05/2003
Glasgow based charity Playback Services for the Blind has recently taken delivery of a Yamaha 02R96 digital mixing desk. Playback Services produce a variety of books, magazines and newspapers on audio cassette for use by blind and partially sighted people.
“I’d used Yamaha’s 03D in the past and was pleased with its performance,” said Playback’s Studio Manager John Green, “so when we decided to revamp our studio we consulted with Mediaspec as we’ve worked with them for many years.”
Eric Joseph, MD of leading pro audio supplier Mediaspec had no hesitation in recommending a Yamaha 02R96 especially as he knew from past experience that Playback Services were already using Pro Tools© in their studio. “Pro Tools and the 02R96 really are an ideal combination for sound mixing,” said Joseph, “and increasingly, industry professionals are specifying both when equipping their studios.”
Playback Services produce on average a staggering 30 to 35,000 tapes per month, no mean feat with a permanent staff of only 2 and one of those is a vacancy! “We have an army of about 80 volunteers without whom we just couldn’t operate. Some will read to tape, others clear returned tapes and some pack and despatch,” said Green, clearly proud of his unpaid staff who regularly transcribe the ‘Sunday Mail’ newspaper to tape in a mere 4 hours from blank tape to despatch. He is equally enthusiastic about the 02R96: “It’s a smashing desk and has proved a real benefit. Its recall features are 1st class; they save us a great deal of time and Pro Tools has proved to be a great companion for the mixer. The link up between Pro Tools and the desk is great – it’s all there on board.”
Green also is enthusiastic about the on-board software provided with the 02R96 which eliminates the expense of buying extras to do the job.
Mediaspec, based in East Kilbride, installed the desk and provided training for Playback Services. “It’s a great pleasure to be involved with an organisation that makes a difference to peoples’ lives,” said Joseph.
The last word however must go to John Green, clearly a Yamaha devotee. “It’s great, it really is,” he said. “I’m thoroughly enjoying it!”
