As we gear up for the LDI Show, we’re profiling speakers in our LDI Amplify series of presentations aimed at live sound engineers. This week, we’d like to introduce you to Bob Vanden Burgt, who will be presenting “Power and Signal Distribution for Live Events: Myths, Challenges, and Advances” on Saturday, November 23 at 2pm.
Industry vet Bob Vanden Burgt has worked in live production for more than four decades; during that time, he’s held roles as production manager, sound designer, lighting designer, project manager, and vice president of information services. For the past ten years, Bob Vanden Burgt dedicated his career to working with clients and colleagues at Link USA designing power and data distribution systems for entertainment and broadcast.
Live Design: What was your first live sound gig?
Bob Vanden Burgt: Ronnie Milsap, Marriott’s Great America Show Arena, 1980.
LD: Who has most influenced the way you think about sound?
BVB: Dudley Birder, my college musical theatre musical director. Learning early how to wrangle a live orchestra, sound effects, and a few dozen wires attached to live performers has proved invaluable in all later life experiences.
LD: What live sound technologies are you most excited about right now?
BVB: I think the concept of immersive audio in the touring and theatre space is really interesting. It seems that the technology has outpaced the content and design a bit but once artists and designers embrace the capabilities audiences will experience some really cool experiences.
LD: What can attendees expect to learn from your panel?
BVB: We will look at some real-world examples for interconnecting AV & Lighting data and power in large concert venues and performing arts facilities. We will also address the movement toward replacing regular signal cables with CAT6, as well as the latest developments around the AES and ESTA standards. Since this is at the Amplify Audio Pavilion on the show floor, we will most likely talk about the latest developments with Dante, AVB, AES67, Milan and other AV over IP protocols.
LD: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
BVB: “Don’t turn the knob just because it's there.”
LD: And the worst?
BVB: “If it sounded bad, blame it on the gear.”
To learn more about LDI Amplify programs at the 2019 LDI Show, visit www.ldishow.com.
Sarah Jones is a writer, editor, and content producer with more than 20 years' experience in pro audio, including as editor-in-chief of three leading audio magazines: Mix, EQ, and Electronic Musician. As an LDI Influencer, Jones will be roaming the LDI2019 show floor for the latest products and innovations, chatting with exhibitors, and streaming it LIVE to Live Design and LDI's Facebook accounts. Be sure to follow!