Clovis Connections Podcast

Created August 24, 2023Jay and Amy read and discuss an article in the Clovis News Journal written on Sunday, December 20, 1959. The article was written by Norma Jean Berry who was Petty’s personal secretary. The article discusses Petty’s beginnings, growth, and directions late in the year that Buddy Holly died. This article is a fascinating insight into the Petty’s business, art, and life and its impact on city of Clovis, New Mexico and music worldwide. The origin of Nor-Va-Jak studio, rockabilly, Tex-Mex sound and Buddy Holly as well as the Fireballs are discussed. Petty’s business operation and discovery of new talent is detailed, and information about his Clovis studio and the New York studio is described. The original echo chamber of the studio is merited as is the sale of sheet music. Vi Petty’s professional input and guidance is described. Norman Music and Dundee Music originated in the Studio in Clovis. The Norman Petty Foundation is initiated in Clovis in 1959, fostering benevolent missionary charitable work. Songs and albums mentioned in the article: Mood IndigoAlmost ParadiseParty DollThat’ll Be the DayPeggy SueSugar TimeSince You Went Away to SchoolCompromiseFireballTorquayBulldog/ Nearly SunriseMoondreamsSongs for ChristmasFurther information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org Engineered by Amy Fisher

Created August 17, 2023Jay and Amy return after a protracted interval to explain and reveal some of the inner workings of building an analog recording studio with vintage vacuum tube equipment. Studio electronic noise issues explained and corrected, as well as mismatched impedance, loading by various amplifiers and interactions explained. How analog photography is similar to analog audio and sound recording. Debugging multi-track recording is underway. Overview of the podcast and rebuilding of the recording studio equipment. Vocal balance and audio compression is described. Rebuild complete of the mastering recorder, the Ampex 351 reel to reel, considered by many to be a “holy grail” of vacuum tube recording. Calibration test magnetic tape alignment and adjustments were made. Location and use of this mastering recorder is revealed. Debugging, testing, and arrangement of the multi-track capabilities of the Scully 280 eight track recorder has started. Discovered several Canadian musical groups that had recorded on the Scully, and master tapes were left with the recorder. Groups “The Happy Feeling” and possibly “The Guess Who” masters were found. Passive mixing of multi-tracks, track mixing, effects addition are explained. Discovery and rebuilding of a Langevin AL-4A mixer is detailed.Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org Engineered by Amy Fisher

Created April 21, 2023Discussion of the equipment upgrades, getting ready for the music festival and interviewing a large group of people. TRS/TS Input/Output panel wired into Control Room Patch Console from Studio A, with cable marking and identification discussed. Monitors, cabling and Altec speaker rebuilds described: taking a pair of poor 605A Altec monitors and rebuilding them to extremely fine high fidelity monitors with incredible sound. History of Altec monitors and use in recording studios. Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org Engineered by Amy Fisher 

KC Messick, Tres Morgan, Robyn Snowberger, and Marcy Anaya  and other members of the Clovis Music Festival committee met together to discuss the Clovis Music Festival, to be held April 14-15, 2023 at the Curry County Events Center. The event will feature Uncle Kracker and the Eli Young Band on Friday, April 14. Los Huracanes del Norte will take the stage on Saturday, April 15. They discuss the event with Clovis Connections Podcast Host Jay Fisher.Click Here for the Clovis Music Festival website  Engineered by Amy Fisher

Created March 2, 2023Part 1: Guest Bryan Ellis with High Plains Sleep Disorder Center in Clovis, New Mexico interviews with Amy and Jay Fisher. Overview of legislative session and the Chamber of Commerce and upcoming bills and grants. Energy, taxes, oil and gas revenue in New Mexico are discussed. Planned obsolescence in manufacturing and long term durability are examined. Speakers, sound reproduction, and modern products are compared. Bias, information technology, and scientific method determines modern development. Personal productive drives and knowledge are related to success. Sound waves, pink noise, white noise and sleep stages are detailed by Bryan. Part 2: Bryan and Jay discuss electricity, its origins, usage, and applications in the modern world. Power generation with fossil fuels, solar, and wind energy along with their limitations are examined. Jay describes the massive foundational bases of concrete and rebar that wind generators are built upon and their damage to the soils, drainage, and longevity. Bryan describes technology interests fostered in education and the philosophy of learning. Bryan details the Clovis Music Festival and organization, the week after Easter, starting April 10, through April 15. Musicians Eli Young Band, Uncle Kracker, and Los Huracanes Del Norte are the main event performers with other groups every day of the week. Visit the Clovis Curry County Chamber of Commerce website for more details at www.clovisnm.org Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org                                                                                     Engineered by Amy Fisher 

