Thinking Out Loud w/Friends

AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH FRIENDS THAT LOVE THE WORLD OF CONCERT AND SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTIONS

Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.

Our ZoomCast isn’t just a fountain of knowledge; it’s also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way. 😄

Offer your support and opinions. We ZoomCast STREAM LIVE ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND YOUTUBE every Wednesday at 5 PM  - Pacific (UTC-7)/ 8 PM EDT  

Topics Discussed (10/15/2025): The group shared personal updates and travel experiences, including discussions about weddings, casino trips, and recent dinners with industry colleagues. They explored various technical topics related to audio equipment, including multimeters, mixing consoles, and wireless systems, while also discussing the current market value of gold and phone privacy apps. The conversation concluded with reflections on notable figure deaths, including musicians and industry professionals, along with discussions about recent tours across different cities and the evolving role of AI in technology.

AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH FRIENDS THAT LOVE THE WORLD OF CONCERT AND SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTIONS

Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.

Our ZoomCast isn’t just a fountain of knowledge; it’s also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way. 😄

Offer your support and opinions. We ZoomCast STREAM LIVE ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND YOUTUBE every Wednesday at 5 PM  - Pacific (UTC-7)/ 8 PM EDT  

Topics Discussed (08/08/2025): The meeting began with technical discussions about audio and lighting experiences, including past projects and challenges, before transitioning to a discussion about a fire incident in the Highlands and its aftermath. The group explored various topics including building practices in coastal areas, concerns about AI's potential misuse in music and job applications, and the growing impact of AI across different industries. The conversation ended with technical discussions about audio equipment, software, and hardware, including demonstrations of various audio tools and plugins.

AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH FRIENDS THAT LOVE THE WORLD OF CONCERT AND SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTIONS

Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.

Our ZoomCast isn’t just a fountain of knowledge; it’s also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way. 😄

Offer your support and opinions. We ZoomCast STREAM LIVE ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND YOUTUBE every Wednesday at 5 PM  - Pacific (UTC-7)/ 8 PM EDT  

Topics Discussed (10/01/2025): Various audio equipment and technology topics, including recent experiences with headphones, historical concert sound systems, and modern digital consoles. They explored the impact of AI on entertainment industries and broader societal issues, including wealth disparities, healthcare costs, and political concerns. The conversation concluded with discussions about global inequality, cultural differences between countries, and personal experiences living in different parts of the world.

Various historical audio equipment, including mixers, amplifiers, and connectors from the 1970s and 1980s. Ken shared his experience building custom mixers and identified equipment in a historical photo shared by Gregory. They discussed the use of 70-volt line systems and phase checking procedures for PA systems. Gregory recounted a story about being knocked unconscious while checking speaker phase at an Aerosmith concert.  Jersey Joe's innovative but heavy PA equipment designs. 

The high cost of creating videos, with Gregory confirming that it can be around $100,000 per minute. Jan introduced the topic of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated character causing controversy in the film industry, and shared concerns about AI's impact on future generations. The conversation touched on the potential for AI to replace human actors, the thin line between AI-generated and human content, and the ethical implications of using AI in entertainment and media.

The group discussed various aspects of the music and entertainment industry, including recent performances, technical challenges, and historical experiences working with famous musicians. They explored topics such as audio equipment, mixing techniques, and the evolution of live sound production, while sharing personal anecdotes and industry insights. The conversation concluded with discussions about upcoming events, the changing landscape of audio technology, and the logistics of large-scale music productions.

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Summary
Musicians' Experiences and Performances
The group discussed various topics, including Wayne Sims's recent work with the Blues Roadshow, which involved eight guitar players performing simultaneously. They also talked about Barry Manilow's ongoing career at age 82 and his energetic performances. The conversation shifted to past experiences working with famous musicians, with Bruce and Wayne sharing stories about difficult encounters with drummers like Buddy Rich. The group also briefly discussed a fundraising event they had worked on together in the past.

Challenges of Celebrity and Media
The group discussed the challenges faced by celebrities, particularly child stars, and how fame can affect their demeanor and careers. They also talked about audio setup issues and technical adjustments for a live stream. The conversation briefly touched on the situation with Jimmy Kimmel and the role of politics in late-night talk shows, but Jan stopped the discussion before it could become too political. The conversation ended with a brief discussion about the shift towards streaming media and its impact on traditional broadcast ratings.

