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Home , Black Label Society, Flying High Again, Gus G, Jack Joseph Puig, Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai

CE PRO special report: HIGH-PERFORMANCE AUDIO HITS ITS STRIDE INTEGRATORS ‘TALK THE TALK’ ABOUT HIGH-END AUDIO TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND.

WHEN SOCIOLOGISTS DISCOVER long-lost enclaves of primitive humans deep in the Amazon rain forest, there is remarkable common thread in every instance: ey dance and create music. Whether they are sing- ing or using rudimentary percussion instruments, the discoveries prove that there is a very deep instinctual need or emotion within all humans for music. ey have never heard Beethoven, e Beatles, Sinatra or Beyonce, but they still desire music. It’s that instinctual need that integrators are into when they respond to their clients’ musical desires. is special report from CE Pro delves into high-performance music from several di erent angles to help you communicate the power of music. First, we have an interesting Q&A with noted rock that will give you perspective on how musi- cians (and younger generations) might feel about audio performance. Next, Grammy-winning producer Jack Joseph Puig discusses analog vs. digital and o ers up a great demo playlist. In the third section, CE Pro asked three inte- grators to spec audio systems across three broad ranges: digital audio only, home theater audio and ultra-expensive audio. Check it out and let us know what you would change. Finally, we look at vibration isolation equipment, a new add-on product category for your vinyl enthusiast clients.

www.cepro.com JANUARY 2013 CE Pro 53

C1301 pp53 Audio cover.indd 53 12/12/12 2:19 PM audio focus Zakk Wylde Q&a Guitarist Zakk Wylde goes wild Famed heavy metal guitarist Zakk Wylde talks about the state of music, recording technology, equipment and .

by robert archer

Zakk Wylde, former n the late an Ozzy Osbourne guitar unknown musician named player and founding member of Black Label Zakk Wylde stepped into Society, has a long-time the daunting position as relationship with Ozzy Osbourne’s new guitar Guitars, owners of player. Proving that he was Onkyo and Integra. i up to the task of following legendary musicians such as It seems like and heavy metal pelin. I was asked, ‘Why aren’t you doing and , Wylde helped revive are popular once again. How is it that in a stuff like that’ and I would say, ‘I have to Osbourne’s career during the early and world of Maroon 5 and Justin Bieber, acts do stuff I like.’ mid 1990s with like “No More like Slayer, , and musi- Tears” and “Ozzmosis.” cians like yourself are so popular? There are some that view you as the last of Outside of his work with the iconic ▷▷ That’s the way it’s always been. Zep- a great line of guitar heroes that includes Osbourne, Wylde also found time to pelin and Sabbath have never been on the musicians like Hendrix, , Alex form a band called Pride & Glory and radio. You had Elvis, the boy bands, then Lifeson, Eddie , Randy Rhoads later . Since the turn you had New Kids [On The Block], nSync and . Why do you think that of the century, Wylde has made movie and of course . If you want to today’s radio-based has de- and television appearances and written break it down, The Beatles were the first emphasized guitar-based songs and solos? books while cementing his reputation boy band. Even when the Stones broke ▷▷ Back in the 1980s each month you as one of rock music’s best musicians. they had Mick as the handsome one. But had guitar heroes in the magazines… Recently the -born guitar today the music scene is the same, it’s just Randy [Rhoads], Eddie [Van Halen], player announced his latest project: an dressed up differently. It is what it is. You [Steve] Vai, [Joe] Satriani. You could put educational series of DVDs designed to had guitar heroes back then too. them on the cover of a magazine because help new and intermediate guitar players Rock bands [will always be popular] they were so good. Without a doubt improve their skills and their knowledge too. A band like Slayer or Sabbath will though, when the game of music. Just before his appearance at pack the Garden. Maroon 5 is awesome. came out it was good for guitar. Because the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, there’s noth- of that game you’ll get the new Eddie, Vegas this past October, Wylde shared ing wrong with those acts either. People Randy, Jimmy Page. his thoughts on the state of rock music, should be playing what they love. Back It’s the evolution of music. Put Dime the music industry in general and why when I started out Bon Jovi was huge and [ of and Damage- he decided to introduce an instructional where I’m from [New Jersey] they were plan] in there too as another great player. DVD package. important, but I liked Sabbath and Zep- Father King [ of Slayer], the big

