Specifically, they say the Show Production Degree program is dedicated to technical theory, engineering skills and design concepts within several key areas of the entertainment industry, of which audio is a significant part. Full Sail has recently added a DiGiCo D5 Live digital mixing console to its impressive roster of sound equipment to allow students access to the most up-to-date products during their training for the world of live events.
Dana Roun, program director for Show Production & Touring, explains the choice of the DiGiCo system: "We choose the D5 system based on several key factors. I have a long-lasting friendship with Bob Doyle, DiGiCo's managing director, so it was easy to assume that quality and ingenuity would be integral to their products. Since Bob has actively supported our Show Production and Touring program since the beginning, I knew going into the D5 purchase that it would be backed by people I had already learned to trust. In addition to Bob, I also knew marketing director Dave Webster and with the help of Eric Wade (DiGiCo LLC's CEO), I realized that the D5 being a leader in the concert touring market was likely to happen." Roun is also confident that he will get the ongoing support that is just as vital a consideration for his educational establishment as the functionality of any console.
"The second reason we purchased the system," he continues, "is because we need a digital console our students would adapt to quickly. The fact that we had a top-notch demonstration on site really helped reveal the depth and ease of engineering on the D5. We purchased the D5-Live 56EX a year ago. This was a little before it became obvious to everyone that this was a true roadworthy console. So, in a sense, the lure of other more established consoles was one to consider. Looking back I can say we absolutely made the correct choice.
"We have a responsibility to our students to expose them to the low, mid and high level of audio consoles. The D5 fits into the high end of the major touring market. Outsiders may think our graduates would never see the high end of the touring market in the real world, but they are wrong. We have developed a long list of successful grads working on large arena and festival tours. Many of the major companies providing production employ our graduates and some have climbed their way into FOH or monitor positions, while others have become system technicians. As more production companies add D5's to their arsenal, our grads will benefit. I expect we will be looking at the purchase of a new D1 soon too!"
(Lee Baldock)
