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Author Topic: What is the next big thing  (Read 6289 times)

Tomin Tollefsen

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What is the next big thing
« on: August 07, 2014, 05:47:20 PM »

Most of us is always learning the new technologies, reading up on new products and improving our skills.
So in that regard, what do you think is going to be the next big thing? The technology that everyone should
now in a couple of years, but is ready for nerding about right now?

Digital protocols (avb, etc) and general network technology comes to mind. So do new DSP technology in line array systems.

Any ideas from you guys? And if something does come to mind, what should one read to get a better understanding of that
specific thing? Looking forward to your answers :)
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Scott Holtzman

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2014, 07:15:51 PM »

Most of us is always learning the new technologies, reading up on new products and improving our skills.
So in that regard, what do you think is going to be the next big thing? The technology that everyone should
now in a couple of years, but is ready for nerding about right now?

Digital protocols (avb, etc) and general network technology comes to mind. So do new DSP technology in line array systems.

Any ideas from you guys? And if something does come to mind, what should one read to get a better understanding of that
specific thing? Looking forward to your answers :)

The physics of sound are not going to change.  Digital has brought new technologies into the audio engineering fold.  So yes to be an audio engineer today you need to understand networking, digital interfaces, CODEC's etc.

So my point would be fill in gap in your core knowledge.  Once you have seen enough gear you develop a process for learning new gear.

I am fond of saying it's all the same only different.

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Scott AKA "Skyking" Holtzman

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Tom Bourke

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2014, 07:59:30 PM »

The physics of sound are not going to change.  Digital has brought new technologies into the audio engineering fold.  So yes to be an audio engineer today you need to understand networking, digital interfaces, CODEC's etc.

So my point would be fill in gap in your core knowledge.  Once you have seen enough gear you develop a process for learning new gear.

I am fond of saying it's all the same only different.
I think this whole digital thing is here to stay. ;)
Really Scott hit the nail on the head.  Knowing what needs to be done and why is FAR more important than how its done.  For example, I have been running into many of the most recent consoles.  The new snake systems are very cool, just a cat 5 or some fiber to link the FOH to stage.  I do not need to know how it works, just use what the console manufacture specks for cable and connectors.  What I DO need to know is what a parametric EQ is and how to use it.  Doing corporate I need to know what a mix minus is and why I would use one.  It does not matter what the underlying tech is.  We have needed to do this since the analog only days.
I run into too many techs who know of Dante because they saw it on another show, but they have no clue what an EQ is for.  Learn the basics and develop a way to get up to speed on new consoles, the rest will fall into place as needed.
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duane massey

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2014, 01:34:06 AM »

Inflatable line arrays and solar-powered subwoofers.
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Duane Massey
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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2014, 06:52:40 AM »

Most of us is always learning the new technologies, reading up on new products and improving our skills.
So in that regard, what do you think is going to be the next big thing? The technology that everyone should
now in a couple of years, but is ready for nerding about right now?

Digital protocols (avb, etc) and general network technology comes to mind. So do new DSP technology in line array systems.

Any ideas from you guys? And if something does come to mind, what should one read to get a better understanding of that
specific thing? Looking forward to your answers :)

Bacon flavored condoms?
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Steve M Smith

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2014, 08:07:54 AM »

Live bands playing to audiences, all wearing good quality headphones and a radio receiver.  No FOH speakers at all.

Like all of my brilliant ideas, this has probably already been done.


Steve.
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Andrew Broughton

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2014, 10:22:08 AM »

Live bands playing to audiences, all wearing good quality headphones and a radio receiver.  No FOH speakers at all.

Like all of my brilliant ideas, this has probably already been done.


Steve.
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Hayden J. Nebus

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2014, 10:39:05 AM »

Live bands playing to audiences, all wearing good quality headphones and a radio receiver.  No FOH speakers at all.

Like all of my brilliant ideas, this has probably already been done.


Steve.

Microwave auditory effect. Tinfoil hats for all the techs.
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Chris Eddison

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2014, 12:55:26 PM »

Soon we're going to see a generation of sound engineers who have never cut their teeth on analogue first. I think that's when things will get really interesting! After all, most digital consoles in some way or another try to replicate an analogue console. Part of that is because the signal flow through the channel strip makes sense, but part of that is because of familiarity. Once you start getting a bunch of people designing consoles who don't see or need that link, that's when we may see some new and interesting ideas on the console market.

