Worldwide Showcase of Historic Concert Recordings: 2021 Sets Record as Globally Comprehensive Exhibition of Audioscape Memorabilia
At the 2019 Prolight + Sound fair, attendees were transported to the past, as they surrounded cutting-edge line arrays and digital consoles with a historical touch. Housed in the Forum Level 0 at the Festhalle, milestones of concert audio history from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s drew in hordes of audio enthusiasts. The Vintage Concert Audio e.V. and the Professional Association of Independent Professionals in the Event Industry (ISDV) showcased over 250 historic relics at their joint stand.
Mark your calendars for the resurrection of this impressive exhibition at Prolight + Sound 2021. In an exclusive interview, Wolfgang Neumann, President of Vintage Concert Audio e.V. and CEO of Schabbach Enterprises, divulges the inspiration behind the showcase and the exciting prospects for 2021.
1 What is the Vintage Concert Audio Show?
Wolfgang Neumann, President of Vintage Concert Audio e.V. and CEO of Schabbach Enterprises
We're not just an association; we're a group of connoisseurs who collect and restore professional sound systems from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Our goal is to share the charm of vintage analog sound technology with the new generation.
As of today, we boast over 400 exhibits, many of them dating back to the 60s and 70s. Each evening from 5 pm on, we demonstrate these old vocal and PA systems with music from their respective eras. In the mix, you'll find old analog Midas mixing consoles and huge Concert PA systems from the past, such as Martin Audio Modular and Meyer Sound MSL-3.
2 How would you describe your company in five words?
We're a dynamic band of brothers who came together in spring 2019. Four old men who've been hoarding vintage audio gear for ages. I first dreamt of creating this exhibition during the Prolight + Sound 2018. It's all brand spanking new for all of us, but there's plenty of work and endless fun ahead.
3 How has the industry changed since you started and what potential do you see?
Our association has tonnes of potential, because we're pioneers in arranging such a large-scale vintage concert audio showcase worldwide. I can't tell you where this journey will lead, but the fascination for vintage audio equipment is immense. We're now planning to establish a Vintage Concert Audio Museum, a dream I hope will come true.
4 How many times did you exhibit at Prolight + Sound? What motivates you to take part?
2019 marked our debut, and we'll be there again in 2021, adhering to the then current Corona safety guidelines. Since then, our vintage equipment collection has grown exponentially, even during the tough Corona period. In 2021, we're set to deliver the biggest and most comprehensive vintage concert audio exhibition globally.
That's the plan: We'll roll up with four to five trucks filled with vintage gear and transform over 2,500 square meters into a playground for vintage concert audio enthusiasts. There'll be audio samples of old PA systems and panel discussions with audio veterans, ensuring there's something for every aficionado.
With bated breath, we're looking forward to it and hope for a thundering response like last time. 2019 was the jackpot—we never thought we'd receive so much interest. It was a joyous experience, one we'll never forget. Cheers to the vintage fanatics who partied with us!
- The Vintage Concert Audio Show is a unique exhibition showcasing a collection of restored professional sound systems from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, aimed at sharing the charm of vintage analog sound technology.
- The Vintage Concert Audio Show is a dynamic presentation of vintage audio equipment, displaying over 400 exhibits, including old analog Midas mixing consoles and large Concert PA systems such as Martin Audio Modular and Meyer Sound MSL-3.