54 CE Pro january 2013 www.cepro.com

C1301 pp54-55 Audio-Wylde Q&A.indd 54 12/12/12 2:21 PM four—Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer his tone and his writing had changed, but tional set of videos help beginner and are also great players. Look… if you want to it was awesome anyway. intermediate guitar players? say guys like Kirk Hammett, and I are It’s crazy how guys will change their ▷▷ It will help beginners and intermedi- the older guys, that is fine. I just go about setup. I used my JCM800s [Marshall ate players. If Eddie or Randy were to put my business. I see it at the … the Amplifiers] on the first Ozzy I one of these out when I was starting out it up-and-coming bands like DragonForce are played on “No Rest for the Wicked” would have been great. From beginner to good guitar players. Even the bands from and then on the “Pride and Glory” stuff. immediate, you’ll learn how to play Black the grunge era wrote great songs. It doesn’t Now [I still use it] on every Black Label Label songs. I’ll play them at a snail’s pace matter that there’s no blazing [Al] Di Meola record. I would also use HiWatt speakers and I’ll show you at faster paces, I’ll show goes wild because those were good songs. because the bottom end stayed tight. My you the scales; I’ll show you all the angles guitar is a Les Paul with EMGs [pick- of the songs. Did being Ozzy’s guitar player and per- ups]. It’s clean and tight. I have what I forming songs like “” and “Mr want; it’s a simple setup. In addition to the technical aspects of gui- Crowley” help your songwriting skills tar playing, you also cover topics such as once you founded Black Label Society? When you record are you concerned with gear. Why do you think it is important for ▷▷ I am a St. Rhoads disciple, and the way the quality differences between low bit new players to learn about equipment? he wrote those songs is like constructing rate digital files, CDs and vinyl, and have ▷▷ I remember when I first started play- solos and writing songs within songs. To you looked at releasing Black Label’s ing, I went into the studio with Ozzy and me that’s Randy’s legacy. His legacy is his records as 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution we worked with Roy Thomas Baker who composition skills that stand aside from the digital audio files? has worked with people like technique and licks he gave us. At the end ▷▷ The record company will say ‘Zakk, [we and Queen. I was intimidated and I won- of the day it’s what he wrote. No matter if are recording in high resolution audio files] dered how Brian May got all those awe- it’s me, Jake [E Lee] or Gus [G] [Ozzy’s for- like the 5.1 surround mixes.’ That’s what some guitar tones. I was learning though, mer and present guitar players respectively] they want, so they will come out with it. I’m and there’s an art to it with mic’ing tech- playing those songs. sure everyone will be doing it at some point. niques and EQ [equalization]. In the When you look at those songs, I could If it sounds great and the quality is great, instructional video I go through my pedal play Randy’s solos and you would recognize they will do it, . Music will always board, and how we mic up my guitar cabi- the song just by me playing the solos. You be evolving. It’s always moving onward and nets. I show people; here’s what I use and would know “,” “Revela- upward to whatever is better. here’s how I get those sounds. tion Mother Earth” or “Crazy Train.” That’s what makes it fun. It’s like when “The record company will say ‘Zakk, [we are you are painting and you have a choice of recording in high resolution audio files] like colors. When you play music, the scales, the 5.1 surround mixes.’ that’s what they want, modes and keys are your colors. It’s the so they will come out with it. I’m sure everyone same thing when you are a fan of guitar will be doing it at some point.” players too. Every player is different.

Black Label albums are sonically repre- What type of music do you listen to for Now that Gibson has a majority stake sentative of your live sound, as well as relaxation and do you listen when at home? in the consumer electronics company your signature Gibson guitars and Mar- ▷▷ I listen to everything from Sarah Onkyo, could you ever see yourself cross shall amplifiers. Do you have a home McClachlan to Ministry, The Allman promoting Black Label Society and Gib- studio that you record all the Black Label Brothers, it depends… to chill I’ll listen son at a consumer electronics tradeshow albums in, and do you employ the same to Marvin Gaye. I listen to everything. like CES where you demonstrate your recording methods to ensure the consis- I’ll listen to Christopher Parkenen [a recordings to audiophiles via Onkyo’s tency of your tone and the sound of Black player], or product line? Label’s records? because I’m a guitar player. In the truck I ▷▷ If it’s something I use, why wouldn’t I ▷▷ I use the same gear live as I do in the have Sirius radio and I’ll turn on the new go and endorse it? I use Epiphone guitars, studio. I know tone chasers and there’s wave station to listen to the Psychedelic Gibson guitars and Dunlop effects. If I am nothing wrong with trying different Furs. I think everyone listens to different using a product, why wouldn’t I show up things, but there’s a limit. Being a mas- stuff. I can remember that Ozzy would lis- and promote it? I would do that with any- sive Jimmy Page fan I can listen to the first ten to Peter Gabriel or The Beatles to get thing, if I were to wear skates for the show, Zeppelin record and his guitar was more away from what he does. why wouldn’t I endorse the skates I use on distorted than the other albums. By the stage (he says jokingly)? CE Pro fourth record it was cleaner. By the time You are releasing a multi-disc guitar he was doing “Presence” the evolution of instruction video set. How will this instruc- @ZakkWyldebLS, @ gibsonguitar