Created February 14, 2023Part 1: Bryan Ellis with High Plains Sleep Disorder Center in Clovis, New Mexico will return next week for a follow-up podcast. A new digital-analog interface is being used, hardware settings and glitches in electrical equipment, patch jacks, and TRS plugs are revealed. Five podcast mics are now in use, and an advanced interface. Vintage microphones in the studio are described and detailed. Volunteers with STEM and STEAM interest are requested. Blue collar opportunities and needs are examined during the computer revolution. DIY YouTube videos are humorously described. Part 2: Studio building update: Studio monitor rebuild and repair is described, sources for acquiring vintage electronic equipment are identified. Jay describes reason and type of rebuild of vintage Altec recording broadcast monitors, and crossovers, frequency controls, and dividing circuits are briefly covered. Baffles, grill cloth, and tweeter operation are detailed, and the refinishing of the speaker cabinets is revealed. Cannon plugs, XL connectors, XLP, XLR, plugs, receptacles, designations and identification quirks are discussed.Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org Engineered by Amy Fisher

Created February 02, 2023 Part 1: Bryan Ellis is a Respiratory Therapist and a Registered Sleep Technologist with decades of experience, operating a physician and primary care-referred sleep diagnosis and therapy center. Bryan discusses insomnia of several types, sleep related breathing disorders, and sleep apnea. He  identifies mechanical problems with sleep, and the many issues that we have with quality of sleep, causes, and remedies. Bryan describes the process of sleep study and related care, and the sleep study environment as well as insomnia vs. respiratory and mechanical sleep issues. Sound and memory come into play. Bryan describes sleep onset insomnia and sleep maintenance insomnia and the distinctions of sleep cycles and stages as well as sleep paralysis. Brain wave frequency responses and ranges determine sleep stages, in extremely low frequency wave patterns, determined by EEG (electroencephalogram). Bryan describes how sound wave research is being done related to memory retention and access, using low frequency sound and pink noise input to the human brain. This fascinating research is leading to memory improvement and may play a role in the treatment of brain disorders of aging. Further discussion details acid reflux and its role in sleep apnea, as well as diabetic related sleep disorders. Bryan will return for a second part at a later podcast. Part 2: Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the Clovis Music Festival with future guests and information. Old, vintage electrical test equipment is described, and the need for testing, analysis, and repair of the analog studio equipment. Jay describes repairing and re-coning of early 1950s Altec 602-B monitor coaxial speakers. Altec 604 speakers were a recording studio standard, the basis of Altec’s most popular monitor speakers. Jay details linear air motors which are the basis of speakers, and basic electrical theory. The role of air movement is critical to sound reproduction. Voice coils, magnets, signal, and vibration reproduction creates the sound we hear. Jay describes alignment of the voice coil, magnet clearance, spider, cone, and speaker rebuild and assembly. Hybridization of the vintage analog studio with modern digital equipment is critical for operation. Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org Engineered by Amy Fisher

Created January 25, 2023Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. Volunteering and the importance of offering service to others is unique and priceless. Time management and community service critical needs are revealed, and the Clovis Sounds Studio is asking for musicians and technicians helping in the studio build. Drive and internal motivation is essential to learning and teaching others. Inventory details, equipment, origin, source, schematics, and operation guides are required in the vintage studio. Sam’s Photofacts repair journals are mentioned; documentation importance, provenance, and scheduling is described. Comparisons to Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) are examined, as is training through Eastern New Mexico University’s communication department. The process of local music is briefly detailed and submissions by aspiring musicians are described. Early Buddy Holly failed recordings, prior to his involvement with Norman Petty are revealed. Importance of a sense of humor and play in musicians is examined. Jay’s and Amy’s musical history is explained. Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.orgEngineered by Amy Fisher

