John Kowalski Wisycom Inc Vice president, sales & marketing
Tell us about how you ended up working in the audio space. My first job in audio was at a 24-track studio and video production house. Once I was hired, the boss told me that out of 20+ candidates, I was the only one who called to ask if I was in the running for the job. I only rang because I was heading out of town for three Grateful Dead shows. So, with thanks to the Grateful Dead, I got my start in audio. What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone hoping to start out in audio? 95% of your success will depend on you showing up, communicating well and learning to listen. Toughest professional challenge you’ve faced? The pandemic was horrific and the effects to our world will remain forever.
What is your most essential piece of kit? GoMacro organic protein bars. THANKS TO THE GRATEFUL DEAD, I GOT MY START What audio technologies are you excited about for the future? On a personal level, the resurgence of vinyl. On a professional level, the development of technologies that continue to make Wisycom wireless products the number one choice in live, broadcast and production sound markets.
Rolf Martens Jigsaw24 Media Audio presales consultant
Tell us about how you ended up working in the audio space. My interest was sparked by music and films! I watched the movie Shine about the pianist David Helfgott, and it was the start of a lifelong interest in sound and music. I started playing guitar in a band, and eventually went on to study at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles – but even then, I preferred the technical side. So, I got a computer and started learning about the recording process – the equipment you need, the technical side of sound design and creating a unique sound – and it turned out I enjoyed that more than playing! As I got stuck into becoming a sound engineer, I realised that post-production was the direction I wanted to take my career, especially as I have an interest in films, too. What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone hoping to start out in audio? Have a good understanding of the physics, acoustics and theory behind audio. Knowing software allows you to be an operator, but grasping audio history, physics, acoustics and how
sound engineering has developed from analogue to now helps you see the bigger picture. You understand why things are done the way they are. That scope of knowledge helps you comprehend the context and sets you apart from others in the industry. Having knowledge that goes beyond the software is one of the reasons I can do the job I do. I’m not the best public speaker – and as a sound engineer, you have to get out of your shell and direct sessions and mixes. You need to make people comfortable from a technical and human standpoint. Being the person mediating between the client and the talent can be hard when there are big personalities in the room, and it’s a skill I’ve had to work on. I’ve learnt to get outside my comfort zone until it has become second nature. Toughest professional challenge you’ve overcome? What is your most essential piece of kit? In my career I’ve worked as an audio mixer and sound operator, and now I design solutions for post-production studios.
These days, my computer is my most essential piece of kit. Even as a sound engineer, I do everything with my PC. Each job is different, so it’s hard to pinpoint a piece of kit I can’t live without since it varies in each studio. Software such as Ableton Live and Pro Tools are indispensable – especially as sound is a hobby for me, as well as a job. I’m excited to see how immersive audio develops – Dolby Atmos has cemented itself as the standard, with more studios upgrading their set-ups. I’m interested to see how the tech develops in music and film. We’ve already seen this with Apple Music and Tidal – lots of spatial mixes of old and new records, which affirms the adoption of the format. With sound as a hobby, it’s the What audio technologies are you excited about for the future? convergence of analogue and digital synths. The two are coming together to create the best of both. I know lots of people look for a hobby that’s not part of their day job, but I love exploring audio and figuring out how I can use new kit and tools – they’re like toys for me!
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