From our experience with previous classes, we have learned that sometimes problems occur when attendees are trying to utilize our files during the seminar. As such, we've developed some basic guidelines that will enable you (and your computer) to get the most our of the class.

PLEASE call or email us if you have any questions. We are interested in making this the best learning experience possible. Our past attendees have been pleased and enlightened by the seminar content and presentation.

These guidelines may change slightly with each class. You will receive an e-mail prior to each seminar that detail out any changes.

THIS IS IMPORTANT! One of the following software applications is required for the class:

SIA Acoustic Tools v 4.1.2.0 or higher (note: this is NOT SmaartLive - a demo can be found here)

EASERA 1.0 or higher (note: a demo can be found at www.easera.com)

Praxis 2.48 or higher (full working demo at www.libinst.com)

Praxis will also be distributed with the class materials, as it is small, fast and stable. The demo version allows post-processing without restrictions in function, and without expiration. It makes an excellent "2nd opinion" to the other applications.

Note: the Designers Seminar is not a training course on a specific software platform. We teach the concepts that are common to all of them. You should spend time to familiarize yourself with the application of your choice before the seminar.

Once you have your software installed, make sure that you can download and open this wave file:

http://www.synaudcon.com/irexch/files/IR_tp1.zip

Download and unzip the WAV file to a directory of your choice. This is the basic data file structure that we will use in the seminar. All of the approved software platforms can open this file. If you can open this file, you should be able to open any of the test data files that we distribute on the course CD.

Another program that we will use extensively in the seminar is GratisVolver. This is a freeware program that will be distributed on the course CD. If you want to download it and get acquainted in advance, here is the link:

http://www.catt.se/download_area.htm (note the Gratisvolver download link at the top of the page.)

THIS IS IMPORTANT! You should bring along a pair of stereo ear buds or headphones to listen to your sound card output and to listen to our wireless personal listening system. I use the earbuds packaged with the Apple iPod, but many others will also work. Make sure the plug is 3.5 mm. Impedance should be 30 ohms or higher.

You will need to be able to perform simple edits of WAV files during the seminar. A wave editor is required for this. Almost any one will do. I will be using the freeware Audacity for most of the examples.

You can download that at:

audacity.sourceforge.net

You can get a demo version of Sound Forge at:

www.sonymediasoftware.com/products/soundforgefamily.asp

If you are using something other than these programs, you should familiarize yourself with resampling and file truncating in advance.

Syn-Aud-Con Audio Click-Rule

This is a newly-released program from Syn-Aud-Con that will be distributed on the course materials CD that you will receive on the first day of the seminar. To run this program your computer must have Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 installed, available at no charge from the link. If you install this in advance, it will greatly facilitate the installation of the Audio Click-Rule.

Prediction Software

We will also be demonstrating prediction software in the seminar to illustrate the theory and streamline the system design process. The room models themselves will be generated in Google Sketchup. While not mandatory, you may want to download the free version in advance to follow along. The Sketchup models can be exported for use in room prediction software. The class examples will utilize CATT-Acoustic and EASE. A demo version of CATT-Acoustic is available from www.catt.se. It is not mandatory for the seminar. The principles taught in the class are fully applicable to any prediction software.

Some prep time spent in pre-installing the software prerequisites will ensure that you get the most from the seminar.

Synergetic Audio Concepts, 8780 Rufing Road, Greenville, IN 47124 - ph: 812-923-0174
This page, and all the contents, are Copyright (C) 2008 by Synergetic Audio Concepts, Inc. Greenville, IN USA