Helium filled speaker cabinets would be a good call, or quadcopter flying points.
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Tim McCulloch

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2014, 01:25:38 PM »

Soon we're going to see a generation of sound engineers who have never cut their teeth on analogue first. I think that's when things will get really interesting! After all, most digital consoles in some way or another try to replicate an analogue console. Part of that is because the signal flow through the channel strip makes sense, but part of that is because of familiarity. Once you start getting a bunch of people designing consoles who don't see or need that link, that's when we may see some new and interesting ideas on the console market.

Helium filled speaker cabinets would be a good call, or quadcopter flying points.

That day is arriving now.

Over the last 15 months we've had 3 BEs that have never mixed a show on analog.  We were fully booked when a good customer called with another gig, and we nearly sent out the PM4000 and insert rack.  When I mentioned this to the BE (we got an SC48 for him) he told me "we'd have problems then, I use compressors on almost every input, plus I've never mixed a concert on analog."
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Chris Hindle

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2014, 02:50:40 PM »

That day is arriving now.

Over the last 15 months we've had 3 BEs that have never mixed a show on analog.  We were fully booked when a good customer called with another gig, and we nearly sent out the PM4000 and insert rack.  When I mentioned this to the BE (we got an SC48 for him) he told me "we'd have problems then, I use compressors on almost every input, plus I've never mixed a concert on analog."
Say what you will about the "digital kids", you can't tell me you were looking forward to digging that monster out of it's cave and having 5 of your best buds lift it onto the outboard case lids, all ready TO BE PREPPED for use.......  Whose got the case of patch cords....
My back hurts just thinking about it.
I loved it when I got one for a show....... 15 years ago !
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Tim McCulloch

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2014, 02:59:06 PM »

Say what you will about the "digital kids", you can't tell me you were looking forward to digging that monster out of it's cave and having 5 of your best buds lift it onto the outboard case lids, all ready TO BE PREPPED for use.......  Whose got the case of patch cords....
My back hurts just thinking about it.
I loved it when I got one for a show....... 15 years ago !

I'm not complaining about the physical aspect, not at all.  And I wasn't looking forward to troubleshooting the oxidizing insert jacks and other things that can happen in storage.

No box of patch cords, though.  All the interconnects between desk and racks are on multi.

We have since sold off all the insert dynamics, most of the EFX and analog L/R processing.  All that's left are a couple of t.c. electronic pieces, the 4K and a CD player.

FWIW, Clair still has racks of Big Iron MacroTechs and they go out with the old Clari i/o drive and 24 i3.  That's Clair's "budget" rig.
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lindsay Dean

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2014, 02:59:18 PM »

Say what you will about the "digital kids", you can't tell me you were looking forward to digging that monster out of it's cave and having 5 of your best buds lift it onto the outboard case lids, all ready TO BE PREPPED for use.......  Whose got the case of patch cords....
My back hurts just thinking about it.
I loved it when I got one for a show....... 15 years ago !

Heres one for the genius crowd, develop
auditory nerve stimulator tranmitter.
with controlled area coverage.
no amps, cabs, cxovers, just a mixing desk.....cool
 and i get royalties for thinking of it ......YES
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Debbie Dunkley

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2014, 05:04:15 PM »

I know…. a shock collar for loud guitar players !!!…I couldn't help myself !!
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John Roberts {JR}

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2014, 06:09:43 PM »

I don't know...

JR
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Hayden J. Nebus

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #15 on: August 08, 2014, 10:46:49 PM »

twitter powered tweeters
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Tim Halligan

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #16 on: August 08, 2014, 11:19:04 PM »

Something like a portable Faraday Cage that will render all mobile devices inoperative whilst in the venue.

Then the kids will have to *gasp* actually watch the show with their own eyes...

...and will end the glut of awful sounding, wobbly videos that are currently filling up youtube.

