Peter Watts (audio engineer)
Encyclopedia
Peter Watts is a designer of pro audio
equipment who is recognized as a leader in his field.
, U.K. where he worked as head of Research and Development
from 1976 to 1995. In 2003 Watts began his own company, Peter Watts Designs, Ltd., in Hong Kong
, China , which consulted to companies including Apogee Digital, Gibson Labs, Korg and Yorkville Sound. In 2009, he formed M&W Pro Audio Ltd., in Swansea, U.K., in partnership with Greg Mackie, founder of noted pro audio products companies TAPCO and Mackie Designs.
an idea he had for a computer-based mixer automation system, using a Sinclair Spectrum computer, which could change equalization settings automatically without using voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCA). Toft liked the idea and it became the basis for the automation of the Trident Di-An (digitally controlled analog) mixer. Watts worked on most of Trident's product line in various engineering roles, including as chief engineer on the VECTOR series large-format analog mixing console and the Di-An mixer.
had just taken the company public and Watts was tasked with the job to build a team to design Mackie's first digital mixer, which resulted in the Mackie D8B Digital 8-Bus mixing console, He also oversaw development of other products including the HDR-24 Hard Disk recorder, which targeted the fast-growing affordable nonlinear recording segment, and Mackie Control (formerly Logic Control) computer-based mixing controls.
, LLC to develop, manufacture and market a new line of advanced, cost-effective digital mixing consoles.
Professional audio
Professional audio, also 'pro audio', refers to both an activity and a type of audio equipment. Typically it encompasses the production or reproduction of sound for an audience, by individuals who do such work as an occupation like live event support, using sound reinforcement systems designed for...
equipment who is recognized as a leader in his field.
Overview
Watts spent a total of 35 years designing analog and digital audio recording consoles. Watts has worked at several major audio manufacturers including Mackie Designs, in Woodinville, Wash., where he was the executive vice president of engineering from 1995 to 2002 , and Trident Audio Developments in LondonLondon
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, U.K. where he worked as head of Research and Development
Research and development
The phrase research and development , according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, refers to "creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of...
from 1976 to 1995. In 2003 Watts began his own company, Peter Watts Designs, Ltd., in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, China , which consulted to companies including Apogee Digital, Gibson Labs, Korg and Yorkville Sound. In 2009, he formed M&W Pro Audio Ltd., in Swansea, U.K., in partnership with Greg Mackie, founder of noted pro audio products companies TAPCO and Mackie Designs.
Early Career
At the age of 16, Watts began working at Trident on the mixer assembly line in their factory on the Shepperton Film Studios lot. In 1976, he showed company co-founder Malcolm ToftMalcolm Toft
Malcolm Toft is an audio engineer and businessman who worked at Trident Studios, first as an audio engineer, then as the studio's manager, and eventually as co-founder of recording console maker Trident Audio Developments. Toft went on to form another console company, Malcolm Toft Associates,...
an idea he had for a computer-based mixer automation system, using a Sinclair Spectrum computer, which could change equalization settings automatically without using voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCA). Toft liked the idea and it became the basis for the automation of the Trident Di-An (digitally controlled analog) mixer. Watts worked on most of Trident's product line in various engineering roles, including as chief engineer on the VECTOR series large-format analog mixing console and the Di-An mixer.
Mackie Designs
In 1995 Watts moved to Seattle, Washington, as vice president of engineering for Mackie Designs. Company chairman Greg MackieGreg Mackie
Gregory Alan "Greg" Mackie is a South Australian who has worked to promote the arts in South Australia. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his "service to the community through the promotion of the arts, particularly the Adelaide Festival of Ideas".He was a councilor with the...
had just taken the company public and Watts was tasked with the job to build a team to design Mackie's first digital mixer, which resulted in the Mackie D8B Digital 8-Bus mixing console, He also oversaw development of other products including the HDR-24 Hard Disk recorder, which targeted the fast-growing affordable nonlinear recording segment, and Mackie Control (formerly Logic Control) computer-based mixing controls.
New Ventures
In 2010, M&W Pro Audio Ltd. announced a co-development partnership with QSC Audio ProductsQSC Audio Products
QSC Audio Products, LLC is an American manufacturer of professional audio products. QSC's target markets are audio professionals in concert, installation, portable entertainment and cinema applications.-History:...
, LLC to develop, manufacture and market a new line of advanced, cost-effective digital mixing consoles.