Genelec sponsors John Lennon Educational Tour Bus
Published: ASIA
WORLD: Genelec has become the first reference monitor manufacturer to sponsor the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, the not-for-profit organisation that tours schools to educate and inspire students in audio and video production. The sponsorship – announced at the recent Namm 2013 exhibition in Anaheim, California – comes as the organisation is planning to expand outside of the United States, first into Europe and then Asia.
The manufacturer’s decision to sponsor the tour bus – providing two 5.1 surround sound systems for its front and rear studios – was pioneered by marketing and public relations director Lars-Olof Janflod, who visited the Tour Bus at Namm and spoke to Pro Audio Asia.
‘I was here yesterday when there was a bunch of young people rehearsing and recording,’ he explained. ‘When you come into the bus and feel that kind of vibe – the happiness from the kids who get access to this professional environment – it’s just amazing.’
Brian Rothschild, executive director for the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, added: ‘The Lennon Bus strives to feature the best equipment in the world – we call ourselves the best mobile recording studio in the world and we have always sought to bring in partners who represent that in the best way. I met Lars and I really enjoyed his perspective on music education and his belief in what we’re doing. He got to know what the Tour Bus is and I told him that we would be honoured to be involved with Genelec.’
In order to equip the bus with the 5.1 systems, the Tour Bus technical crew had to dismantle existing systems for the new technology. ‘We had to come back into the studios and rewire things, work out special mountings that were unique to this environment,’ explained Mr Rothschild. ‘But Genelec has been very generous and the crew has been so excited to work with the systems.’
Producer and engineer Kyle Badour is a member of the crew that tours schools for 10 months of the year. He offered a personal perspective on the difference that the 5.1 systems have made, particularly Genelec’s AutoCal room calibration technology. ‘It’s amazing how great the digital tuning of the rooms is,’ he enthused. ‘It’s really improved the mix process being able to switch from the tour sound to an actual flat studio setting.’
Perhaps the biggest acoustic challenge within the bus can be found in its front studio, where three Genelec monitors located above the main mix position fire directly on one of the bus’ windows. Nevertheless, Mr Badour explained that the AutoCal technology has ‘transformed the front studio from a room that was never the best space to mix in to being honestly my favourite room.’
Mr Janflod concluded: ‘Not everybody is able to go to a music school and I think the bus fills a very important function. It’s also pleasing to know that they are going to expand.’