In this week’s podcast, Russ is joined by Ed Gray and Slau Halatyn to explore the challenges around developing audio software for visually impaired and non-sighted people. As our tools have moved from hardware into software some developers have worked hard to make these tools accessible to all but there is still a lot to do. We discuss the issues and the solutions.
Ed Gray
Ed Gray is Director, Partnering Programs and Accessibility for Avid and, as a blind user himself, he has played a key role in driving accessibility into Pro Tools, Sibelius and Avid’s website and other programs.
He is a money-losing musician who plays keyboards, drums and tuba and is the lead singer of the Model Citizens, who play Devo, Talking Heads and Ramones covers in San Francisco.
A 25-year veteran of Digidesign and Avid, Ed also leads the audio developer program. He lives in Half Moon Bay, California and has a wife and a son who is destined to make a better living with his drumming and guitar playing.
Slau Halatyn
Slau Halatyn is a recording engineer, producer and studio owner in New York City
His studio, BeSharp, specializes in jazz, classical and musical theater recordings as well as rock and pop with projects ranging from singer/songwriter to full orchestra.
Slau has recorded, mixed and mastered records for multiple Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony-winning artists from musicals such as Avenue Q, Book of Mormon, Cats, Hello Dolly and Hamilton as well as members of steely Dan, King Crimson, The Smitherines, James Taylor, Hall & Oates, Christian McBride, Rufus Reed, Cassandra Wilson and The Wynton Marsalis Band.
As a blind producer, Slau has worked closely with Avid since 2006 to help make products like Pro Tools and Sibelius accessible to other blind and visually impaired engineers and musicians.
Arturia
Arturia has a wide selection of software effects, including 3 Compressors, 3 Filters, 3 Preamps, and 3 Delays You'll Actually Use. The latest release, 3 Delays You'll Actually Use, includes Delay TAPE-201, Delay MEMORY BRIGADE, and the unique and experimental Delay ETERNITY. A bundle of selected effects, called the AudioFuse Creative Suite, is included with all AudioFuse audio interfaces. Visit arturia dot com to find out more on the Effects You'll Actually Use.
Talking Points
How did you get into making music?
Please describe explain your own challenges, were they from birth or did they develop over time?
Has technology made dealing with those challenges easier or harder?
Do you think software and hardware designers consider the needs of those with disabilities when designing products?
Source Elements
The Production Expert Podcast is made possible using ‘Source-Connect Now' from Source Elements, the free way to record high quality audio over the internet. Need to record an interview, or a podcast like this one, remotely? With 'Source-Connect Now', you can. Using a Chrome browser, you'll get ISDN equivalent quality audio, without the need to install any additional software. Register for your free account at the special page on the Source Elements website
Find Of The Week
Slau - Andrew Talks To Awesome People Podcast on PureMix.net
Ed - History That Doesn’t Suck Podcast
Russ - Adam Grant’s method for getting feedback.
RSPE Audio Solutions
RSPE Audio Solutions design, sell and install professional audio and video equipment. Their team are available by phone, live chat, or email to receive and process orders. They have everything you need to build or upgrade your home studio to ensure you can continue to work from home. If there is anything they can do to help, reach out or shop online at RSPEaudio.com