www.cepro.com january 2013 CE Pro 55

C1301 pp54-55 Audio-Wylde Q&A.indd 55 12/12/12 2:21 PM AUDIO FOCUS 3 SYSTEMS

Systems that Represent CONSUMER3 DIVERSITY Three top integrators recommend theoretical systems coast. President Andy Himmer is a music enthusiast at heart and it is his passion for that showcase two-channel, digital solutions and music that helps him to relate to music fans’ multichannel theater systems at a range of price current plight of trying to balance cost, per- formance and a variety of technologies. To points. BY ROBERT ARCHER achieve this balance Himmer says his goal is to o er something that is easy to use and OR YEARS IT SEEMED In addition, the dealers were told to address sounds good without exceeding any sort of that in the mythical audio the typical budget, performance and user- budget considerations the client may have. sandbox, two-channel friendliness considerations to allow these In his showroom clients are introduced to a audio and multichan- solutions to easily transfer from the world variety of products and systems that cover a nel home theater couldn’t of make-believe and into reality. range of price points and applications. coexist. Two-channel guys Following the basic guidelines of cost, F didn’t like the concept AFFORDABLE DIGITAL AUDIO SYS- performance and versatility, Himmer says of 5.1, 7.1 and other incarnations or the TEM INCORPORATES VERSATILITY he often chooses to use manufacturers like means it took to produce music and movie Audio Video Experience is a full service Peachtree, Sonos, Music Hall and Revel content in a surround format. In turn, some electronics sales and installation company because their products deliver the perfor- home theater people viewed two-channel located on the scenic New Hampshire sea- mance homeowners want without sacri cing audio as an antiquated solution that wasn’t complementary to the idea of enhancing the movie-watching experience. Over the past couple of years however, the matura- tion of digital audio technologies, including digital les, portable devices and new hard- ware products have facilitated a symbiotic relationship between the two parties.  is newly formed relationship couldn’t have come at a better time either. Music sales for the rst time in years are grow- ing and factions within the music industry are even looking at expanding the array of products they o er with options like better access to high-resolution audio les. Best of all, professionals in the eld are now nding that most consumers are no lon- ger exclusively wed to particular formats. EQUIPMENT LIST Now with consumers demanding sys- ▶ Peachtree Audio Decco 65 integrated amplifier tems that can play analog, digital and home MSRP: Range from $899 to $999 theater content, dealers are designing sys- ▶ Sonos Connect MSRP: $499 tems that combine state-of-the-art tech- ▶ Revel M12 bookshelf loudspeakers MSRP: $698 ▶ Music Hall MMF-5.1 turntable MSRP: $875 nologies and convenience. We asked three ▶ Music Hall PA 1.2 phono preamplifier MSRP: $175 of the top dealers in the custom electron- ▶ Total estimated system cost with ics industry to recommend three theoretical no installation labor: $3,100 systems that incorporate these technologies.

56 CE Pro JANUARY 2013 www.cepro.com

C1301 pp56,58,60 Audio-3 systems.indd 56 12/12/12 2:27 PM Voted Most Likely To Exceed...

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C1301 ppxx Speakercraft.indd 1 12/12/12 9:54 AM audio focus 3 systems

user friendliness or versatility for price points. hard drives, additional RAM and Amarra’s doesn’t require a processor or AC power— “Traditionally, I don’t hear anyone say- music player software. Showing his exper- room acoustics. The best electronics in the ing they enjoy digital music. This solution tise, Clemens also specifies acoustical world can’t overcome a poorly designed works with digital and analog technologies design, dedicated power outlets, Harmon- room,” he points out. “The Harmonic and it isn’t a surround sound system … its ic Resolution rack components and power Resolution Systems MXR Audio Stand is intention is to play music and it plays music filtration into the system to ensure that the while giving it some of that traditional ana- system performs to its fullest capabilities. equiPmeNt list log warmth back,” he points out. “As far as “Surprisingly, there is one element of ▶ Customized Apple Mac Mini computer the output of the Peachtree amp, it’s 65 watts an ultimate, computer-based system that preloaded with Amarra software at 8 ohms so it’s got enough power to drive a MSRP: $2,866.10 nice pair of bookshelves or even floorstand- ▶ 4 Audio Research Reference 750 mono- block amplifiers MSRP: $140,000 ing speakers. We’ve had nice demonstra- ▶ Audio Research Reference DAC tions with this amp matched with the Revel MSRP $16,000 M12s. We do also demonstrate it with some ▶ Harmonic Resolution HRS Reference Peachtree speakers and Wharfedale Dia- Level MXR Audio Stand with Reference mond 10.1 speakers.” Level M3X Isolation Base System at Summing up the capabilities of his sys- each component MSRP: $27,990 tem recommendation, Himmer says the ▶ 4 Harmonic Resolution Systems Cus- Peachtree, Sonos, Music Hall and Revel tom M3X-1523-ARC750 MSRP: $11,180 gear provide everything a music fan would ▶ 4 Harmonic Resolution Systems M3X- want from a system now and later as their 1419 MSRP: $8,200 as their expectations evolve. ▶ Kinetics Home Acoustics TAD and Versa- Tune absorbers and diffusers (covering “Most people today use streaming ser- 35 percent to 40 percent of room’s vices or PC connections to their entertain- surface area) MSRP: $18,500 ment systems. This is just a nice solution that ▶ Kinetics Home Acoustics Room within can be completed with a Macbook or PC,” a Room Isolation, with 225 IsoMax clips he explains. “It also addresses the scenario in (walls), three rolls RIM floating floor, 102 which people who own older receivers come WaveHangers (ceiling) MSRP: $6,125 in and say they miss vinyl, so this system is ▶ Other World Computing 4TB RAID 1 a way to reintroduce vinyl into their lives. storage MSRP: $1,100 In addition, they can listen to their digital ▶ Seagate BlackArmor NAS 440 4TB library. This also provides the convenience MSRP: $1,199 of Sonos and fulfills their appetite for a vari- ▶ Transparent Audio Opus MM 1 meter balanced cable MSRP: $20,000 ety of music. It really touches a number of ▶ 2 Transparent Audio Opus MM 25-foot consumer concerns: it’s affordable, it sounds balanced cables MSRP: $58,520 great and it’s small enough that people with- ▶ 2 Transparent Audio Opus MM2 8-foot out a lot of room don’t have to worry about speaker cables MSRP: $69,470 fitting the system into a room.” ▶ 7 Transparent Audio PowerIsolator MM2 MSRP: $29,365 No-Holds-Barred digital audio ▶ 7 Transparent Audio PowerLink MM 2 system Produces NirvaNa meter cables MSRP: $14,700 When it comes to designing the ultimate ▶ Transparent Audio Performance 2-me- audio system, North Carolina-based Audio ter USB cable MSRP: $115 Advice has few peers in the electronics ▶ 7 Transparent Audio Hubbell 5362 hospital-grade outlets MSRP: $280 industry. ▶ 1 (pair)Wilson Audio Alexandria X-2 Dustin Clemens, system designer for Series 2 loudspeakers MSRP: $174,000 Audio Advice, is one of the industry’s ▶ 2 Wilson Audio Thor’s Hammer sub- leading authorities on digital audio and woofers MSRP: $46,980 he points out that part of his design rep- ▶ Wilson Audio Subwoofer Controller resents what Audio Advice can do when MSRP: $3,800 asked to engineer a flagship digital audio ▶ Total estimated cost with no system. Clemens’ design includes a Mac installation labor: $650,390 Mini that it has hot-rodded with solid state

