The Great British Recording Studios documents the history of the major British studios of the 1960s and 1970s where many of the most important recordings of all time were made. The first comprehensive account of British recording studios to be published, it was authored by Howard Massey with the co-operation of the APRS (Association of Professional Recording Services), and carriesa foreword by APRS President, Sir George Martin CBE.
Published by Hal Leonard Books, The Great British Recording Studios surveys the era’s most significant British studios (including Abbey Road, Olympic, and Trident), with complete descriptions of each studio’s facilities and layout, along with listings of equipment and key personnel. It also details its best-known technical innovations and carries a discography of the major recordings made there.
Combining narrative text with behind-the-scenes anecdotes from record producers and a wealth of photographs (many never published before), the book is meticulously researched and organised, and aims to ‘inform and inspire students of the recording arts, music professionals, casual music fans, and anyone interested in the acoustically pristine facilities, groundbreaking techniques, and innovative artists and technicians that have shaped the course of modern recording’.
The Martin Audio Experience is ‘destined to grace the discerning coffee tables of the industry’ – possibly accompanying The Great British Recording Studios. A glossy hardback featuring nearly 150 photographs, it charts the history of Martin Audio, from its Dave Martin origins through to the modern day.
It has been edited by James King, the company’s Director of Marketing, who said of the project: ‘It’s been a labour of love over the past four months and we’ve been so lucky to have some really insightful interviews and amazing photographs from our partners covering the Dave Martin era, as well as leaning on some superb stories and photos for the current MLA success.
‘We wanted to produce something for everyone in Martin Audio so they could always be connected to the company’s roots, as well as a thank you to our long-serving partners around the world, and of course our peers in the industry,’ he adds. ‘It’s sometimes hard to be objective, but I think we have created something of genuine interest and beauty for both the casual observer and die-hard fan, and can’t wait for everyone to see it.’
RH Consulting has launched a new edition of its Guide to Voice Alarm Systems. Originally released six years ago, the e-publication has been comprehensively updated to become the definitive guide to all types of emergency audio system for consultants, manufacturers, installers and venue owners. Running to 200 pages, it covers all applications where VA systems are likely to be installed, from stadia to public buildings to nightclubs, theatres, transport hubs, shopping centres and much more. It includes tables, diagrams and animations, and covers worldwide standards as well as delivering comprehensive information on the industry-changing topic of EN54.
‘We wrote the book on two levels,’ says RH Consulting founder, Roland Hemming. ‘For those new to the subject, it gives a comprehensive overview on how voice alarm systems work and how to understand the different standards. For the experienced practitioner, it offers detailed information and tables to allow you to cross-reference what different standards say on each issue.’
‘This is the first time that such a task has been carried out,’ adds RH Consulting’s Richard Northwood. ‘Rather than embroil the reader in the usual confusion over which standard to use, we have clarified and explained why you should use which standard on which project.’
With nearly 100 graphical examples, the topic of emergency audio also targets people for whom English is not their first language. The book is available for download worldwide on the iTunes book store for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
