Larry Crane, a mastering engineers panel and a new 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos theatre headline a free day built to bring Australia’s audio community together.
Audio and music production can be a very isolated process. You might spend a week with a band, but the following days, weeks and months are often spent quietly editing, mixing and adjusting on your own. SAE in Melbourne are looking to bring the community together in a huge new Australian event, aptly called M.a.A.T.E!
The Music and Audio Technology Expo brings together professionals, students, distributors and more for a day at SAE’s Melbourne campus. Along with unveiling SAE’s new 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos system, mastering engineers Joe Carra and Nicholas Di Lorenzo are presenting, alongside keynote speaker Larry Crane, editor of Tape Op and owner and engineer at Jackpot! Recording Studio in Oregon.
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We spoke to Gareth Parton, Senior Lecturer at SAE and a music producer and audio engineer, about the event.
It builds on the Melbourne Audio Trade Show (MATS), which ran under SAE from 2016 to 2018. “Those events brought together manufacturers, distributors, engineers, producers, educators and students, creating a rare opportunity for the Australian audio community to connect face-to-face,” Parton says. The relaunch gets a new name, and he’s happy to take credit. “Also, I thought the re-launch should have a new name… and this is the most Aussie acronym I could come up with!”
As for why now, Parton points to demand. “We felt the timing was right to bring the event back because there’s a real appetite for a space where the industry can come together. Our goal is to connect manufacturers, professionals, educators, students and emerging creators, and provide opportunities to learn, network and share ideas. Ultimately, we want M.a.A.T.E! to strengthen the audio community and help inspire the next generation of audio professionals.” The timing suits SAE too, which is celebrating its 50th year. The Melbourne campus has had some impressive renovations and upgrades, including the new Dolby Atmos theatre and an SSL Duality, which joins existing API, Audient and Avid S6 consoles.
What Parton remembers most about the earlier events is the atmosphere. “People weren’t just coming to see new equipment; they were coming to talk shop, learn from each other and connect with others who shared the same passion for audio.” That has shaped this year’s program. “We’ve built a program that combines technology, education, discussion and hands-on experiences, giving attendees plenty of opportunities to connect with both industry leaders and each other.”
The exhibitor lineup covers a lot of ground. CMI Music & Audio will demonstrate products from Korg, Arturia, Native Instruments, Universal Audio, Moog, Ableton and Sonarworks throughout the day, while Ableton shows off the new features in Live. “AVID will showcase the latest Pro Tools updates and SAE’s brand new 9.1.4 Dolby ATMOS system in the theatrette,” Parton says. Amber Technology, Link Audio, Group Technologies, Factory Sound, Studio Connections, Roland and Sky Music round out a floor spanning recording, broadcast, live sound and instruments. Pacific Ears will host a presentation on safe listening and hearing protection, the Music Producers and Engineers Guild will present on the guild, and Panorama Audio Labs will promote a new plug-in.
“Attendees can expect product demonstrations, hands-on technology showcases, expert presentations and practical discussions covering recording, music production, live sound, monitoring, acoustics, software, hardware and emerging technologies. Whether you’re interested in studio recording, electronic music production or live event technology, there will be something relevant to explore,” Parton says.
Heading up the program is keynote speaker Larry Crane, who will be joining via Zoom. “Larry has been one of the most respected voices in recording for decades,” Parton says. “Through his work as a producer and engineer (Elliott Smith, Sleater-Kinney, The Go-Betweens, Stephen Malkmus), at his Portland studio Jackpot! and through Tape Op magazine, he’s had conversations with some of the most influential people in audio while remaining deeply connected to the realities of making records. Larry’s perspective is unique because he’s not only worked at a high level, but he’s also spent years helping others learn, develop and think critically about the creative process.”
Beyond the keynote, Parton has two sessions circled. “Mastering is often one of the least understood stages of the production process, and we’re bringing together experienced mastering engineers (Nick Di Lorenzo and Joe Carra) to discuss critical listening, workflow, emerging technologies and the future of mastering.” The other is more hands-on. “The Live Synth Jam should also be a highlight. It’s a chance to see synthesis and electronic music creation in a more creative and collaborative environment, showcasing both instruments and performance techniques.” He also recommends spending time with exhibitors. “Some of the best insights often come from informal conversations and hands-on demonstrations with the people who design, distribute and support these technologies.”
The expo isn’t aimed at one corner of the industry. “Someone attending their first audio event can learn from an experienced engineer, while established professionals can discover new technologies or reconnect with colleagues,” Parton says. “We want M.a.A.T.E! to be accessible to anyone with an interest in music and audio technology, regardless of where they are in their journey.”
Registration is free, and his advice for the day is simple. “The biggest recommendation is to come for the full day! Bring questions, introduce yourself to people and take advantage of the networking opportunities.” The price tag is deliberate, too. “The event is free because we want it to be as accessible as possible.” There’s a reward for those who stay the distance. “There will also be some exclusive deals and door prizes on the day… so stick around ‘til the end!”
Looking ahead, Parton hopes M.a.A.T.E! becomes a fixture. “My hope is that M.a.A.T.E! becomes a regular meeting point for Australia’s music and audio community.” He’s clear on what success looks like. “If attendees leave feeling inspired, having learned something new, discovered a new technology, made a valuable connection or simply felt more connected to the wider audio community, then we’ll consider the event a success.”
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