AMS Neve launches initiative to support young audio pros

AMS Neve has partnered up with five universities and institutions in an effort to help inspire the next generation of musicians, engineers and music producers.

Benefits for young audio professionals involved in the scheme include masterclasses from top designers at AMS Neve, invitations to visit the factory in Burnley, exclusive student offers and competitions as well as gifts of equipment to each of the campuses.

In all, around 2,000 students at dBs Music (Plymouth and Bristol), SSR (Manchester and London), LIPA (Liverpool), the University of Surrey and The London College of Music (West London University) are expected to take part.

The move has been welcomed by British record producer Steve Levine, former chairman of the Music Producers Guild. “I have my own 30-year relationship with AMS and it is very important that the manufacturers of our tools of the trade engage with the next generation of sound engineers and producers. This will enable the students to benefit and enjoy the rapidly-changing technology and also to understand the history and legacy of recording," he said/

One man who’s already broken through is engineer Ben Baptie (pictured), a graduate of West London University. Baptie began working at Metropolis Studios while finishing his degree and went on to spend nearly three years at Electric Lady Studios in New York as a mix assistant to Grammy award-winning producer, Tom Elmhirst. He now divides his time between London and New York and has mixed albums for many of the biggest names in music, including U2, Mark Ronson, James Morrison and Albert Hammond Jr.

He welcomes the new partnerships and is a huge fan of AMS Neve’s kit. “I don’t think of myself as an overly technical mixer and I’m more about how it feels and whether the song is actually any good. But the Neve equipment helps so much," remarked Baptie. "Just the versatility and quality that is provided across the whole range they have, whether it be a compressor, EQ, mic pre or desk. I just always know that it will deliver. It’s great having that security so you know you can keep working fast."

http://www.ams-neve.com