INNOVATOR PROFILES
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KATHARINE MURPHY KHULUSI Job title Director of loudspeaker development Company Meyer Sound
How did you get into AV? I graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in electrical engineering and a minor in music recording. While there, I worked for the student-run performance venues on campus as an audio tech. That, coupled with my minor, showed me there were tons of careers that I wasn’t even aware of in audio! What are you currently working on? We have a few different things cooking in the lab! As a company, we are always looking ahead and listening to the needs of the market while prioritising technological innovations. We want to continue to solve problems in unique ways, following in the footsteps of our recent successes in the live sound market with Panther and the 2100-LFC. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing the versatility of the Ultra-X80 applied in the field early in 2025! Favourite project? My favourite project I have worked on was our large format line array Panther. This was during the pandemic, and I put my heart and soul into that development (so did our entire company, and it was really a shining moment for us). I have been able to see Panther at different concerts and festivals around the world over the past few years, and it still makes me emotional when I think about what we were able to accomplish – even before we could gather and experience live events together again. What does the future hold for the AV industry? I believe that the AV industry is going to continue to get creative and scale up, while also releasing technologically advanced products that do even more with less. We have seen some of the biggest artists this year break attendance records with scaled-up lighting, visuals and audio to match – while others sell out every venue they go to with just them on the stage. I foresee our industry matching that duality. Sometimes, there will be no budget and the technology itself is a work of art. On other occasions, the brief is to disappear into the background while increasing performance. As improved materials, AI, simulation tools, as well as modern manufacturing methods become increasingly accessible, the sky really is the limit. I believe we will see better products and productions coming out every year – whether they are big and bold or simple and understated.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech? I have three big pieces of advice to give. First, find the line between saying yes to everything and vocally advocating for yourself. Walk it daily. This industry rewards those who go above and beyond, yet needs change makers to come in and make waves, otherwise things will get stagnant. Second, find a mentor! Be open and creative when you are thinking about who in your sphere can help you take on different skills and ways of solving problems. They might not be in the places you would think to look. Third, things are getting more diverse and inclusive, but there’s still a long way to go. Look for ways to continue to change things for the better.
designed with sustainability in mind to help keep our world a pleasant place to live. Additionally, each project should deliver an emotional impact, enhance comfort and contribute to users’ wellbeing. I also think that ease of use and intuitive installation will be essential, making systems more accessible and efficient for everyone involved in the project. What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech? Passion is essential, and it should be directed towards the service of clients and users. In professional life, nothing brings me more joy than hearing clients praise our products. We don’t work for our own pleasure alone – we also work to satisfy clients and create solutions that will bring them the ultimate emotional experience.
Success isn’t about achieving the most advanced or complex tech; it’s about creating
I believe we will see better products and productions coming out every year – whether they are big and bold
a solution that resonates with the market”
or simple and understated”
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