News: Sensaphonics

First AES hearing-related conference set for June 20-22 in Chicago.

(Chicago, IL, April 11, 2012) The Audio Engineering  Society (AES) has confirmed that registration is now open for its 47th  International Conference on Music-Induced Hearing Disorders,  which will take place at Columbia College in downtown Chicago, June  20-22, 2012. The conference presents  expert knowledge from audio engineers, academic researchers, medical  experts and cutting-edge manufacturers, with a total of 18 papers being  presented over two days.

“The conference is a great opportunity for people to learn a wide array of perspectives  on hearing health in the music industry,” says Michael Santucci,  conference Chair and President  of Sensaphonics Hearing Conservsation, one of the conference sponsors.  “We have several presenters coming in from Europe, along with experts  from several U.S. universities and manufacturers. This is a great  opportunity for AES members to gain critical knowledge  on the issue of hearing health in the music industry, and to network  with the leading experts in the field.”

The papers being presented span a wide range of topics  relevant to the music industry, including measurement techniques for  in-ear monitors and portable music device, new research in measurement  and diagnosis of hearing problems, and new hearing  health products. In addition to the papers being presented, the  conference will also have trade show booths from its platinum sponsors.

Full program details and secure online registration are now available at www.aes.org/conferences/47. Costs for the AES 47^th International Conference on Music Induced Hearing Disorders are $600  for AES members,  $700 for non-members, and $300 for students, and includes conference  attendance, premium on-site catering (two light breakfasts, two lunches,  one full dinner) and related social events. Hotel room blocks at  attractive rates have been reserved for conference  attendees at two nearby downtown Chicago hotels. Attendees are  encouraged to reserve their spot early to ensure availability.

3D Active Ambient IEM System lets artist hear his guitar amp acoustically while protecting his hearing.

(Chicago IL, February 15, 2012) With a long and eclectic  solo career, guitarist Adrian Belew is well known for his willingness  to embrace technology for the sake of art. A recent  addition to his arsenal is the Sensaphonics 3D Active Ambient IEM  System, which uses an earphone-mounted binaural microphone system to  capture stage sound and add it to the monitor mix.

“The thing I love about the 3D is that you can  introduce as much of the ambient sound as you want,” Belew notes. “I  played around with it in my home studio and then again at rehearsals,  and it worked beautifully.  I dialed up the volume just  enough that I could hear my amp coming off the stage. It really works  so much better than regular in-ears; it sounds much more like what I’m  used to hearing. I couldn’t be happier.”

Having acoustic access to his on-stage amp sound puts  Belew in a very natural listening space, an important consideration for  someone renowned for his manipulation of tone along with extraordinary  technique. The value of that ability became  very clear on his first touring experience with the Sensaphonics 3D,  last autumn’s “Two of a Perfect Trio” tour, which featured the Adrian  Belew Power Trio along with Tony Levin’s three-man band, Stick Men.

“As a guitarist, what can you not like about it? I can  have as much or as little guitar, or as much or as little of the band  as I like,” he says. “With the 3D, I hear everything perfectly. I’m  really excited about it.”

Belew is a long-time user of custom IEMs, which he  originally adopted for the benefits of isolation. “First of all, I find  that in-ears truly make you sing a lot better. Even though I’ve never  had pitch problems singing, the big issue you  encounter in a rock band is trying to sing over top of the band,” he  explains. “It’s just hard on your voice, and it’ll wear it out if you’re  not careful. With in-ears, you don’t have to push so hard. That’s  really important if you play a lot – which I do.  This last tour had runs of seven shows in a row without a night off,  and this is the only way to get through it without my voice going out on  me.”

Another factor driving Belew’s use of in-ear monitors  is hearing protection. “On this last tour, I had two drummers onstage  with me during the encore set, when we played some King Crimson songs.  Things like cymbals and snare drums are just  so loud, and I’m very concerned about that stuff,” he notes. “With the  3D, I can hear everything they play perfectly, but I don’t have to hear  it loud. It was just right.”

American Academy of Audiology Foundation and Sensaphonics team up to support music and hearing research initiatives.

One-of-a-kind signed guitars and other unique music memorabilia from Dave Matthews, Coldplay, and other artists will be available for bidding during Auction 4 Audiology, a benefit fundraiser of the American Academy of Audiology Foundation (AAAF).  Proceeds from the sale of these musical items support a cause that’s especially relevant to the music industry: musicians’ hearing health. Hearing is the gift that makes music possible, yet shockingly little hearing research has focused on the unique world of musicians.  The Auction 4 Audiology will be open for online bidding from March 28-April 9.

Among the items music fans can click and bid on are Fender electric guitars signed by Jewel; Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead; O.A.R.; REO and Styx; and Steve Winwood, plus a growing assortment of other autographed items. The collection is highlighted by three particularly rare pieces: a framed Coldplay gold record, signed by the band; a Zildjian cymbal signed by the Dave Matthews Band; and a one-of-a-kind Martin acoustic guitar with hand-drawn artwork by Dave Matthews. Matthews, whose artwork graces the cover of the band’s latest studio album, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, is a big believer in hearing conservation. The chance to own a piece of his original art on a beautiful Martin guitar is a phenomenal opportunity. These one-of-a-kind items can be viewed online at www.biddingforgood.com/auction4audiology

This exclusive cache of memorabilia was collected and donated by AAAF board member and doctor of audiology, Michael Santucci. Dr. Santucci is president and founder of Sensaphonics, makers of custom in-ear monitors for hundreds of top touring musicians and a company dedicated to the preservation of hearing.

“These items all come from artists who understand the importance of hearing health,” Santucci states. “Once they became aware of the cause, they were happy to sign an item for us. We are excited to have their support in advancing the state of research into musicians’ hearing.”

Musicians know that one of their most valuable instruments is their hearing; just ask any rocker who experiences serious hearing loss due to long term high decibel exposure.   Visit Auction 4 Audiology to support this worthy cause!