New Online Communities, Tools and Training Aids from Soundcraft and Studer

No matter where you are—on tour, in the studio, at a venue or home—interacting with Harman’s two console companies has never been easier thanks to the recent launch of a range of online facilities and social networking sites. The new tools help you get the best out of your audio system, or for those who haven’t used a console before, how to choose the right one and instant training on how to use it properly.

The new Studer website, www.studer.ch , features whitepapers on Mixing in Surround, Virtual Surround Panning, and how to measure the true quality of sound. A series of tutorial videos can be downloaded explaining and demonstrating operational philosophies of the Vista digital console range. With Studer’s product range now spanning more audio markets, the site also features application-specific areas for broadcast, live sound, theatre, performing arts centres and Houses of Worship, with dedicated news sections and product recommendations.

Soundcraft’s new site, www.soundcraft.com , features a comprehensive selection of tutorials including the acclaimed ‘Guide to Mixing’ available in download booklet form as well as video streams, while white papers provide help for all levels of user; beginners looking to do their first gig on their first mixer, right up to the top pro’s operating tours, shows and studios with the most advanced digital systems. Topics start with how to cable up your mixer, through to Audio Balancing, Matrixes, LCR Panning and VCA Grouping.

The Video Vault contains demonstrations ranging from the Analog MFX family right up to the Si and Vi Series digital, large-format consoles; user testimonials provide an insight as to why engineers love using these consoles.

Soundcraft’s range is very broad and addresses several markets, so a new customer often needs some help in choosing the right product to look for before talking with a representative or dealer. This is where the Product Matrix earns its keep: using a simple drop down menu system, enter the key features you want on your mixer, the type of application, and presto! Out pops a range of options for you to look into in more detail saving people hours of browsing time.

Audio aficionados will also enjoy Soundcraft and Studer’s ‘back catalogues.’ With almost 100 years audio experience between these brands you know there’s going to be a legacy of great products and the good news is they are all there to see and read about in the archives on both sites. Look back at Graham Blyth’s first ever flight-cased Soundcraft Series 1S built in 1974 specifically for the early touring bands, or the legendary Studer J37 eight-track tape machine, which during the 60s and 70s, was essential equipment to be found in most of the world’s top recording studios including Abbey Road, where it was used by Geoff Emerick and George Martin to record The Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper’s.

To help users share information and pick up tips of the trade from one another, Soundcraft has just launched its own fans page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/soundcraft , where fans can also pick up latest news, pictures and information, and also upload their own Soundcraft-related news and photographs. This supplements the existing YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/Soundcraftuk , which already hosts all the chapters of the respected Soundcraft Guide to Mixing.

A new MySpace site, www.myspace.com/soundcraftxx , is another way for users and musicians to get closer to their favourite mixer news and showcase their own bands.