These new 64-bit dual-core platforms allow software and audio plug-in developers to create applications, effects and instruments that can leverage larger, high-quality sample content, increased track counts, more media and the ability to run systems at higher audio resolutions more efficiently.

Ron Kuper, VP of engineering at Cakewalk, will discuss this topic at his AES presentation, "Benefits of Modern CPU Architectures for Digital Audio Applications." Don't miss it! Saturday, October 8, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in room 1E03.

For more information on Intel products, visit www.intel.com. Ask your platform vendor about their Intel technology-based designs for digital audio professionals. www.intel.com/design/chipsets/hdaudio.htm

NEVE 88D
Neve has gone digital with the 88D music production console, showcased at booth #1228. This digital version of its acclaimed 88R combines a DSP engine providing 1,000 tracks at 96 kHz with classic Neve mic preamplifiers, dedicated 8.1 surround monitoring of multiple sources and the latest Encore Plus automation. MORE

This year, the AES is increasing its focus on sound reinforcement professionals with a slew of events geared for live sound mixers:
"The SIM measurements are enormously important to the process, and though we make small adjustments afterward, they're mostly balancing levels. A huge amount of the work is done before the cast is even on the stage."-a noted Broadway sound designer told Mix in our "Sound Design Triumvirate" theater sound story, October 2005. Get more tips and techniques on staging a musical on a large scale at the "L1-Broadway Designers' Symposium: The Musical," from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

AND...

1: 30 to 4:30 p.m.: "L2-Wireless Microphones and Performers: Mic Placement and Handling for Multiple Actors." Broadway designers, assistant designers and deck audio personnel will talk about the best positioning for a wide variety of situations, costumes, periods, acoustics, actors, directors, etc.

3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: "The Next-Generation Consumer Disc Formats-HD DVD." Focusing on the expertise of presenters David Anthony (Giant Interactive), Lorr Kramer (DTS), Bob Ludwig (Gateway Mastering), Brian Murphy (Sonic Solutions), Steve Venezia (Dolby Labs) and Mark Waring (Sanyo Technology Center USA), AES and Dolby will present a series of panel discussions focusing on the technologies and economics of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Attendees will learn about how each format is structured, authoring tools, discs replication and how both formats will impact the music, game and video markets.

TECHNICAL TOURS:
9 a.m. to noon: Avatar Studios
One of the city's largest and most successful studios, this 33,000-square-foot facility, formerly the fabled Power Station, has hosted Gold and Platinum sessions for such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Norah Jones, John Mayer and Franz Ferdinand, as well as leading producers Arif Mardin, P. Diddy, Phil Ramone and Jack Joseph Puig and engineers Al Schmitt, Elliot Scheiner and Eddie Kramer.

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Ed Sullivan Theater
This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at The Late Show With David Letterman. Built in 1927 and originally named Hammerstein after the famed composer, the theater housed many hit Broadway shows. When Letterman switched to CBS in 1993, the 1,200-capacity theater was reconfigured to a more intimate 400-seat studio with a state-of-the-art sound system.

Note: Technical Tours are made available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets can be purchased during normal registration hours at the convention center.