Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1515063
C I N E M A A U D I O S O C I E T Y. O R G 67 Considerations Part II In Part I, findings relative to console preference, multitrack bussing, microphone preamps, and analog-to-digital converters were shared. In Part II, we'll be looking at mitigating technology failures, audio latency considerations, and scoring mixer strategies for upgrading their own personal equipment. Part I provides greater information on the background of this study and is available on the CAS website under the "Publications" tab (in the Winter 2024 issue of the CAS Quarterly). For greater detail than just the excerpts presented in these two articles, my full dissertation is also available here: h t t p s : / / w w w . p r o q u e s t . c o m / o p e n v i e w / d597a037f1a5e460d362c79b3967a674/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gsch olar&cbl=18750&diss=y Findings As a recap, this section begins with an overview of the findings in general and is guided by the following research question: What are the perceptions of sound mixers regarding the critical needs and considerations for mitigating technology obsolescence related to audio equipment, quality, latency, and life span? In general, there were eight main findings related to the perceptions of scoring mixers as explained in Table 1. The first three findings were presented in the Winter 2024 CAS Quarterly. Findings four, five, and seven are presented in this article. Finding 4: Technology Failures Typically Fall Into Four Categories, and Mitigating Technology Failures Involves Holding Sufficient Spares Inventory and Dedicated Physical Maintenance. The study revealed several findings of interest to the researcher about the respondents' view of technology failures on a scoring stage during a recording session. Technology failures typically fall into the following four categories: (a) console, (b) microphones, (c) connectivity (cables), and (d) digital audio workstation (DAW recorder). Mitigating technology failures involves holding sufficient spares inventory and dedicated physical maintenance. In addition to the types of technology failures, the study also revealed that failures are commonplace and expected, and that failures can be reduced and mitigated, but never completely eliminated. Scoring mixers are acutely aware that failures happen in nearly every recording session. With the financial cost of the musicians on the stage, including all the support staff supporting the Analog technology is the preferred technology (over entirely digital) for the audio console in a score tracking session. Multitrack bussing is no longer required, but stem separation is required and wider than any previous time in the history of music recording. There are two brands of microphone preamplifiers and one brand of analog to digital converters that were mentioned as "preferred" more often than most other brands mentioned. Technology failures typically fall into four categories, and mitigating technology failures involves holding sufficient spares inventory and dedicated physical maintenance. Audio latency is critical for certain elements of the recording process. The choice of recording sample rate is based on a combination of audio fidelity and workflow impact. All of the mixers interviewed had a point of view and strategy regarding their own personal equipment upgrades and repairs. Automation is not a critical consideration during the recording phase of score production. Audio Equipment Quality Latency Audio Equipment Audio Equipment Life Span Audio Equipment Quality Quality Life Span Latency Audio Equipment Quality Audio Equipment Life Span Findings Description Related to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Table 1: Findings