Early Career and Education
The author's formal education concluded in 1964 at age 15, upon passing the Intermediate Certificate. This initial step into the workforce led to an 18-month tenure as a junior clerk with the NSW Government Railways, followed by approximately a decade of diverse employment experiences.
A pivotal moment in 1964 was the introduction of Professor Harry Messel's 'Blue Book,' an extensive 879-page text that integrated physics, chemistry, biology, and geology. This influential publication featured a notable graphic of a dissected rat and, more significantly for the author, its Chapter 14, "Magnetism and Electricity," which sparked an interest that would shape a lifelong career in audio, broadcast, and music technology.
During science classes, the 'Blue Book' was approached tentatively by the teacher, particularly regarding the electric bell circuit diagram in Chapter 14, which was bypassed. The author later recognized that the fundamental operational principles of the electric bell closely mirrored the analogue audio technology that would become central to their professional life.
The foundational principles of the electric bell circuit, though initially overlooked in school, were later recognized by the author as sharing core similarities with the analogue audio technology that would define their career path.
Transition to the Music Industry
In 1981, the author transitioned from playing with a pub rock band to assembling PA equipment, establishing a hire business. This shift was driven by a growing interest in the technical aspects of sound reinforcement, a domain previously managed by bandmates, marking a decisive move into a full-time profession.
Over the subsequent decade, the PA hire business expanded significantly. Its activities diversified to include sound engineering, sound and lighting installation, entertainment and venue management, band management, one-man-band performances, karaoke hire and hosting, and eventually sales.
The author's ventures were often opportunistic. The necessity to learn guitar arose when a songwriting partner relocated interstate for employment, leading to music performance and subsequently the PA hire business. This included working with the Chet Reynolds Band, whose leader was a regular performer on prominent television programs like "The Mike Walsh Show," "The Midday Show with Ray Martin," and "The Don Lane Show."
Following Chet Reynolds' illness and the disbandment of his group, the author explored opportunities in the nascent rock 'n' roll industry in the Philippines. This led to a four-year period in Manila, where they gained experience in sound and lighting and entertainment management.
Return to Australia and Sales
Upon returning to Australia in the late 1980s, the author pivoted into the sales sector. During a job interview at Audio Telex, the CEO presented a catalogue featuring Symetrix audio processors. The author confidently stated a comprehensive understanding of the high-performance outboard equipment, including voice processors with quality preamps and EQ, compressor limiters, and SPL computers.
Audio Telex, primarily a distributor of 100V line (high impedance) systems, was expanding into low impedance systems relevant to the music industry. The author, initially unfamiliar with 100V line technology, noted the presence of transformers on speakers pictured in the catalogue.
The author subsequently undertook to educate themselves on 100V line high-impedance systems, drawing parallels to basic Ohm's Law principles (voltage, current, and resistance). A critical learning was that incorrectly tapping speaker transformers to exceed the power amplifier's wattage could lead to system failure. This understanding was further deepened by James Joule's 1840 discovery, which established that heat produced by an electric current is proportional to the square of the current multiplied by resistance. The integrated work of James Watt, Georg Ohm, and James Joule forms the fundamental basis of Ohm's Law.
Audiovisual Management and Broadcast Engineering
Approaching the age of 40, the author remained in sales while saving to build a dream house in Port Stephens, NSW. The rapid advancements in digital, audiovisual, and video conferencing technologies presented an opportunity, leading to a six-year transition into audiovisual and audiovisual management roles. The house in Port Stephens reached the "lock-up" stage in 2002. However, securing corporate audiovisual roles in Newcastle proved challenging due to the city's post-industrial economic state.
In 2003, the author became the editor of Broadcast Engineering News. This position was secured through an unconventional application process, which notably included submitting a comedy screenplay that impressed the newly appointed publisher, who lacked a broadcast background. This career progression often drew criticism regarding the non-traditional nature of the author's employment choices.
"Why bother learning guitar and joining a band?" a former fiancée questioned, labeling it "childish" and suggesting it would lead nowhere. The author's swift retort, comparing the cost of an electric guitar to an engagement ring, underscored a commitment to their unconventional path.