After seven years of absence, the renowned sound engineer Mauricio ‘Magú’ Ramírez returned to Colombia for a new Meyer Sound certification.
The event was organized by Audio Concept de Colombia, the distributor and representative of Meyer Sound in Colombia, who took charge of all the logistics and coordination to offer an unforgettable event.
For two intense days, nearly 70 audio professionals, including engineers, technicians, and sound experts, gathered at Chamorro City Hall in Bogotá to participate in a unique learning experience. The event was part of the AES Colombia conference, where Magú delivered detailed training on “System Design Using MAPP 3D and System Optimization with Compass/Galaxy.”
Magú’s reappearance in Colombia attracted experts from various countries, such as Panama and Mexico, who not only participated in the formal certification sessions but also took the opportunity to exchange experiences and anecdotes.
Mauricio ‘Magú’ Ramírez shared his experience of returning to Colombia after several years, recalling that his last visit was in 2018 for a course in Bogotá. On his recent 2024 trip, he expressed: “The experience has been extraordinary. The AES conference went very well, and during the two-day course, the organization, the certification venue, and the participation of the attendees have been exceptional. There has been great enthusiasm and interest in the topics presented.”
The content was dense and enriching, with discussions extending beyond the scheduled hours. The attendees showed absolute commitment, staying until the last hours to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
Reflecting on the Meyer Sound certification sessions in Colombia, ‘Magú’ Ramírez commented: “What I consider relevant is the participants’ interest in learning, in addition to the proper organization,” emphasizing the importance of having “all the requested material, such as speakers, processors, and cables. Providing good comfort for the participants, having appropriate work tables, seating, projectors, and of course, the size of the venue.”
With vast experience in the industry, he shared his admiration for Meyer Sound, highlighting aspects that have impressed him even before joining the company: “Before becoming a Meyer Sound employee, what I admire and respect about Meyer Sound are: the directional control of the high-frequency horns, the phase response, the consistency of the frequency response when comparing products that may have many years of difference in serial numbers, the durability of the products, and the honesty in the prediction software. I mean that the data is of high resolution (1/48 of an octave) and measured every degree (instead of 5 or 10 degrees, which is typical). In summary: the sound quality.”
‘Magú’ has observed significant changes in the audio industry over the past five years, especially in audio signal transmission. “The transmission of the audio signal has been driven forward with alternatives to the traditional XLR connector,” he mentioned, referring to options including BNC connectors, used in television, and RJ45, the well-known Ethernet connector, using copper cable.
He also highlighted fiber optics as a viable alternative. The two most popular options going into the mixing console are MADI and Dante, while from the console to the sound system, whether processors, amplifiers, or self-powered loudspeakers, are Dante and AVB.
In this new landscape, Ramírez emphasized that, “unlike previous generations where audio distribution used XLR, it is now necessary for sound technicians to train in ‘networks,’ a complex but necessary discipline. The future of sound systems for concerts or installations (auditoriums, theaters, arenas) is the transmission of the audio signal via Dante, AVB, or whatever develops in the future.”
Juan Carlos Yepes, International Sales Manager at Meyer Sound, also highlighted the importance of events like this for the growth of the audio industry. “Meyer Sound, in its commitment to the sound reinforcement industry, continually develops seminars focused on training not only the direct or indirect users of our products but all professionals working in the audio industry.”
Yepes emphasized that these certifications in Spanish “put a strong emphasis on learning such powerful tools as MAPP 3D and modern techniques for arranging directional subwoofers, and only an expert like Mauricio ‘Magú’ Ramírez can deliver them in such a unique and special way.”
The event would not have been possible without the collaboration of Chamorro City Hall, which provided its facilities with the help of Andrés Chamorro, Marilyn Grajales, and Oscar García.
Additionally, KAOS Producciones played a key role by providing the technical equipment and the setup of the Leopard system, which was necessary for carrying out the certification.
With the energy and dedication that characterizes Magú, the Mexican engineer not only imparted technical knowledge but also shared his personal secrets and experiences, raising the level of the professionals present.
It was undoubtedly a memorable event that left all attendees with valuable tools to face the challenges of the audio industry.
Meyer Sound certification is not just another step in the training of these professionals but a commitment to the evolution of sound in Colombia and Latin America.