58 ce Pro jANUARy 2013 www.cepro.com

C1301 pp56,58,60 Audio-3 systems.indd 58 12/12/12 2:25 PM C1301 ppxx Niles.indd 1 12/12/12 10:15 AM AUDIO FOCUS 3 SYSTEMS

designed to provide a very low noise oor to the audio system allowing the-high performance electronics to perform at full potential.” As for the system’s main components Clemens employs two of the most respect- ed manufacturers in consumer electron- ics: Audio Research and Wilson Audio. “I chose the new Audio Research Refer- ence DAC for the quality of the digital- to-analog converter and the simplicity of its design. I have found that keeping the signal path shorter is rarely a bad thing and the Ref DAC includes an excellent analog domain preampli er. It will hand o to several of Audio Research’s Reference 750 ampli ers powering a proven speaker array from Wilson Audio,” he explains. “ ough the Wilson Alexandrias are not lacking bass response, I’ve chosen to increase their bass extension and dynamic capability with a pair of the company’s Thor’s Hammer subwoofers. The room was designed using the ‘golden ratio’ and is really the most important component of the system,” he adds. audio and video quality with user friendli- EQUIPMENT LIST ness, and the opportunity to grow the sys- ▶ Sharp LC-60LE845U 65-inch 1080P MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM tem as technology changes. “ e Savant 240Hz 3D HDTV MSRP: $2,000 DELIVERS FAMILY FUN package gives them [homeowners] cool ▶ Sanus LL11 Super Slim Wall Mount Bracket MSRP: $130 The suburban-based company control plus it can be built on for other ▶ KEF T Series T305 5.1 Home Theater Advanced Communications Technologies areas of the house,” says Diggin. System MSRP: $2,200 LLC (ACT) is one of the most success- Using components that are familiar to ▶ Sanus CRF-2115 Equipment Rack ful electronics installation companies in everyone, Diggin chose to utilize prod- MSRP: $580 the country for good reason: Partners Paul ucts from Sharp Electronics, Sanus, Pan- ▶ Integra DTR-40.4 AV Receiver Diggin and Keith Bartholomeu divide and amax, Savant and KEF. Using Integra’s MSRP: $1,200 conquer the many responsibilities of own- new DTR-40.4 A/V receiver as the heart ▶ Panamax M4315-PRO Program- ing and operating a vibrant small business of the system, this receiver can manage mable Power Management with in an erratic economy. analog and digital sources, which could BlueBolt MSRP: $650 Bartholomeu’s expertise lies in his include cable/satellite boxes, gaming con- ▶ Savant Express Package 1 (Smart 7 understanding of analog and digital tech- soles and Blu-ray disc players, as well as Controller, SVR-4100 Host Controller and Select Remote) MSRP: $3,000 nologies and his diverse training allows streaming content from a home network ▶ Speaker wire and Interconnects him to excel in everything from home and streaming services like Pandora, Spo- MSRP: $300 theater, to networking and automation. tify and Rhapsody. ▶ Customer-provided gaming console Diggin draws from his corporate business Building upon the system’s fundamen- and network access background, as well as his side job as vocal- tal A/V o erings, Diggin also notes that ▶ Total estimated cost with ist for a Boston-area rock band. through the power of the Savant system no installation labor: $10,060 The Gen X duo knows something homeowners can expand their control about the convergence of analog and digi- capabilities whenever they desire. More- consumption to save energy costs.  e Pan- tal technologies and the role that new over, through the inclusion of the Panamax amax unit also provides power protection technologies play in this new age of home M4315-Pro power management product, and line  ltration to help plugged-in com- entertainment. Diggin says that once a users can remotely manage their systems’ ponents last longer and run better. CE Pro budget has been established it is important power in the event of a power failure and to design a solution that incorporates good monitor their plugged-in devices’ energy @ce_pro, #hometheater

