A word on the housing market...

I think it's safe to say the housing market has affected most everyone in the US. At Rives Audio, we certainly felt it's influence about 6 months ago. Today, we are still seeing an influence, but in a much more positive way.

As it turns out, with the downturn of the housing industry, there is an upside. People in the construction industry are doing more remodels and additions than ever before. Interest rates are good for people secure in their home and builders are agressively pricing these jobs to maintain their work volume.

As a result we've seen a large increase in basement buildouts and additions. So what started to look like a downturn has rapidly turned into a possitive. So now, it seems it's a good time to finish that basement and put in the home theater you always wanted.

How Can Rives Help?

We can design optimized acoustics into just about any architecture, decor, and other needs not only to meet your performance criteria, but also achieve great aesthetics as well.

But what you may not know is how many resources we offer for FREE.

We even have published papers for those that are not interested in our services, but know they want to design their theater on their own. Such as this paper on "Designing a Media Room." published on the Audioholics website. This is just one of the many free resources.

In fact there is a whole section on the Rives Audio website devoted to those that want to "do it yourself" with many free resources.

The most important thing is getting started. Rives can even help you for free there too. By just filling out the application form and faxing it in you will be contacted by one of our engineers to discuss what direction you might take. There is no obligation to hiring us from this form. You may decide to, or you may use the preliminary information we provde to design the space yourself. You have nothing to lose.

Check out new examples and Gallery Page

What do you listen to?

Part 18
Male Vocals

This is another great area to focus on. Similar to the female vocal in that we all know what a vocal should sound like, the range is completely different. In many cases the male range will be in both the bass and midrange area--a good test for the crossover and room acoustics.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Harry Belafonte - Harry sings the Blues. Classic 45 RPM single sided is really fantastic. Almost like he is in the room with you. I particularly like the first cut on the album.

2. Jay McShann - What a Wonderful World. Groove Note. A medium tone and raspy voice. Not a refined vocal at all, more emotion in really feeling the song.

3. Lugman Hamza - with this voice. Another Groove Note record--and just as great. Very smooth and refined voice.

4. The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album. The 45 RPM Analog Productions re-issue is fabulous. Piano and vocals--the audiophile dream (or nightmare)

5. Andy Bey - Tuesdays in Chinatown (CD warlock album). Another very deep and raspy vocal--really pushes those lower vocal octaves.

6. Ray Charles and Count Basie - Ray Sings Basie Swings. Pure Audiophile vinyl. Well you can't beat the cast and it is a terrific re-issue.

Well, as always I hope these recommendations are useful to you. Isn't this what it's all about--enjoying the music.

Richard Rives Bird
President, Rives Audio