Lab.gruppen is pleased to be sponsoring a brand new training initiative aimed at individuals working in audiovisual, IT and professional audio markets. The AV Audio Academy is an eight-part course starting on the 24th of September 2009 at Teddington Studios near London and will run one day a fortnight over sixteen weeks. Course materials include everything from acoustics, loudspeakers, microphones, processing and mixers. It also covers the design issues with sound – drawings and documentation, noise levels etc. – and concludes with a section on the latest technology including digital audio networks.
The course was conceived and developed by a brand new company called AvitaS, a group of seasoned audio professionals who came together with the specific aim of offering essential training in audio systems for all interested parties, but especially those already in full-time employment.
“Over the past few years we have seen that technical professionals have almost no opportunities to expand their skills,” noted one of AvitaS’s founder members, Roland Hemming. “This course is unique in that it is not a product-driven seminar. It takes a system-based approach, looking at what you are trying to achieve and giving you the understanding to then specify and use the right product for that situation.”
A recent survey published by InfoCOMM listed audio as a key part of the business for the majority of AV companies, yet the survey also found that the majority lacked both the technical skills or understanding of the audio market. This course seeks to address that issue, to enable AV and IT personnel to be far more confident when dealing with sound systems and issues related to sound.
James Eade, another course founder and technical editor for pro audio magazine Lighting & Sound International, agrees. “We expect attendees to leave the course with the confidence to specify sound systems for a wide variety of applications,” he said. “It is intended to be directly useful to your business.”
However, the course would not be possible without industry support, and Lab.gruppen is proud to be number amongst the sponsors of such a forward-thinking initiative. “Advancing the education of individuals and companies working in and around the AV industry is vital to the future of the business,” commented Tim Chapman, Head of Marketing for Lab.gruppen. “In these difficult times efficiency of operation is paramount. Knowledge and understanding of good technical practice can greatly aid this goal, and a properly structured, accessible training course is one of the best ways in which to achieve it.”
Co-sponsors of the event include AV Magazine, COMS, Soundcraft, Sennheiser UK and ASL. InfoComm has confirmed it is to provide accreditation for the AV Audio Academy. Attendees of the course will receive 48 Renewal Units (RUs) towards their CTS certifications.