Magura,
your ideas and comments are well taken and greatly appreciated.
We are aware of trouble caused by switching from two to one day event.
First one correction, than I will respond to other comments. Out of country guests are not charged admission, as respect and appreciation for the expenses you already have for the trip. That is why we have all the out of country guests marked as confirmed on the web.
🙂
The original plan was to host BA Festival in my studio, but the main problem between some others was that it would be way to expensive to do any sound improvement with questionable success. The main listening room was cement walled and floored room size 50 x 40 x 30 ft ( see picture) We hoped to cover it with moving blankets, but it presented too much effort and expense. It was also hard to mix the event with my working schedule, (work on sound proofing needed to happen while we have live jobs shooting with clients present - which is not possible) and on the top of that our insurance policy and liability wouldn't cover the event. After realizing that, we had to do something to make the event since we were already in it. There was not much time to shop around and we liked the new space since it already had sound insulation. I take all the responsibility for the problems with the space. I would say we badly wanted to do this event and we were faced with this problems early on. We decided to have this event this year in order to learn and get better prepared for the next year.
Regarding your other points, I do not think we will be able to find space for Saturday. I would much rather extend Sunday if we can.
Sunday - the day of the event we have space starting at 8:00 AM. We will be there setting up at 8:00. We left two hours before the start for preparation. We will work hard to make everything ready. If you guys feel that we could start earlier - like 9:00 we will go for it. I just think that is too early for many people coming from South Bay. But it is possibility.
End time and problems with it. Our space is $ 1000 for hours 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
There are few problems extending hours. First one is that many people need to go back home at decent hour on Sunday night in order to relax for the work day.
Second bigger issue is that price for the space is for the mentioned hours. For us to break even we need to have 50 people with paid admission. So far we are far away from that goal. I have to mention that we have received generous donations in addition to admissions from few members and I would like to thank them for that. Still we are at this point with almost everyone confirmed short some $ 650. We are prepared to have some loss, but would not like to make it bigger. Every additional hour is $ 80 after 7:00 PM If we have more people sign up, than we could go and extend the hours if we all feel that there is interest.
Another word on schedule: We are still working on schedule and thinking of how to maximize available time. What we have posted is very rough draft and that is why we didn't announce that we posted it on the site. I also feel that socializing is very important part of this event and we are looking how to plan for that, yet to leave enough time for listening sessions.
Food: We have planned to have something simple but available in addition to drinks. Variac is in charge of that department and I will let him elaborate more on that. As I mentioned earlier - there is a very good restaurant on the site - some 200 - 300m from us. They have normal seating (if you would like to have a regular lunch/diner) and as well they sell some really good sandwiches that are for to go. That is something that might work well since is close, fast, very good and not expensive at all. Variac and myself had a sandwich for the lunch when we checked on space and it was delicious and very fast.
As I mentioned earlier, we are very appreciative for your feedback, and any comments are well taken. In fact this is for all of us to have a good time and to enjoy this event. That is why we will do as much as we can to accommodate
your suggestions.
AR2
your ideas and comments are well taken and greatly appreciated.
We are aware of trouble caused by switching from two to one day event.
First one correction, than I will respond to other comments. Out of country guests are not charged admission, as respect and appreciation for the expenses you already have for the trip. That is why we have all the out of country guests marked as confirmed on the web.
🙂
The original plan was to host BA Festival in my studio, but the main problem between some others was that it would be way to expensive to do any sound improvement with questionable success. The main listening room was cement walled and floored room size 50 x 40 x 30 ft ( see picture) We hoped to cover it with moving blankets, but it presented too much effort and expense. It was also hard to mix the event with my working schedule, (work on sound proofing needed to happen while we have live jobs shooting with clients present - which is not possible) and on the top of that our insurance policy and liability wouldn't cover the event. After realizing that, we had to do something to make the event since we were already in it. There was not much time to shop around and we liked the new space since it already had sound insulation. I take all the responsibility for the problems with the space. I would say we badly wanted to do this event and we were faced with this problems early on. We decided to have this event this year in order to learn and get better prepared for the next year.
Regarding your other points, I do not think we will be able to find space for Saturday. I would much rather extend Sunday if we can.
Sunday - the day of the event we have space starting at 8:00 AM. We will be there setting up at 8:00. We left two hours before the start for preparation. We will work hard to make everything ready. If you guys feel that we could start earlier - like 9:00 we will go for it. I just think that is too early for many people coming from South Bay. But it is possibility.