</curmudgeon>

Cheers,
Tim
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Steve M Smith

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #17 on: August 09, 2014, 02:58:47 AM »

Something like a portable Faraday Cage that will render all mobile devices inoperative whilst in the venue.

Just modify one of these:



And crush them at the door.


Steve.
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John Heinz

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #18 on: August 09, 2014, 09:13:53 AM »

Fiber replaces copper on the small signal side of things. All it will take is a company like Neutrix to develop an XLR like connector, along the lines of Fibercon and Belden to make a fiber cable with 2 conductors for phantom power and an entertainment use jacket. Will also need an industry agreed standard for digital control of preamps. What we end up with is microphones and direct boxes that use fiber to feed consoles. On the PA drive of things, self powered speaker enclosures with control and signal on 1 connector. All the technology already exists, just needs a few industry specific standards to solidify the chain.

John Heinz,
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Ivan Beaver

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #19 on: August 09, 2014, 09:53:30 AM »

Will also need an industry agreed standard for digital control of preamps.
Like that's gonna happen.

In remember a couple of decades ago, there was an AES meeting in which there was a discussion about standardization of audio "stuff".

Things like dbu vs dbv, 2.83V vs 1 watt and so forth.

It was brought up that the industry really didn't need to worry-because when it changed to digital-there would be just one standard and everything would interface flawlessly.

YEAH RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!  It is waayyy worse now.

It is a nice idea hoping people would agree on a standard-but the nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from :)
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John Roberts {JR}

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #20 on: August 09, 2014, 10:01:37 AM »

Fiber replaces copper on the small signal side of things. All it will take is a company like Neutrix to develop an XLR like connector, along the lines of Fibercon and Belden to make a fiber cable with 2 conductors for phantom power and an entertainment use jacket. Will also need an industry agreed standard for digital control of preamps. What we end up with is microphones and direct boxes that use fiber to feed consoles. On the PA drive of things, self powered speaker enclosures with control and signal on 1 connector. All the technology already exists, just needs a few industry specific standards to solidify the chain.

John Heinz,
Concert Quality
Fiber is like so last century....  8)

JR
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John Roberts {JR}

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #21 on: August 09, 2014, 10:25:11 AM »

Like that's gonna happen.

In remember a couple of decades ago, there was an AES meeting in which there was a discussion about standardization of audio "stuff".

Things like dbu vs dbv, 2.83V vs 1 watt and so forth.

It was brought up that the industry really didn't need to worry-because when it changed to digital-there would be just one standard and everything would interface flawlessly.

YEAH RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!  It is waayyy worse now.

It is a nice idea hoping people would agree on a standard-but the nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from :)
I recall attending meetings about control/interface standards at an NSCA show IIRC about 20 years ago. How did that turn out?

Controlling a mic preamp is relatively easy lifting but where is the incentive for competing manufacturers to agree on standards? Even something with obvious industry benefit like standardizing definitions for corrective speaker EQ remains unaccomplished.

Probably like midi any standard will come from a manufacturer or a group of manufacturers acting unilaterally to promote their arbitrary standard to the industry. Such standards usually create winners and losers so the losers will not go quietly into the night.

JR

PS: I have lots of ideas but no clue about what the customers will embrace.
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Kyle Van Sandt

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #22 on: August 09, 2014, 01:19:56 PM »

If you look at the lighting industry it took years for everyone to move to DMX.  It stuck... and now they just are starting to switch to a standard Ethernet protocol after years of squabbles on that front.  Hopefully we will do the same... but it also feels like every time you turn around there is a new protocol... so the speed of inovation either needs to slow or we need to get out in front of it.  Its one of the reasons our place still has and will continue to have coppers splits and FOH runs. 
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Stephen Swaffer

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Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #23 on: August 09, 2014, 10:23:38 PM »

Perhaps the reason is the example of Bill Gates and Microsoft.  A fortune was made and they stayed in the drivers seat as long as the "standard" kept evolving.  As soon as they built a reasonably stable and solid platform-XP-the customers took control.  If your forte' is designing protocols why would you want to solve the problem? There will always be a "better" way to do it tomorrow.
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Steve Swaffer

ProSoundWeb Community

Re: What is the next big thing
« Reply #23 on: August 09, 2014, 10:23:38 PM »


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