Music Industry and Concert Trends
The group discussed various topics including concert ticket prices, the changing music industry, and upcoming tours. Ken shared his experience attending Paul McCartney's concert in Las Vegas, while Curt explained his involvement in setting up equipment for The Who's tour. The conversation touched on the high costs of concert productions and the shift in the music industry from album sales to live performances for revenue. Jan mentioned a TikTok prediction of the world ending by September, which led to some lighthearted banter. Fred announced he would be away for a few weeks due to travel. The group also briefly discussed a potential concert by a band named Hotel California in Canada, which David Dansky clarified was not his band.

Music Copyright and Tech Updates
The group discussed copyright issues, particularly regarding the Eagles' strict enforcement of their music rights, with Jan sharing a story about a company that could only use "Hotel California" in Japan due to licensing restrictions. Christopher explained the concept of fair use, noting that news outlets can use up to 7-8 seconds of music without permission, while Ken inquired about the rules for live performances. The conversation then shifted to technical matters, with Curt seeking advice about digital whiteboards for his shop, and Jan recommending Office Hours Global as a resource. The conversation ended with Christopher providing an update on the Pacific Palisades fire situation, noting that the permit process was taking longer than usual and land prices had dropped by 25-30% in the area.

Cedar vs. Waves Noise Reduction
The group discussed noise reduction equipment, comparing the Waves WNS plugin to Cedar audio devices. Wayne explained that while the WNS is less expensive at $35, it doesn't work as well as the Cedar units, which are more expensive but offer better customization with 6 frequency bands. Bruce shared that a 2-channel Cedar unit cost around $4,000 several years ago, while Denis noted that a 2-channel 5045 unit currently costs $2,000. The discussion concluded with Denis sharing information about a DNS 8-channel Cedar unit priced at around $7,000 Canadian.

Audio Technology Evolution and Solutions
The group discussed the evolution of audio technology, with Bruce sharing his experience transitioning from analog to digital consoles and the challenges of managing multiple audio sources in corporate events. Wayne demonstrated a more cost-effective alternative to the Cedar audio noise suppressor unit, and the conversation touched on the practicalities of using EtherCon connectors and Ethernet cables in live sound applications. The discussion concluded with recommendations for adapter solutions to handle different cable types and connector standards in various audio systems.

Digital vs Analog Mixing Insights
The group discussed the differences between analog and digital mixers, with Wayne emphasizing the need for proactive thinking in digital mixing rather than reactive adjustments. Bruce shared his technique of using "home buttons" on digital consoles to navigate back to familiar settings, while Denis recounted a humorous story about a water incident at the Montreal Jazz Festival that highlighted the complexity of digital mixing. The conversation concluded with Bruce and Wayne exchanging stories about their experiences with digital consoles, including a water damage incident at a Phoenix event where Bruce was able to recover the setup using a saved configuration on a thumb drive.

LCR Audio Mixing Techniques
The group discussed mixing techniques for left-center-right (LCR) audio systems in theaters. Bruce inquired about optimal ways to pan vocals and instruments, leading to a discussion about placing vocals in the center and panning band members to the stereo sides. Denis explained the use of a "divergence" feature on LCR consoles to control how much of the center signal goes to the left and right channels. The conversation also covered the challenges of using center clusters, including coverage issues and the need for proper mixing techniques. Wayne Sims shared an experience using a matrixed LCR setup in a theater in Port Macquarie, which resulted in a seamless audio experience during a spoken word performance.

Isolation Transformers in Audio Systems
The group discussed the importance of isolation transformers in audio systems, particularly during the transition from analog to digital in the late 90s. Wayne Sims shared his experience with creating audio loops and the challenges of working without isolation transformers, while Bruce and Wayne Pierce highlighted the effectiveness of carrying heavy isolation transformers to ensure clean power for audio and lighting systems. Denis inquired about transformers with variable R or Q factors, which Wayne and Wayne Pierce researched, finding that these factors relate to insulation and impedance, though the exact details were unclear. The conversation concluded with a lighthearted mention of the Pink Panther movies and a brief discussion about transformer taps and their function in adjusting output voltage.

Music Production and Event Planning
The meeting participants discussed various topics, including WORLD Dream Day, upcoming events, and personal updates. Jan mentioned speaking with Sean, who expressed interest in participating in an unspecified activity and will follow up with Kurt. The group also talked about the logistics and scale of large music productions, with Joshua sharing experiences from recent concerts and events. Wayne Sims shared his thoughts on the increasing complexity and technology involved in modern live sound productions.

