Training

	SynAudCon Digital
	August 18-20, 2010 Salt Palace Convention Center - Salt Lake City, UT

Who Should Attend?

This course is for those already conversant in analog practices and techniques. This 3 day course is for experienced audio people who can say "I've procrastinated long enough. It's time to learn this stuff!"

Suggested Prerequisite
Level 100 Online Course - Principles of Audio

Supplies Needed: a notebook PC with a network interface card

Seminar Description

A revolution is taking place in the audio world.

Sound systems of all sizes are now likely to contain one or more digital audio components. An increasing number of systems are digital from input to output. While digital audio is not new, it has been slow to replace tried-and-true analog methods. But, the revolution is gaining momentum. The modern sound system practitioner must add digital audio to their repertoire of understanding and skills.

Digital audio has long promised to clear the confusion that has always surrounded audio. It has not made good on this promise. A myriad of methods and topologies have emerged to create a confusing landscape for the audio practitioner.

SynAudCon Digital is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to digital audio, digital signal processing and digital audio networks. It will dramatically shorten the learning curve for understanding everything from data formats to networked audio systems.

The emphasis of SynAudCon Digital is on the practical. The course is comprehensive in scope, but just as important each topic is treated with a consistent and appropriate level of detail.

Day Three is spent constructing a local area network, and each attendee must bring a notebook PC with a network interface card for the exercises.

What You Will Learn

The Digital Audio Signal - The principles of converting analog signals into a bit stream are the basis for understanding all digital audio data formats. But what sample rate is high enough, and what bit depth is deep enough?

Digital Audio Formats - The bit stream can be packaged into many formats for transport. These include consumer formats such as S/PDIF and professional formats such as AES3. Additional formats include FireWire, ADAT, USB audio, and MADI. Learn the nuances of each, including how to select the appropriate format for a given application.

Data Compression - In many cases parts of the digital bit stream can be discarded, improving the efficiency of processing and transporting digital signals. Lossy and lossless compression schemes are contrasted.

Digital Signal Processing - Part of the magic of digital audio is the ability to manipulate the signal in ways not possible with analog processors. Learn the difference between fixed and floating point processing, and FIR vs. IIR filter topologies. We also present some simple, practical ways to compare DSP boxes that will help you sort through the myriad of offerings in the audio marketplace.

Instrumentation and Troubleshooting - The tools-of-the-trade for analog audio are not adequate for digital audio. A new class of instruments has emerged to aid in troubleshooting digital audio systems and networks. Throughout the course we will demonstrate the use of practical instrumentation for examining the digital signal path. This will include hand-held digital testers and software tools.

Digital Audio Networks - Networks have dramatically changed the way that signals are delivered to different parts of a venue. Several network types have emerged, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Learn the differences between them, along with how to select one based on the current and future requirements of the sound system.

Ethernet - Ethernet and its associated hardware is finding its way into all types of audio gear. A confusing landscape of compatibility has emerged. Learn concepts that are applicable to your office network as well as your audio network, and how both can be combined into a single network.

Proprietary Networks - The proliferation of Ethernet has produced low-cost hardware and cables that can be purchased almost anywhere. Some manufacturers are taking advantage of this by utilizing Ethernet connectors and cabling in their products. We will also examine some of these "non-Ethernet" uses of Ethernet interconnects

Special Events:

Another great educational opportunity for attendees: Immediately following class on Thursday, August 19th (at 5pm) we will be taking a 1.5 to 2 hour technical tour of Utah's State Capitol Building. Much of the installation was done by Poll Sound, who will lead the tour.

Tour Details: The audio, video, control, and broadcast infrastructure systems at the Utah State Capitol Building were recently upgraded. The venues include Legislative Committee and Caucus Rooms, Legislative Chambers, presentation rooms, board rooms, and the master control room. Systems include audio, video, control systems, recording, broadcast origination, transport, control, and distribution, RF distribution, audio and video streaming, and voting systems. Systems can be combined at will for larger functions.

Audio signals are transported throughout the building via CobraNet and AES-EBU. Video signals are HD-SDI. We will tour several of the rooms, their associated rack rooms, as well as master control.

Hotel and Travel Information

We have sleeping room blocks at the following hotel.

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel
Room Block: Synergetic Audio Concepts
Room Block Release on July 7, 2010
Pricing and additional details>>
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Joining SynAudCon makes you a Member of our Community. Our Community is the foundation of our synergetic philosophy and a valuable asset to your ongoing audio education.

Great troubleshooting techniques presented…

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SynAudCon Digital Seminar is approved for Continuing Education Units (CEU's)

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Seminar FAQs >>

I am scheduling a flight, what are the class times?

The class starts at 8:30 am and ends at 5:00 pm each day. The doors to the classroom are open at 8:00 am. Typically we do not end early on the last day.

What does the seminar fee include:

The fee includes the instruction from a superb instructor, class materials (full color manual, support CD, and certificate of completion), beverage service, and lunch. You are responsible for your breakfast, dinner, and overnight accommodations.