60 CE Pro JANUARY 2013 www.cepro.com

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C1301 ppxx Russound.indd 1 12/10/12 10:37 AM audio focus Jack Joseph puig Q&a Professional Audio Q&A: Jack Joseph puig The Grammy-winning producer sounds off on what it takes to make a hit and details his mission to

improve the sound Jack Joseph Puig, a Grammy- winning producer, has worked with quality of consumer acts as diverse as , Faith Hill and Mary J. Blige. Puig’s latest project audio products. with Waves Audio focuses on the ability of consumer electronics by robert archer devices to faithfully reproduce recorded music. ack Joseph puig is one of the most sought after engineers and pro- ducers in the recording industry. The Grammy J winner’s diverse list of high. Anyone can go to a store and go back I heard the Stones’ version it didn’t have the credits includes rock bands like The Roll- to any kind of space and create some impres- same level of emotion. What ended up hap- ing Stones, U2, Lady Gaga and . sive stuff. Those demos may be a basis to start pening is that I took certain elements of the Puig’s latest venture as the director of with and they can record on top of them to track Mick made in his kitchen and fused creative innovation for the professional create a finalized product. Sometimes people them with the Stones’ version. audio company Waves Audio bridges the will come in with a guitar or and sing, gap between the pro audio world and con- and create it on the spot with no schematics. How is a producer’s role different than a sumer electronics. Puig recently chatted The creative process starts right there. mixing engineer? with CE Pro about handling artists, record- Sometimes they only have a piece of an idea. ▷▷ The producer has the responsibility ing their music and the collaborative effort Maybe they only have a verse or and of everything. He is concerned with the between Waves Audio, Dell and Skullcandy extrapolate what they have and create some- music, the artist’s emotional makeup, the to improve consumer audio devices. To read thing remarkable. That can start from an choice of songs, arrangements, who plays the full interview, go to CEPro.com. instrument or idea. I had an artist once come on the songs, the budget, convincing the in and couldn’t think of what to do … it was label, artist, studio to something a cer- How does the music creation process start; [a member of the Bangles]. tain way. He has to have vision. It’s a big does the artist or group walk in with song We sat down and had a few cups of coffee. responsibility. It’s like a film director. ideas/concepts and walk through them She says she had been on the phone with her The engineer is focused on the sound, with the producer? brother and she said he is the king of trag- that’s his job. The producer has to be ▷▷ The process starts in a lot of ways only edy, and I said there’s a song. We talked for responsible for everything from getting because it is predicated on art. Art is not 35 minutes and I took notes. We recorded a from A to Z. Nobody knows how it’s objective, it is subjective. Sometimes, there song later that day called ‘King of Tragedy.’ going, but the producer is behind the is a clear demo created prior to the record- When I was working with the Rolling scenes keeping it going. ing transpiring. That demo is what a demo Stones, Mick [Jagger] came in with a demo is … it is a demonstration. With the insane he created in his kitchen. The demo was fan- Can you explain what compression, EQ amount of digital tools that are now available, tastic. It was called ‘Streets of Love’ and it and reverb are and how you use them? people’s ability to make a demo as a good sounded like Mick when he was 17. It was ▷▷ Compression, there are different kinds. sketch of what a song should be like is fairly amazing … it made me want to cry. When Compression can be used to make some-

