Introduced in February with its first classes in Van Nuys, California, Allen & Heath Academy offers attendees formal training spreading across a broad range of Allen & Heath products as well as live sound practices in general. Presented by Allen & Heath USA in cooperation with its regional network of independent sales representatives all across the country, the workshops are based around in-person academy training as well as online testing, all of which lead to official certification and AVIXA CTS RUs.
“We’ve intentionally given this program some real depth in terms of its size, scope, and content,” Allen & Heath USA marketing manager Jeff Hawley said. “It’s all part of our company efforts to advance the entire industry’s knowledge base not only on dLive and our other trendsetting products, but on new ways of thinking about workflow and networked systems in general.”
Skilled audio professionals and legendary touring sound veterans are leading dozens of academy sessions that have already attracted hundreds of attendees this season. Notable among the group is featured presenter Michael Bangs, whose 20+ year career includes experiences as a monitor engineer and production manager for A-list acts including Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Katy Perry, Tom Petty, Kid Rock, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. An early advocate of live digital mixing, Bangs assisted a multitude of others in making the transition from analog in the early 2000s. A pioneer in surfaceless mixing that naturally gravitated to Allen & Heath, he built a close relationship with the manufacturer and ultimately joined the company to provide support to those on the road using dLive mixing systems.
“Being part of the Allen & Heath Academy offers me the unique opportunity to meet and work with some of the brightest engineers in our industry,” Bangs said, commenting upon his role within the training initiative. “We have a lot to offer everyone with these classes beyond simple certification—this is a chance for anyone who’s serious about their work and career to truly expand their skills, learn new techniques, and strike a creative spark within themselves and among their peers.”
Beyond touring FOH and monitor engineers, consultants, integrators, house of worship production team members, and those within the rental community, all stand to gain by enrolling for academy sessions. Most sessions are free to attend. To obtain Allen & Heath Academy dates and locations as well as all other registration details, click here.
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