End time and problems with it. Our space is $ 1000 for hours 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
There are few problems extending hours. First one is that many people need to go back home at decent hour on Sunday night in order to relax for the work day.
Second bigger issue is that price for the space is for the mentioned hours. For us to break even we need to have 50 people with paid admission. So far we are far away from that goal. I have to mention that we have received generous donations in addition to admissions from few members and I would like to thank them for that. Still we are at this point with almost everyone confirmed short some $ 650. We are prepared to have some loss, but would not like to make it bigger. Every additional hour is $ 80 after 7:00 PM If we have more people sign up, than we could go and extend the hours if we all feel that there is interest.
Another word on schedule: We are still working on schedule and thinking of how to maximize available time. What we have posted is very rough draft and that is why we didn't announce that we posted it on the site. I also feel that socializing is very important part of this event and we are looking how to plan for that, yet to leave enough time for listening sessions.
Food: We have planned to have something simple but available in addition to drinks. Variac is in charge of that department and I will let him elaborate more on that. As I mentioned earlier - there is a very good restaurant on the site - some 200 - 300m from us. They have normal seating (if you would like to have a regular lunch/diner) and as well they sell some really good sandwiches that are for to go. That is something that might work well since is close, fast, very good and not expensive at all. Variac and myself had a sandwich for the lunch when we checked on space and it was delicious and very fast.
As I mentioned earlier, we are very appreciative for your feedback, and any comments are well taken. In fact this is for all of us to have a good time and to enjoy this event. That is why we will do as much as we can to accommodate
your suggestions.
AR2
Attachments
... ahh, but someday, when this becomes a giant multi-day event, you'll be able to say, "I was there at the 'humble beginning, the very first Burning Amp festival. And just look at it now ..."
wistfully, wishing I could make it ...
rkh
wistfully, wishing I could make it ...
rkh
RKH said:
Maker Faire doubled in size from last year to this one. Granted, it started from a fairly heady height, but still....
Hi Kent,
I would love to have a look at that. I need to improve my testing as my knowledge grows. I'm glad you are bringing it.
Hi Vladimir,
Your studio would be fantastic for an early meet and greet. Static displays and my demo would happen there easily. Any technical discussions will be easy to deal with there also.
A BBQ for lunch! Low key and enjoyable for everyone. People there can all chip in for raw materials for lunch (burgers, hotdogs and vegetables for non meat eating folks). I would help with the BBQ, Stuart is a fantastic cook / chef.
A Saturday meet is a great opportunity for all and a social event. This takes a fair amount of pressure off of Sunday for demonstrations.
We could catch the audio societies meeting later also. What do you say? (As I crank up the pressure!
)
-Chris 😉
I would love to have a look at that. I need to improve my testing as my knowledge grows. I'm glad you are bringing it.
Hi Vladimir,
May I make a suggestion?
Your studio would be fantastic for an early meet and greet. Static displays and my demo would happen there easily. Any technical discussions will be easy to deal with there also.
A BBQ for lunch! Low key and enjoyable for everyone. People there can all chip in for raw materials for lunch (burgers, hotdogs and vegetables for non meat eating folks). I would help with the BBQ, Stuart is a fantastic cook / chef.
A Saturday meet is a great opportunity for all and a social event. This takes a fair amount of pressure off of Sunday for demonstrations.
We could catch the audio societies meeting later also. What do you say? (As I crank up the pressure!
)-Chris 😉
anatech said:
Construction time is uber tight (everything is taking way longer than even pessimistic estimates), but I'd be up for that, especially since I won't be making the mid-California event which is three hours out of Santa Cruz.
DSP_Geek said:
Also my experience. The 1st Dutch DIY was 100, the 2nd was 200....
But there's only ONE first. If you're there, you'll be one of the Old Boys 😉
Jan Didden
anatech said:
unfortunately :
AR2 said:
even if I agree more than 100% ,especially regarding that BBQ ......
Sorry, missed the insurance bit.
Still, informal meet on the Saturday to take the pressure off Sunday would be nice. Lunch? Meet in a park with subs or whatever.
Too bad there wasn't an easier way to do this. I am up for almost anything on a Saturday. I am arriving Wednesday later, so I can try to help or keep out of your hair.
-Chris
Still, informal meet on the Saturday to take the pressure off Sunday would be nice. Lunch? Meet in a park with subs or whatever.
Too bad there wasn't an easier way to do this. I am up for almost anything on a Saturday. I am arriving Wednesday later, so I can try to help or keep out of your hair.
