John Meyer, CEO and co-founder of Meyer Sound Laboratories, was inducted into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame at the 2014 NAMM Show. Following an introduction by Dennis “Wiz” Leonard, long-time FOH mixer of the Grateful Dead, Meyer received the award as he joined Frank Zappa, Phil Spector, T Bone Burnett, and 30 other luminaries who have shaped the art and science of music, recording, and sound reinforcement technologies.
“Throughout my career, I have worked to create technology that brings audiences closer to musicians in a transparent way,’ Meyer says. “There are products designed specifically to make art, but my interest has always been to create a high-quality listening experience without interfering with the artist’s creation. By providing these tools, we strive to enhance the shared entertainment experience that will surely remain a way of life for generations to come.’
Meyer’s role as an audio innovator extends to the late 1960s, when he consulted on audio for the Steve Miller Band. Since establishing Meyer Sound in 1979, Meyer and his wife, Helen Meyer have led an engineering team that is responsible for not only pioneering self-powered concert loudspeakers, but also introducing breakthrough developments including dedicated loudspeaker processing, SIM™ source independent measurement tools, trapezoidal loudspeaker cabinets, directional subwoofers, and more. Products designed and manufactured under Meyer’s direction are now installed in many of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, and have toured with artists ranging from the Three Tenors to Michael Buble.
“New products start with an idea, but turning a concept into useful technology requires hard work and risk-taking that may or may not result in financial success,’ says Meyer. “By rewarding the contributions of the engineers in our industry, the TEC Awards have inspired us to pursue ambitious new ideas and fostered an innovative spirit. I’m extremely honored to be inducted into the TEC Hall of Fame.’
Sharing the honors with John Meyer as the other 2014 TEC Awards Hall of Fame inductee was Hal Blaine, the legendary “Wrecking Crew’ studio session drummer. Musician and engineer Todd Rundgren received this year’s Les Paul Award.