Musicians' Tech Evolution and Challenges
Joshua shared his experience working with various bands and venues, highlighting how technology has changed the industry, making it easier for musicians to travel with minimal equipment. He discussed his recent show setup, including challenges with lighting and sound equipment, and how he managed to deliver a successful performance despite some technical issues. The conversation...

AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH FRIENDS THAT LOVE THE WORLD OF CONCERT AND SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTIONS

Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.

Our ZoomCast isn’t just a fountain of knowledge; it’s also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way. 😄

Offer your support and opinions. We ZoomCast STREAM LIVE ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND YOUTUBE every Wednesday at 5 PM  - Pacific (UTC-7)/ 8 PM EDT  

Topics Discussed (08/13/2025): The meeting began with personal discussions about housing sales and aging before transitioning into conversations about political and social issues, including regional dynamics and workplace challenges. The group then explored various aspects of the audio equipment industry, discussing business practices, equipment evolution, and the challenges of selling and certifying stages and audio systems. The conversation concluded with technical discussions about PA systems, equipment specifications, and the impact of planned obsolescence on the industry, along with updates on marketing strategies and business practices in the audio equipment sector.

AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH FRIENDS THAT LOVE THE WORLD OF CONCERT AND SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTIONS

Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.

Our ZoomCast isn’t just a fountain of knowledge; it’s also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way. 😄

Offer your support and opinions. We ZoomCast STREAM LIVE ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND YOUTUBE every Wednesday at 5 PM  - Pacific (UTC-7)/ 8 PM EDT  

Topics Discussed (09/03/2025): The group discussed various topics including musician locations, tax rates, and Jan's computer science education, along with sharing anecdotes about celebrity encounters and recent events. They had an in-depth conversation about audio console models, comparing digital and analog systems while sharing experiences with specific brands and their capabilities. The discussion concluded with technical discussions about sound system setup, noise cancellation, and feedback management, including various equipment configurations and placement strategies for different venues.

AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH FRIENDS THAT LOVE THE WORLD OF CONCERT AND SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTIONS

Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.

Our ZoomCast isn’t just a fountain of knowledge; it’s also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way. 😄

Offer your support and opinions. We ZoomCast STREAM LIVE ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND YOUTUBE every Wednesday at 5 PM  - Pacific (UTC-7)/ 8 PM EDT  

Topics Discussed (08/27/2025): The group shared personal updates about travel experiences and discussed various weather phenomena across different regions. They explored business and healthcare challenges, including stock market investments, healthcare policies in different countries, and the high costs of starting businesses in California. The conversation concluded with discussions about the entertainment industry, focusing on live sound experiences and large-scale concerts, as well as the rapid advancement of AI technology and its impact on various sectors including music and demographics.

AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH FRIENDS THAT LOVE THE WORLD OF CONCERT AND SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTIONS

Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.

Our ZoomCast isn’t just a fountain of knowledge; it’s also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way. 😄

Offer your support and opinions. We ZoomCast STREAM LIVE ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND YOUTUBE every Wednesday at 5 PM  - Pacific (UTC-7)/ 8 PM EDT  

AN OPEN CONVERSATION WITH FRIENDS THAT LOVE THE WORLD OF CONCERT AND SPECIAL EVENT PRODUCTIONS

Join our current events support zoomcast show hosted by Jan Landy and his knowledgeable affable panel of friends and colleagues for an entertaining robust discussion offering opinions on anything related to a working professional life in general.

Our ZoomCast isn’t just a fountain of knowledge; it’s also a opportunity to laugh. Think of it as therapy, but with more jokes and fewer couches. Join us and share your thoughts. Stay updated on life and world events, and enjoy multiple good chuckles along the way. 😄

Offer your support and opinions. We ZoomCast STREAM LIVE ON FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, AND YOUTUBE every Wednesday at 5 PM  - Pacific (UTC-7)/ 8 PM EDT  

Topics Discussed (08/06/2025): The group began by discussing extreme weather conditions and temperature records before transitioning into a detailed conversation about audio equipment, including compressors, plugins, and hardware setups. They explored various audio devices and translation technology, including a programmable earbud device for real-time language translation. The conversation ended with discussions about sustainable energy investments, movie experiences, AI-generated content, and merchandise planning, along with scheduling for the next show.