-Chris
I don't know what the schedule looks like, but I am more than happy to bring my stuff along as (mediocre) eye candy. If people want to listen to something else for an extended period, then feel free to bump me from the lineup.
OTOH, if there is any interest, then I may be able to bring my friend's rough version of the MJK FE103/Alpha 15 open baffles.
Also, I can be at the event site to help set up early and stay late to assist in the clean up. (again, provided my wife is not in labor) Just let me know...
best regards,
psz.
OTOH, if there is any interest, then I may be able to bring my friend's rough version of the MJK FE103/Alpha 15 open baffles.
Also, I can be at the event site to help set up early and stay late to assist in the clean up. (again, provided my wife is not in labor) Just let me know...
best regards,
psz.
anatech said:
I think Chris is on to something. As this event is only sporting around 30 attendants, we should take the benefit of that, and maybe as Chris says, go somewhere and take care of the informal and social part Saturday. This would also allow us to give the talks the time they need. I don't know how it works in your neck of the woods, but here it's quite common for a cafe or the like to offer a room exclusively for a group of people for free (naturally providing that we dine there or the like).
If we want to get some newbe's to show up, we have to offer something that appeals to them. So far what is on the schedule is 95% targeted towards a VERY limited audience. When I say limited audience, I mean limited even for our own inner circle.
People wants to see stuff on display, and talk to the person behind. So my suggestion would be to spend one end of the big room for static display, as this would also allow for meeting eachother for a chat.
Then spend the small room for listening tests, as this will yield at least something like a home environment (the big room is too big for this). This way we could also (if not possible Saturday) put the info/-talks in the other end of the big room, giving it double use.
Magura 🙂
Well, the best ideas were written on napkins. 😀
I strongly feel that any way we can kick back and get to know each other before the event proper would be time well spent. We will have a tube curve tracer and other bits we can play with. All these things will make Sunday much easier to deal with.
Thank you Magura. 🙂
I strongly feel that any way we can kick back and get to know each other before the event proper would be time well spent. We will have a tube curve tracer and other bits we can play with. All these things will make Sunday much easier to deal with.
Thank you Magura. 🙂
Guys,
we have planned to do something with you on Saturday. We just didn't finalize our plans. We taught to have a day with you on Saturday, ether sailing with Marc and than having diner, or something similar. Like I said we haven't had a chance to finalize it since we have been working hard on the event itself. We know that out of country guests are available on Saturday, but now I do not know about the rest of registered group. It will be very good if everyone responds here if you guys want to do something on Saturday and we will try to find some solution (I do not promise but will do my best)
AR2
we have planned to do something with you on Saturday. We just didn't finalize our plans. We taught to have a day with you on Saturday, ether sailing with Marc and than having diner, or something similar. Like I said we haven't had a chance to finalize it since we have been working hard on the event itself. We know that out of country guests are available on Saturday, but now I do not know about the rest of registered group. It will be very good if everyone responds here if you guys want to do something on Saturday and we will try to find some solution (I do not promise but will do my best)
AR2
Sounds good to me.
There are many things we can talk about that may change the course of events slightly on Sunday. I'm thinking new ideas or information.
There are many things we can talk about that may change the course of events slightly on Sunday. I'm thinking new ideas or information.
I just received a generous donation from one member in order to extend the hours on Sunday. So we will be extending hours on Sunday to 9:00 PM. I appreciate your support very much.
PSz. said:
This goes for me as well. My gear might sound better in a static display!
Magura said:
Perhaps a few time slots could be reserved for the major presenters (e.g. Mr. Pass), and a few other slots could be reserved for equipment chosen by the crowd from the static displays?
Bill
This will make a BIG difference! THANK You mysterious generous member! Remember , the attendence numbers are mostly people demoing stuff. We expect wquirte a few to arrive on the day , just to look..
Variac said:
If this has to become true, you guys must lower and broaden your aim.
At the risk of stepping on somebody's toes.......
Your focus on the stuff that is the interest of a minority of a minority of a minority, is not gonna attract anybody. The average person attending something like this has two wishes for what to see.
1) Simple and relatively cheap stuff that works well, and anyone with a bit of interest can build. Variac's BIB speakers and the Pumpkin pre comes to mind as prime examples of such.
2) Real impressive stuff. It doesn't have to be state of the art, just impressive in one way or the other. This could be stuff like AR2's X600, simply for the looks. Basicly anything with a touch of extremity.