62 CE Pro january 2013 www.cepro.com

C1301 pp62-64 Audio-Puig Q&A.indd 62 12/12/12 2:30 PM thing loud. That means the average level not smart. If I work with a rock band or jazz When you make music how cognizant of and RMS level are increased and the peak band, I may use some analog elements, but if playback mediums like the iPhone, iPad level is decreased. This is a large part of what I make a dance record and the record is going and other formats like vinyl and CDs, are people don’t like about modern recordings. to be played in a club and it needs that thump, you, and do these formats have any influ- The dynamics are a large part of what moves digital is the best. Analog has a warmth and ence on the music production process? you through music. If the loudness is on 10 depth that digital doesn’t have, digital doesn’t ▷▷ I think one of the aspects we can’t control all the time then there’s no journey. There’s have it yet, but digital will get there. 100 percent is the playback systems of those Jack Joseph puig another kind of compression and this is my favorite tool. This type of compression has an attack and release. The attack is when it grabs A Pro’s Playlist: Jack Joseph Puig’s the audio and manipulates it. The release is how long it holds onto the manipulation of Music Demo Material the compressor and how quick it lets it go When Jack Joseph puig assesses a new piece of audio equipment, he considers back into its original state. the emotional connection to music just as much as traditional elements such as frequency reproduction and dynamics. That’s why, in order to evaluate a compo- “The midrange is nent, he employs a diverse playlist that not only reveals his preferences as a music where the heart and lover, but also incorporates technical diversity. soul of music live. “My playlist is big on variety and it includes a number of popular recordings,” It’s where you feel he says. “some of the recordings are compressed, some are not; some were made the real emotion that with old gear and some were with new gear. This list represents new and old tech- someone is trying to nologies, as well as older and newer recording eras.” convey with an Below, a sampling of the playlist with brief explanations behind each selection. To view the playlist in its entirety visit CEPro.com: instrument or voice …” ▷ , “Steppin’ Out”: it’s a real fun song; the spirit of the song is What is important about what I said happy and musical and i want to see if i can get that from a system. is that this compression has a time con- ▷ Outkast,“Prototype” : Bass! This song has a great and it has a great stant to it. There is a time where you have bottom end. it’s nice to test bass with. it also has an incredible vocal sound a slight millisecond and that can go all the that’s nice to judge spatial sound elements with. way up to five seconds. That time constant ▷ , “Changes”: i like to use this record to check midrange; i want to is my favorite thing because I can change hear that vintage era midrange. how something feels. I can make it hit you ▷ Fifty Cent, “N Da Club”: This has a rocking, punchy bottom end and if it in the face or I can make it soft. To me, doesn’t have it on a system then something is wrong. it’s an amazing tool because I can change ▷ Katy Perry, “Last Friday Night”: This is to see what a modern pop record feels the way the music feels. You can make the like/sounds like; it has a very simple sonic curve. same argument with EQ and I believe that, ▷ Michael Jackson, “Rock with You”: This is a pristine recording, and i use this but compression used properly has a lot to hear what a pristine recording sounds like on a system. more sound capability to it. ▷ Stereophonic, “Maybe Tomorrow”: This is a record that i mixed and i know Reverb is a visual element. It paints a what it sounds like. picture. Is it in a small room, big room, ▷ Earth Wind and Fire, “September”: This is a really good recording in terms of tiled room? Is the room hard surfaces or is midrange and top end; it also has pristine vocal sounds. if the upper midrange it in a stadium? It gives you a visual com- is wrong you will know it right away. ponent. The EQ paints the color of the ▷ NEO, “Champagne Life”: This is a song i use for bottom end. it has a big semi- room and the compression paints where distorted synth bass that many systems can’t reproduce. you are in the room. ▷ , “Lovely Day”: This is a classic R&B record, and on this song it is Those tools put together properly make important to check for that emotion. you see, feel and hear that sound. ▷ Rolling Stones, “Miss You”: This is classic 1970s-sounding Rolling stones. clear top end and it should feel fun! Can you explain the differences between ▷ Spoon, “You Ever”: This is a modern rock record. Very punchy and good stereo analog and digital recordings and are there spread to listen for. cases when you use both technologies? ▷ ,“Eyes Without a Face”: This is another classic 1980s record. it has a ▷▷ Analog is like anything. Art is a synthesis limited bandwidth, but it is a record lots of have heard in many environments. of its prior works. We are affected by every- Makes it easy to know how it should feel. it is not necessarily about hi-Fi, it is thing that’s happened in our life. To ignore more about how the emotion translates. analog, or to choose either digital or analog is

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C1301 pp62-64 Audio-Puig Q&A.indd 63 12/13/12 11:10 AM audio focus Jack Joseph puig Q&a

