TMT

For the 30th time, from 14 to 17 November 2018 the Verband Deutscher Tonmeister is hosting the key meet-up for the pro audio industry and audio professionals from a wide range of fields. It marks nearly 70 years of an unbroken tradition, which goes back to 1949 and fills the VDT with pride. For its anniversary, the association is inviting the entire audio industry to attend a multifaceted event in the halls of the Congress Centre North at the Cologne exhibition centre.

Key topics

This year's congress programme is heavily influenced by 3D audio technologies and associated recording methods. A gratifying number of contributions and workshops address the practical aspects of a Tonmeister's work. Much time is given over to recording techniques, secrets to mastering, as well as miking and discussions about extraordinary products. Several sessions are dedicated to sound reinforcement. Standard topics feature as well, such as restoration, connectivity, perception, aesthetics and much more. Nearly every topic in the pro audio industry will get at least one session — meaning every trade visitor is bound to find something of interest!

TMT Academy

Budding experts are equally welcome. At the TMT Academy for example, which is curated by VDT President Carlos Albrecht. In the TMT Academy workshops, knowledge about clear-cut topics is shared with the next generation and interested industry veterans alike. Active networking is another pillar of the event and allows newcomers to speak with luminaries of the industry.

Carlos Albrecht adds: 'The depth of TMT Academy workshops helps students and trainees to prepare for their profession. Featuring a 60 minutes practical and a 30 minute Q&A, it is the longest format in the diverse Tonmeistertagung programme. It is also one of the most experiential offers available!'

This time there are six TMT Academy workshops in all. They range from specialist topics such as vinyl mastering to broadcasting issues such as live pop music to the technical aspects of studio planning. Carlos himself is again giving a workshop, this year on his favourite subject, big band production. It is recommended to be there early, because the room is sure to be full!

Newcomers can also find much of interest outside of the TMT Academy. Be it getting in touch with other students and trainees, attending the grand finale of the second 'Student 3D Audio Production Competition in Ambisonics' on Thursday evening or the Live Mixing workshop on the first day of the event. The many sessions devoted to good recordings this year — with plenty of audio samples in formats ranging from stereo to binaural to 3D — are generally popular with budding audio professionals.