So to for example focus on a couple of modded beringer x-overs is not gonna bring much.
....and 10 listening sessions in a severely compromized environment is not doing any good either. We will leave as uninformed as we came in that respect...consider this a fact. It's based on a "been there, done that, seen the video".
Setting up gear within minutes is also as previosly pointed out not happening, just think about it, you couldn't possibly do that to a degree of any use yourself with your own equipment.
The way to get around this (based on previous experience) is to go and set up as many of the sets as possible in the small room before the show starts (I will happily volunteer for this), and make do with that.
Static display during the entire event is a must, to give people something to talk about....and speaking of people talking, since this is in October, is it possible to count on the weather being good enough for staying outside for the social part?
As for Chris's comment about getting social on Saturday, well, if I'm not mistaken, he just as I meant that Saturday should be turned into a part of the event, just for the more theoretical and social part of the whole thing.
Cheers
Magura
Um, Magura, if it's extreme you want, I'm doing my damndest to bring it.
And I have quick-connect and -disconnect on every input/output, so a five minute setup is hypothetically possible. Given that, it's only 16 days to show time, the build is taking way too long for comfort, and some critical parts haven't even arrived from overseas.
Looks like I picked a bad day to stop sniffing glue.
And I have quick-connect and -disconnect on every input/output, so a five minute setup is hypothetically possible. Given that, it's only 16 days to show time, the build is taking way too long for comfort, and some critical parts haven't even arrived from overseas.
Looks like I picked a bad day to stop sniffing glue.
Magura said:
M,
I think you are being a bit hard on the organizers. Pulling off an event like this isn't easy and Sy and AR2 and Variac will surely learn a lot from this first festival and do an even better job the next time around.
Taking the easy questions first - the weather in October will be good. Being outside won't be a problem. You might require a light jacket but nothing more than that.
Regarding the suggestion that it's important to "dumb down the festival", I respectfully disagree. I don't think the goal is to have another Stereophile show and attract the average person off the street. Unlike most other parts of the US, San Francisco has a huge population of engineers within driving distance (Silicon Valley) and I suspect enough of them are Audio Geeks that we can get good attendance of people who actually will appreciate hard core DIY. Add to that the other audioholics and I think the festival will be quite viable.
I attended the NY Noise festivals that JC Morrison organized on the East Coast a few years back and even there it was possible to attract many people interested in DIY audio. There are many more engineers out here so I think attendance could be good. Of course NY Noise didn't charge an entry fee so you can never tell.
Regarding the listening sessions, I agree that one doesn't want to jam in too many sessions. But by having a large space and a small space and having alternating events there is more set up time than you may realize.
My conclusion is that it makes sense to discuss the mechanics of listening sessions and how to optimize our time together. But trying to turn this event into something that it's not is the right direction.
With best regards,
---Gary
I do appreciate Magura's input.
Sometimes we are visualizing a certain way that things will work yet haven't codified them. We are now doing this.
1. Having stuff on display is essential, and we have tables for the purpose around the perimeter of the big room..
2. We will work on having "one of every component" on hand right where the demo is to fill in "that missing component"
3. With 2 above, and dollies to stage on, I think that we can cut down on the transition time- but on the average I guess we need more time per presentation. That time can be used for conversation and viewing, but needs to be as short as possible. If we are better than you think and have extra time - easy to fix- play another track..
4. To make 3 above more likely, we are extending the hours once again!!!!!! .. Stay tuned for more info. Sure, not everyone will stay the whole time, but if one does, one gets to hear more..
5. I personally am fascinated to compare a Pass V9 with an F4 and if that limits our turnout, then no problem- this is a show for the fanatics, by the fanatics!!
Sometimes we are visualizing a certain way that things will work yet haven't codified them. We are now doing this.
1. Having stuff on display is essential, and we have tables for the purpose around the perimeter of the big room..
2. We will work on having "one of every component" on hand right where the demo is to fill in "that missing component"
3. With 2 above, and dollies to stage on, I think that we can cut down on the transition time- but on the average I guess we need more time per presentation. That time can be used for conversation and viewing, but needs to be as short as possible. If we are better than you think and have extra time - easy to fix- play another track..
4. To make 3 above more likely, we are extending the hours once again!!!!!! .. Stay tuned for more info. Sure, not everyone will stay the whole time, but if one does, one gets to hear more..
5. I personally am fascinated to compare a Pass V9 with an F4 and if that limits our turnout, then no problem- this is a show for the fanatics, by the fanatics!!
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