systems. We want to fix devices at their core. weren’t made for music. These devices are ▷▷ Skullcandy is loved by the upcoming When I am mixing records I definitely communications devices [smartphones] and generation, what Fisher, McIntosh and JBL think of those formats. A properly balanced music is a form of communication. Some mean to Boomers, Skullcandy means the record works in all those formats. If the mid- companies have developed aftermarket same thing to this generation. They don’t range and balance is right it will work in all products [that] they claim offer a better lis- know what Fisher or Scott is, so it is all those formats. Balance helps your ability to tening experience with these devices. about getting into the consciousness of the relate to the music and it’s why you can feel What I don’t care about is that these after- young consumer. Once I have them, that is the music when listening to it regardless of market devices are Band-Aids. The idea of a where Skullcandy comes in. I can say, ‘let me whether you are listening with ear buds or headphone or amp fixing things is not right. show you using Waves’ technology and the on a big stereo … you can feel the thump. Waves has many tools — high levels of IP ear of a professional.’ Why not have a lap- I listen to music on headphones, small and our resources — that are pro technol- top with quality subwoofers and transduc- speakers, big speakers, in the car, at home, ogy we employ into the consumer world. ers and a great amp and DSPs that can fix to make sure it is properly balanced. I want We are not manipulating highs and lows— the compromises of listening to music on a to have something that can play back on a it’s more complex than that. If we can make computer. Then when they open that laptop lot of systems. laptops, handheld devices and other prod- and play iTunes or Pandora they can have the ucts that produce high-level audio, then any listening experience they should have. Why Can you explain your work with the audio device could sound good and we wouldn’t should you cheat the customer? I don’t want software company Waves, the computer be beholden to any set of speakers or head- to create some EQ curve with exaggerated company Dell and Skullcandy? phones. That is the end game. speakers. I keep harping on the midrange ▷▷ The most important thing to me, and and it’s why some manufacturers leave out why I am working with Waves, comes down What makes your work with Waves, Dell and the midrange. It’s why only some types of to one reason: I would love to see the devices Skullcandy different than what some of the music sound good on those products. CE Pro we use to consume music work better with other mobile device/computer companies music. It’s not the fault of the devices, they are doing for upgraded sound options? @ce_pro, @jackjosephpuig, @audiophiles1

64 CE Pro january 2013 www.cepro.com

C1301 pp62-64 Audio-Puig Q&A.indd 64 12/12/12 2:30 PM NON-METALLIC • FOR CLASS 2 LOW VOLTAGE WIRING MOUNTING BRACKETS ADJUSTABLE DEPTH FOR WALL FINISHES UP TO 1-1/2"

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C1301 ppxx Arlington2.indd 1 11/28/12 4:51 PM audio focus sound vibration isolation

upselling Sound Vibration Isolation to HigH-End CliEnts

he re-emergence of For integrators selling high-end audio systems to analog-based audio and two-channel music brings audiophiles, explaining vibration isolation can open upselling opportunities for up a potential upsell opportunity for turntables, CE pros catering to audio- T philes, who are constantly tube electronics or CD players. by Jim mcmahon seeking improvements to their systems: better turntable cartridges, tone arms, fur- nishings, etc. Because of the impact exter- nal vibrations play in the sound quality produced by turntables, tube amps and even CD players within high-end audio systems, there’s also a chance for integra- tors to talk about — and familiarize them- selves with — vibration isolation. Vibration isolation in the playback The vibration isolation platforms from Minus process is crucial. Any external vibration, K Technology are ideal for turntables, CD no matter how slight, even someone walk- transports and other sensitive audio compo- nents, and start at $2,640. ing near the turntable or vibration from pumps and elevators are just some of the floor-mounted speakers, is sensed by the mechanical devices that create vibration. turntable’s stylus and affects the sound Depending on how far away the audio sys- onance to it that makes the sound more being played back from the record. Capac- tem is from these vibration sources, and appealing to them. Others, particularly itors, resistors, transistors and other elec- where in the structure the audio system those engaged in audio restoration or archi- tronic components are likewise sensitive is located, whether on the third floor or val work, want to experience sound as the to vibration. in the basement, for example, will deter- mastering or recording engineer intended With recorded discs, sound waveforms mine how strongly the sound quality will it, without further coloration.” are captured in the disc grooves with be influenced. microscopic undulations. The turntable’s “People who care about sound qual- EntEr nEgativE- cartridge and stylus trace these minute ity — such as audiophiles, musicians StiffnESS iSolatorS wave forms, play them back with very sen- and recording engineers — can have very “Most manufacturers of high-end turn- sitive low voltages and convert them into strong, subjective preferences about what tables recognize that external vibration is an audio signal. This is how the sound cap- constitutes good sound,” says Eric Jacobs, a problem, and will go to great lengths to tured in the record grooves is reproduced president of The Audio Archive, which minimize it in their turntable designs,” says — but this process is extremely sensitive provides consulting and audio transfer ser- Jacobs. “Quality turntables, for example, to movement. vices to digitize, restore and preserve sound are built with superb platter bearings to Vibrations in the range of 2Hz to recordings from a wide array of current and minimize rumble. … They often incorpo- 20,000Hz will influence the sound repro- obsolete analog media formats. rate high-mass platters that are designed to duction in audio systems. Vibration within “Some people like resonances in their increase speed stability and reduce flutter. this range can be caused by a multitude system that emphasize particular frequen- They might use exotic materials to dampen of factors. Every structure is transmitting cies, so they will insist, for example, that vibrations without deadening the sound. noise. Within the home or building itself, their equipment must rest on a maple Tone arms have their own set of vibration the heating and ventilation system, fans, wood support because it has a certain res- and resonance characteristics which manu-

