The Cool Thing About Standards Is There Are So Many Of Them
Since I’ve started working on the Strip my attention has turned from keeping up with what was new in the industry and rather focused on keeping up with what was new (to me) in my gig. In a previous live we were always some of the first to experiment with new technology. Amp control systems, control surfaces, digital signal distribution and DSP processing were some of the areas in which we blazed trails in the last couple of decades. If it was a new gadget, we were into it. If we could hook it up to a computer, we were really into it. Especially if we could do it wirelessly. This wasn’t merely for tinkering, though that part was enjoyable, we crafted real world solutions to better help serve our clients.
Over the last two decades the industry has been working diligently to advance technology in ways that help us deliver better end results. Just look at what the control surface revolution has done to regional and touring operators. It’s been a shift not seen since the days when Jim Gamble brought us the Tycobrahe console and later the Gamble EX series of high end analog consoles. Much like the mad scientist on the mountain Jim is still at it today with the digitally controlled analog DCX series but not quite able to reach critical mass with the new product. To be fair, Gamble chose to build custom, one off consoles for a unique clientele. Not everyone wants to be Toyota Motors. Some people want to be Tesla Motors. The advent and adoption of the current crop of surfaces has left a remarkable imprint in the industry in a relatively short time. Could this also lead to other like shifts in areas such a signal distribution and processing? With some exceptions we are still largely an analogy copper interface with digital bits and pieces about the chain. The promise, or threat of an all digital signal chain has been something that many in the industry have been pushing for nearly two decades now. How long until end to end digital is standard in most every portable system? When will then be now? Soon?
The bottom line in all this technology is that it has to serve a purpose beyond being uber geek cool. It has to take into account existing work flows so the learning curve is minimal and the impact of the upgrade or replacement cost cycle is able to be justified. The issue I have is that over the years the marketing wonks have been selling the premise of the technology without taking into acccount one very important point. The application. so keep that in mind gang. We have to use this new stuff to solve problems, provide solutions and ultimately make money.
Got something cool at AES you want me to see? Drop me a line and let me know.