Created January 17, 2023Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. 70 pieces of vintage electronic equipment , low humidity protects the electronic equipment from age-related corrosion. “Big Red” isolated power supply installed and tested, with electromagnetic interference filtering and voltage regulation for vintage equipment. Using new magnetic tape for the reel-to-reel recorders requires pre-bulk-erasing to clear all signals made in manufacturing of the tape. Discussion of microphone directionality and function, and the possibility of enhancing mixed and finalized digital audio by running it through analog processes. Describing a bulk magnetic tape eraser and the process of cleaning tape of all signal. Switchable patching for input and testing discussed. Signal pathway charts and forms create a repeatable record for use. Patching switcher for comparing sounds of various audio pathways is introduced. Ability for analog equipment to separate the apparent mixing of digital recorded tracks is discovered. Repairing and using vintage, high resolution test equipment described, sub-microamp galvanometer in bridge tuning circuits. Noise floor and limitations of analog audio described.Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at www.jayfisher.com Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org  Engineered by Amy Fisher 

Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. 70 pieces of vintage electronic equipment need care and use to prevent degradation. Rebuilding the tape transport system of an Ampex 350 is detailed, including bearings, retaining pins, the use of heat in assembly and repair. Missing power supplies are identified, with online auctions, and online scams. Building a replica of an Ampex 3741R2 power supply is indicated. Nearby earthquake was experienced. The “death capacitor” purpose, operation, failure, replacement, and repair is described. Modern ATR magnetic tape technical details are shared. Requests for studio musicians and input are presented. Input mains power supply and conditioning is described as it relates to vacuum tube operation, with remedies being built with variable autotransformers and a master safety studio supply system.  Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at https://www.jayfisher.com/Fisher-Audio-Science.htmClovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org  Engineered by Amy Fisher

Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. Stabilization of top heavy electronic racks is described with possible solutions for stability using doorstops as kickstands. 1950s styling is described. “Power feed” or “mains” terminology and application is covered, comparing industrial vs. audio fields and the differences in British and American English language. The origin and pronunciation of the word “soldering” is discussed and also the differences between soldering, brazing, and welding. Plosives and filters are defined. Altec 438 compressor preamplifier undergoing installation and function is described, as potential applications and uses of this component. Performer’s voice and accompanying music intensity rates are considered. Electrical gremlins are in the studio. Tinkerers, knob diddlers and twiddlers, and true technicians are compared. Pattern Energy article recommended. Anonymous forums and misinformation are described as is studio access. Replacing capacitors and vacuum tubes and EMP resistance are mentioned. Altec 350 reel to reel recorder electromechanical repair is described. DAW options are covered. Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at https://www.jayfisher.com/Fisher-Audio-Science.htm Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce (and the Clovis Sounds Studio): www.clovisnm.org Engineered by Amy Fisher

Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. In this episode, they talk about infrared glow of electron tubes, the Fear Podcast on WINS 1010 Radio, and the comparison of high fidelity in the Clovis Sounds Studio compared with New York Radio sound. Synergistic relationship of all components of broadcast and recording to produce a final result are mentioned. Further details about electronic rack weight and balance are discussed and potential floor locks for safety. Building of Rack #1 is detailed, and power mains feeds installed and power cord types. Signal cables are briefly described. Control Room and Recording safety is discussed, of primary importance. We detail the performance of Altec preamps and vocal compressors, and setup a testing arrangement of extremely fine-sounding small Altec A340A amplifier which produces extraordinary sound with a poor, cheap, small Public Address speaker and an input from computer streaming service. Quality and price comparisons are made from the 1950s to present time. Our approach to setup and troubleshooting in the studio is described from the macro to individual components based on timing and budget. Should repairs be focused on preservation or use? How much value is retained or lost by improving components to expand capabilities and quality? Power switches are to be installed on the amplifiers.  Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at https://www.jayfisher.com/Fisher-Audio-Science.htm Engineered by Amy Fisher

Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. In this episode, they discuss afternoon podcasts, safety concerns with glowing electrical connections, and “Forward Looking InfraRed” (FLIR Cameras). They are used in scanning for hot electrical connections in high voltage motor controllers and switchgear as well as production. Audio signal power and noise problems and troubleshooting methods using logic and comparison are mentioned. Electrical connections in the studio as a source of problems is defined. Another podcast interview performed has demonstrated superior sound coming from the Clovis Sounds Studio compared with a radio studio in New York City. Riverside FM podcasting app and search terms on podcasting descriptions are revealed. The layout of equipment, microphones, preamps, mixers, compressors, equalizers and racks are detailed, describing weight and balance of the racks and how they are componentized and fitted with wiring and castors. One-sided nature of electronics racks are described and possible counter-balancing for weight distribution. Component price and values are mentioned. The connections of the studio with the public are mentioned, and live performance bands in the early studios, including the Norman Petty Studio. Jay and his sisters performed in some Norman Petty recordings as kids. Possible uses of the studio for narration and advertising are mentioned. Podcast details and statistics are discussed with the growth of podcasting. Statistics reveal that new music is being outsold by old music for several years and by a larger amount every year. Music assembly with Digital Audio Workstations is described as being an issue due to visual nature of music arrangements and the lack of live performance. Waveforms of voice patterns in the visual spectrum analyzer are described. October Special: Strange lights are seen in the museum, and a spooky story is told about Jay’s archaeological work in his youth with strange voices heard in an ancient Anasazi ruin. Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at https://www.jayfisher.com/Fisher-Audio-Science.htmEngineered by Amy Fisher

Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. In this episode, they detail patch cable jacks and multiple connection cords for microphone feeds, sub-standard mixers, and analog to digital interfaces. They try muting of the piano in control room with blankets to prevent reverberation when not in use, and describe the use of heavy sound reduction curtains and sound control. Comb filter reverb and sound bounce from floors and windows is identified. Lighting type and noise with 60 cycle hum is described. Magnifiers for studio work, with depth of field and controlled focus are discussed. They follow up on voice affectation, the Disc Jockey “bubble” of AM radio announcers and teletype machines. Also described is documentary voice inflection and reading text in broadcast. West Texas accents are demonstrated compared to coastal accents. Narration and reading voices are important in the recording studio, as is singing voice testing using karaoke equipment. Possible internships with local colleges and communications students are in the works. Nature and wildlife sounds are discussed, as are audible hums. The Taos hum and a current hum and noise map are identified with relationship to 60 hertz electrical noise. Glowing electrical connections are defined and the relationship to wire metal types. Several strange Halloween stories are shared. The relationship to AGC (automatic gain control) in microphones and audio sensing circuits can lead to mysterious results.Further information, photos, and history of the project is available at https://www.jayfisher.com/Fisher-Audio-Science.htm Engineered by Amy Fisher

Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. Corrections are presented about previous discussion of LED light firing circuits in the audio studio. Listener input is encouraged. Curious and humorous voice sounds, inflection, timbre, and habits are discussed, and the role of voice in podcasting and studio recording. The importance of voice projection and affectations are revealed as well as the sound of one’s own voice in public speaking, recording, and renditions. Topics include microphone frequency and tone as well as the psychological effect of voice, particularly in analog recordings. Related subjects are sound effects on podcast shows, up-talkers, down-talkers, growlers, questioning tones, uncertainty in voice, he-reads-she-reads narratives, great art in narration and readers, voice nuance and control in audio books. We discuss intimacy and the personal nature of podcasting via close-contact ear buds, headphones and in vehicles. There is limited understanding in text messaging, and an inherent inability to communicate emotions. Related topics are telephone banks and walls, and Library of Congress submissions. Studio updates include wiring and patch cables, adapters for equipment, patch bays in studio and control rooms, amplifier rack mounting and interference with high fidelity high frequency response. The link to the photos of the studio, history, and rebuild is on the Fisher Audio Science web page at jayfisher.com.Published in October, Jay shares a spooky and disturbing story of strange screams in the forest of New Mexico.Engineered by Amy Fisher

Amy and Jay Fisher discuss the restoration and operation of a 1950s-1960s high fidelity analog recording studio. The relationship with audiophiles, musicians, and the future of recording in the Clovis Sounds Studio is explained. Recording analog music and evolution of music into digital and live performance is described. They discuss reverb and echo, building the studio, electrical safety and high voltage. Patch bays, wiring, cables, and signal is covered in a basic way. Acrylic signs in the recording studio and LED lighting noise is revealed. Sound reflection and acoustics in the studio room is considered, as is expansion and room layout and design. Wire, signal cabling, connectors, and patch bays play a major role in the rebuild and operation. Published in October, several spooky and disturbing stories are presented for fun. Engineered by Amy FisherPlease follow us on all of the major podcast providers at Clovis Connections PodcastQuestions, Ideas, or Input? Please contact Nick at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce at clovisnm@clovisnm.orgVisit the Chamber's website to see all of the upcoming events and happenings in the area at www.clovisnm.orgContact Jay Fisher directly at jayfisher@jayfisher.com