66 CE Pro january 2013 www.cepro.com

C1301 pp66-67 Audio-Vibration Iso.indd 66 12/12/12 2:32 PM facturers attempt to isolate from the audi- of audio fidelity. The company employs “Negative-stiffness isolators work with ble frequencies through geometry, localized a completely mechanical concept in low- audio systems in two ways,” says Jacobs. vibration isolation and damping. Turntable frequency vibration isolation. Where air “One, they cancel out large vibrations, designers go through this elaborate process isolation systems deliver limited isolation what we refer to as footfall. If a turntable to try and eliminate vibration throughout vertically and very little isolation horizon- is set up on anything other than a concrete the entire turntable playback structure.” tally, negative-stiffness isolators have the slab floor or other large inert mass, then High-end turntables are also sometimes flexibility of custom tailoring resonant fre- every time someone walks in the vicinity factory-equipped with built-in vibration iso- quencies vertically to 0.5Hz, and horizon- of the turntable, the vibrations from their lation supporting the entire unit. But for the tally to 1.5Hz (with some products as low footsteps are transmitted through the floor majority of turntables that are manufactured as 0.5Hz horizontally). to the support stand and into the turnta- without factory-installed vibration isolation, third-party air-based vibration isolators have “with negative-stiffness isolators there become a popular accessory. These systems is a sense of harmonic rightness.” typically have a vibrating power pump to supply air, with a tank that holds the pres- —eric jacobs, president, the audio archive surized air and delivers steady pressure to the isolator. The noisy pump is usually located Vertical-motion isolation is provided by ble, and finally show up in the recording. outside of the room that has the audio equip- a stiff spring that supports a weight load, People will literally tiptoe around their ment, and the air hoses are run over to the combined with a negative-stiffness mecha- audio playback systems, but the playback tank and isolating platform. nism. The net vertical stiffness is made very process is so sensitive that it will still pick “Air systems are usually a less-than- low without affecting the static load-sup- up footsteps in the hallways or rooms some optimal setup,” explains Jacobs. “They do porting capability of the spring. Beam-col- distance away. And two, the negative-stiff- achieve some isolation, but we have found umns connected in series with the vertical- ness isolators block out building vibrations that like most of the mechanical audio- motion isolator provide horizontal-motion in the higher audible frequencies.” phile vibration isolation devices, they pro- isolation. A beam-column behaves as a Transmissibility of negative-stiffness vide limited isolation performance. They spring combined with a negative-stiffness isolators is also improved compared to do isolate some — usually in one dimen- mechanism. The result is a compact pas- active vibration isolation systems. Also sion (vertically) with limited horizontal sive isolator capable of very low vertical known as electronic force cancellation, isolation — but they do not isolate to the and horizontal natural frequencies and very active isolation uses electronics to sense the extent that is really needed at very low reso- high internal structural frequencies. motion, and then adds forces electronically nance frequencies.” “What is very advantageous about neg- to effectively cancel out or prevent it. Some Several years ago, The Audio Archive ative-stiffness isolators is that they achieve active systems can start isolating as low as began an extensive search for better vibra- a high level of isolation in multiple direc- 0.7Hz. But active systems have a limited tion isolation systems to facilitate the tions,” Jacobs says. “Not just vertically, dynamic range that is easy to exceed, caus- sound reproduction services that it pro- which is very important for audio systems ing the isolator to go into positive feed- vides to its clients, which include some of to isolate against footfall, but also in all back and generate noise. Although active the world’s leading archives, libraries and horizontal directions. The horizontal direc- isolation systems have fundamentally no record labels. tion is often overlooked because horizontal resonance, their transmissibility does not “Having thoroughly tested systems building vibrations that are transmitted to roll off as fast as negative-stiffness isolators. available to the audio market and gener- the turntable are less obvious.” “And then there is the sound, which ally been unsatisfied, we then looked out- is what really matters most to our clients,” side of the audio world and conducted an imProvEmEntS in says Jacobs. “With negative-stiffness isola- in-depth search of industrial vibration iso- tranSmiSSibility tors there is a sense of harmonic rightness. lation systems,” says Jacobs. “We learned Vibration transmissibility with negative- Instruments sound much more like real about negative-stiffness vibration isolation, stiffness isolators is substantially improved instruments, and voices sound like they are which was being used to eliminate vibra- over air systems, which can make vibration in a real acoustic space, with real air around tions in ultra-sensitive atomic force micro- isolation problems worse since they have a them. The ability to ‘see’ clearly into the scopes, and in nanotechnology labs where resonant frequency that can match that of entire three-dimensional soundstage is great- objects are literally built one molecule at a floor vibrations. Transmissibility is a mea- ly enhanced. Improvements in rhythm and time. As we learned more about negative- sure of the vibrations that are transmitted pace are captivating. Negative-stiffness isola- stiffness isolators, the more interesting it through the isolator relative to the input tors truly represent a significant advance in seemed for audio vibration isolation.” vibrations. The negative-stiffness isolators, sound quality for high-end audio.” CE Pro Developed and patented by Minus K when adjusted to 0.5Hz, achieve 93 per- Technology, negative-stiffness isolators cent isolation efficiency at 2Hz; 99 percent Jim mcmahon writes about technology provide a unique capability to the field at 5Hz; and 99.7 percent at 10Hz. innovation for Zebra communications.

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