students about their experiences in audio, from different generational perspectives.