GearFest UK is fast approaching, with over 90 of the biggest brands in pro audio now confirmed to be exhibiting at the two-day event. In addition to getting hands-on with a huge selection of the best audio gear, checking out a range of product demonstrations and experiencing Dolby Atmos, attendees will also be able to attend 10 Panel Talks held by industry experts.
Saturday 15 July - Panel Talks
12pm - Stan Kybert: Everything you wanted to know about Dolby Atmos but were afraid to ask
With a state-of-the-art immersive mixing space at Tileyard and a huge credit list including Lorde, the Rolling Stones, George Ezra, Bicep, James Bay, Rudimental, Bastille, David Guetta, Sam Ryder and Brandi Carlile, Jan 'Stan' Kybert is one of the world's leading Atmos mixers. Find out what it takes to create a great immersive mix, and how to get started in this fast-growing new format.
1pm - Wez Saunders & Allan Nicholl (Kid Fonque): Running a label in 2023
Established in 1999 and now bigger than ever, Defected Records is a household name in house music. and has diversified into live events, festivals, Internet radio and more. Defected CEO Wez Saunders and Head of A&R Allan Nicholl share the secrets behind their success.
2pm - Ian Shepherd + guests: Dynamic range in the streaming era
Mastering engineer and campaigner Ian Shepherd has probably done more than anyone else to combat the 'loudness wars'. But are they really over? And if louder isn't always better, what is?
Unfortunately, the Q&A Session with Hugh Robjohns, Paul White and the SOS editorial team that was planned to take place at 3pm on Saturday has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
3pm - Rookes (Jenny Bulcraig): The Power of Collaboration
Featuring panelists Romesh Dodangoda (Funeral for a Friend, Nova Twins), Ary Maudit (Art School Girlfriend) and Anna Laverty (Amanda Palmer, Nick Cave).
4pm - Kevin Paul + guests: The art of mixing
In this special double-length panel, renowned mix engineer Kevin Paul (David Bowie, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Moby, Goldfrapp) will be joined by Steve Dub (Chemical Brothers, New Order, Roots Manuva, Moby), Paul Tipler (Liines, BugEye, Barns Courtney, Oliver Shaw, The Clockworks, Sophie and The Giants) and Julian Kindred (Ellie Goulding, Nao, Hammock, Lumenette) to explore the art and craft of mixing.
Sunday 16 July - Panel Talks
12pm - Jack Ruston + guests: Balancing work and life in the studio
If you've worked in studios, you'll have experienced long hours, stress, intense competition and financial insecurity. Jack Ruston talks to working engineers and producers about how to set boundaries, avoid burn-out, preserve life outside work, and make the studio a happier and more productive environment.
1pm - AI and Music
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to revolutionise our lives, and have the potential to turn the music industry upside-down. Our panel of experts discuss the challenges and opportunities raised by AI in music, and answer your questions.
2pm - David Kosten: Tubular Bells revisited
In order to remix Mike Oldfield's classic album in Dolby Atmos, producer and engineer David Kosten (Faultline) first had to recreate the original stereo mixes. That is, if he could track down all the parts...
3pm - Prash Mistry: Hybrid mixing & mastering
In a time when most mix engineers are working entirely in the box, Prash 'Engine-Earz' Mistry's studio at Tileyard is filled with a mouthwatering array of high-end hardware. Find out how he makes a hybrid setup work for him, and why plug-ins still don't sound as good as the real thing!
4pm - Tom Lewis: East Coast and West Coast synthesis
For many people, the name Moog is synonymous with analogue synthesis. But on the West Coast of the USA, another synth pioneer developed modular synthesis in a very different way. Synth expert Tom Lewis compares and contrasts Bob Moog's approach with that of Don Buchla.
All Panel Talks will last approximately 45 minutes (unless double-length).
Location & Tickets
Tileyard London is located 15 minutes north of Kings Cross station at Tileyard Road, London, N7 9AH.
Tickets for this year's two-day event include access to the talks and are priced at £10 for the Saturday and £8 for the Sunday, with weekend 2-day tickets available for the bargain price of £12.
