Description

What is stereo? Why and how do we hear with spatial acuity? How can we realistically capture and reproduce the stereo soundfield with just two microphones and two loudspeakers? These are but a few of the questions discussed in this in-depth seminar. The session begins with a discussion and demonstration of how the human ear-brain hearing system works. This is followed by a historical overview of the development stereophonic recording. The main body of the session presents a comprehensive analysis of the various common stereophonic microphone configurations, and concludes with numerous recorded examples for evaluation and comparison of the techniques discussed.

About the Speaker

With "The Music Always Comes First!" as his lifelong motto, Ron Streicher began his career in music, first as a pianist, percussionist, and choral conductor, and presently as an audio consultant and recording engineer specializing in live performances. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music (composition and theory) from UCLA, and then a Master of Arts in Communications Arts from Loyola University in Los Angeles.

His interest in recording developed while serving as a volunteer for the music department of a public radio station in LA; that avocation subsequently evolved into his career. His many projects for public radio include sound design and production of numerous radio plays, national broadcasts of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the California Chamber Symphony, the Monday Evening Concert series, and several other Southern California chamber music series. His work has been heard over National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting System networks.

Among the many record companies for which Ron has worked are Angel, Brio, CMS Desto, CRI, Discovery, Koch International, Omega Record Classics, RCA, Pilz, Protone, and SAZ Records. Recording projects have taken him as far afield as Karachi, Shanghai, and twice to Moscow to record the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra.

Ron was a member of the engineering staff and faculty of the Audio Recording Institute of the Aspen Music Festival and School from 1988 through 2005; from 1995, he also served as Audio Production Manager for the Music Festival. Prior to Aspen, Ron designed and supervised concert sound reinforcement for the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Opera productions at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia, where he was the audio consultant for eleven years

His book, The New Stereo Soundbook (initially co-authored with F. Alton Everest in 1992) is now in its third edition. It has gained recognition throughout the world as a standard reference on the subject of stereophonic perception and recording and reproduction techniques.

A Fellow and Life Member of the Audio Engineering Society, Ron served as AES President in 2003/4 and remains actively involved with its educational activities. He has given numerous presentations to AES Sections throughout the world. In recognition of his long-term service to the Society, Ron was awarded the AES Bronze Medal in 1995.

Address

IL4 Town Hall
Apple R&D Campus
4, Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA, 95014 USA

Directions

click here for a map

From the East Bay - Take 880 to 237 west. Exit on Mathilda Ave. north. Turn right on the
frontage road and then left onto Bordeaux Drive. The meeting is in the auditorium.

From the Peninsula - Take 101 to 237 east. Exit on Mathilda Ave. north. Turn right on the
frontage road and then left onto Bordeaux Drive. The meeting is in the auditorium.