Jay Fisher interviews Tina Dziuk, Director of Clovis Economic Development. Tina is new to the position, and reveals facts about Clovis' growth, direction, and opportunities. This episode is a good insight to the future of Clovis, what it's like to live in the area, and our relationship with our youth. Communication is the key to our future, and the Clovis Sounds Studio is committed to encourage and promote connections between young and old.Contact Tina: tina@clovisedc.comEngineered by Amy Fisher.Please follow us on all of the major podcast providers at Clovis Connections PodcastQuestions, Ideas, or Input? Please contact Nick at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce at clovisnm@clovisnm.orgVisit the Chamber's website to see all of the upcoming events and happenings in the area at www.clovisnm.orgContact Jay Fisher directly at jayfisher@jayfisher.com

Jay Fisher interviews Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ernie Kos describes the Chamber's official roll and function in the community, including tourism, industry, membership, business and events in the Clovis and Curry County area. She shares personal stories and interesting tidbits about her roll in the community and her career.  The Chamber is the hub for the business community and arranges and coordinates various events, promotions and information about the eastern plains lifestyle. She also presents an update on The Ghost Phone described on the first episode of the Clovis Connections Podcast.Contact Ernie: ernie@clovisnm.orgRecorded and engineered by Amy Fisher.Please follow us on all of the major podcast providers at Clovis Connections PodcastQuestions, Ideas, or Input? Please contact Nick at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce at clovisnm@clovisnm.orgVisit the Chamber's website to see all of the upcoming events and happenings in the area at www.clovisnm.orgContact Jay Fisher directly at jayfisher@jayfisher.com

Jay and Amy Fisher discuss the creation of the Clovis Sounds Studio in the Norman and Vi Petty Rock 'N' Roll Museum, in the basement of the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce. This the second of a two-part series discussing the history, idea, directions, origin, and future of the fully analog high fidelity recording studio being created in this eastern New Mexico community. The recording studio will feature rare and valuable vintage equipment: microphones, amplifiers, mixers, equalizers, panners, reel to reel magnetic tape recorders, vinyl album cutters and lathes, and speaker and broadcast equipment. It will also consist of a complete modern digital recording studio. The studio will be publicly owned and operated by the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce. Jay and Amy Fisher are volunteering, repairing, installing, and operating the equipment. This podcast originates at the Clovis Sounds Studio.Please follow us on all of the major podcast providers at Clovis Connections PodcastQuestions, Ideas, or Input? Please contact Nick at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce at clovisnm@clovisnm.orgVisit the Chamber's website to see all of the upcoming events and happenings in the area at www.clovisnm.orgContact Jay Fisher directly at jayfisher@jayfisher.com

Jay and Amy Fisher discuss the creation of the Clovis Sounds Studio in the Norman and Vi Petty Rock 'N' Roll Museum, in the basement of the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce. This the first of a two-part series discussing the history, idea, directions, origin, and future of the fully analog high fidelity recording studio being created in this eastern New Mexico community. The recording studio will feature rare and valuable vintage equipment: microphones, amplifiers, mixers, equalizers, panners, reel to reel magnetic tape recorders, vinyl album cutters and lathes, and speaker and broadcast equipment. It will also consist of a complete modern digital recording studio. The studio will be publicly owned and operated by the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce. Jay and Amy Fisher are volunteering, repairing, installing, and operating the equipment. This podcast originates at the Clovis Sounds Studio.Please follow us on all of the major podcast providers at Clovis Connections PodcastQuestions, Ideas, or Input? Please contact Nick at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce at clovisnm@clovisnm.orgVisit the Chamber's website to see all of the upcoming events and happenings in the area at www.clovisnm.orgContact Jay Fisher directly at jayfisher@jayfisher.com