The Seminar Programme

The key seminar speaker this year will be Jerrold W. Stevens, Principal Consultant PMK Consultants of Dallas Texas.

Mr. Stevens has been involved in PALME’s seminar programme since first being invited to teach in basic sound reinforcement design, including gain structure and equalisation, at PALME Middle East 2006.

“The response was so positive that I was invited to return in 2007,” he said. “And during that show we discussed the possibility of incorporating my classes into PALME India.”

Jerrold Stevens has been a project manager and principal consultant for Pelton Marsh Kinsella, LLC, based in Dallas, TX, since 1980. With an extensive background in the planning and design, project management, installation, and operation of audio systems in various types of performing arts venues, houses of worship, convention and meeting spaces, casinos, and exhibit halls, he is well qualified to share his knowledge with the Indian sub-continent.

The seminars he will be presenting are as follows:
 
Gain Structure and Equalisation
 
Gain structure and equalisation are the final steps in the successful installation of any sound system — but they also are among the most misunderstood processes in the audio world. In this session, Jerrold Stevens will discuss and demonstrate simple, effective ways of getting the most out of a sound system through proper gain structure and effective equalisation.
 
Principles of Arrayed Loudspeakers
 
The ‘line array’ has dominated the loudspeaker market over the last few years spurred by the availability of low-cost, small sized amplification and digital signal processing. But is this really new technology? Do they really do what they claim they can do? How do they work?
 
In this seminar, Jerrold will look at the history of linear arrays of loudspeakers and the physics that make them work. He will then demonstrate these effects and how they can be applied.
 
Constant Voltage Systems
 
Constant-Voltage delivery systems are among the most commonly installed systems in audio. They are found in millions of meeting rooms, restaurants, retail stores and so on. Even high output performance venue systems frequently include some distributed constant voltage sub-systems for lobbies, back of house, etc.

The irony today, believes the speaker, is that few designers really understand what must be done to properly design these systems. “Most simply tap each transformer at its highest tap, add up the wattage for all the loudspeakers on the line, then adjust the desired level at the output of the signal processor or amplifier input. As a result, many of these systems fall short of producing good quality sound. There is a better way!”
 
In this course, Jerrold Stevens will explore the calculations and techniques for designing a constant voltage delivery system that ensures a successful installation. In addition to printed handouts of the material covered, students will receive an Excel spreadsheet to help speed design calculations.

Students are welcome to bring a notebook computer to start getting familiar with the spreadsheet. Attendees who design and/or install these types of systems, and who are familiar with basic audio terminology, will benefit most from this course.