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 Kelly Fair, who will present "Wireless Workflow in the New Age of Wireless Microphones, IFB, and In-Ear Monitoring" on Saturday, November 23.
Kelly Fair has worked in the entertainment and broadcast production industry for nearly three decades, from his early days as studio musician in Los Angeles to his work behind the microphone at Audio Services Corporation; later, he spent time at leading manufacturers Sennheiser and Riedel. He’s currently the western regional manager at Lectrosonics, where he manages the distribution network, spearheads market development, and serves as the key technical presence in the marketplace.
Live Design: How did you get your start in live sound?
Kelly Fair: I suppose I’m not too different than many of those in our industry in that sound, science, and music are big influences in our lives. I was just a kid when I first decided that I wanted to be in this business in some way: I remember being in junior high school and lining up the neighborhood kids in a row, with their heads on the floor; I put a speaker on either side of the line and played what I thought was the most fantastic recording I had ever heard at that time—Yes’ Close To The Edge—with all of the kids getting the stereo impression, or so I thought.
I have an older brother who is in this business as well; my first real job in sound reinforcement was helping out with his band when I was probably 15.
LD: What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about the state of wireless?
KF: The biggest misconception, hmm...based on the conversations I have with end users, I see more of a lack of understanding of what is happening with FCC re-pack and how it will really affect them. Even though we are nearly three years into this re-pack thing, I still get calls from end users wanting to know how they can tell if their wireless device is still legal. If their wireless microphone, IEM, or IFB are still legal, they then want to know will it work in the area that the city they use it in. Next, with the decreasing amount of operational spectrum availability, how can they get their current wireless mics to work?
LD: What can LDI attendees expect to learn from your panel?
KF: We are going to take a look at what the effects the re-pack have had. I plan to discuss how users can tell if their wireless mic, IEM, or IFB is going be legal and usable in the city that they operate it in, what white space devices are and how they interact with part 15 or part 74 users, band planning, benefits of antennas, and a lot more. I really set out to create a talk that is meant for the everyday wireless user who simply wants to know how they can get the most out of their wireless system, whether it be today or any time in the future.
LD: What’s the best piece advice you’ve been given?
KF: Someone once told me to never fall in love with any one brand or device. Although I didn’t know what that meant at the time, I do now. It means, be open. Technology advances. If you stay with one brand, you may be limiting yourself. Pick the best product for what you need, even if the logos don’t match. But of course, always pick Lectronics.
LD: How about the worst?
KF: I’ll keep it positive and say that I have not had a whole lot of that (cough).
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!