Blackbird Academy, an extension of the top flight, multi-room Blackbird Studio in Nashville, is owned and operated by recording engineer John McBride and his wife, country music superstar, Martina McBride. Students in the program learn the basics of pro audio sound quality and signal flow using the classroom's 1608, and then apply that knowledge in Blackbird Studio's control rooms, which include a 32 channel API 1608, a 48 channel Legacy Plus and the largest Legacy Plus ever built — the 96 channel (192 input) monument to audio that occupies Studio D.

"The API 1608 sounds great, and serves as the perfect foundation for our students to build from," said Kevin Becka, instructor and co-director of the academy. "Most of our students are shocked at how the act of simply plugging in an instrument to the clean signal path and transformers of the 1608 can make it sound. We've come to call the effect, 'API Love'." Each student uses an academy-issued iPad with custom-created apps, providing descriptions of every aspect of the studio, and how those aspects connect with gear in Blackbird's dedicated control rooms. Outside the classroom, students disperse for smaller classes, and execute independent projects. Staff and students at Blackbird Academy can look forward to future years, and continued success, behind the API 1608.

For more on The Blackbird Academy, see our full press release: http://apiaudio.com/press.php?id=7010

Or visit the Academy's website: https://www.theblackbirdacademy.com/