Unfortunately, the prototype of our brand new EQ was also placed in those cases that did not make their way on the plane. Therefore "listen to the museq" was not possible before the second day of the show. The same is true of the camera... Thus, let's start right in the middle this time.

If Dave from Empirical Labs makes a demo of his ingenious products, the booth will start to get really crowded and no question will be left unanswered. This year's new star: the DerrEsser module for API's 500 series. It works really fine - well, that's Dave.

Oh oh, the first days have already left their traces. Tom still looks fine straight away, but Olivier from Alternate Soundings shows apparent signs of fatigue. What had happened? Honestly, we do not know. But no matter if wide awake or not, we always enjoy meeting Mr. al.so!

Meet the Fearns: Tom (is there anything he's not involved in?), Tad and Master Doug, of course. Doug was so kind to lend us one of his excellently recorded (Abbey Road) demo track CDs (we remember: no luggage for elysia). Thanks again for helping us out!

The secret life of Rich Williams: After the AES, the mind behind Burl Audio mutates into the furious lead singer of the band Burlacticus Undertow. Should this be anything else but a truly extravagant, fancy and spacy after show entertainment, I don't know anything at all.

John and Standpipe are obviously the coolest gang in the streets of San Francisco. Wearing hats has become the latest fashion again, and for a reason. Standpipe would give a lot to join in, but it doesn't work out. It would surely look nice, but the labor contract says no. What a pity.

Dave on a shopping tour in one of the most colorful shops in the world. Of course we are located directly on the corner of  Haight-Ashbury, where besides buying the most shrill dresses on the planet one can still meet born-and-bred hippies in the street.

Let's get back to Tiny for a short moment: Compared to these huge redwood trees, even Aaron would not look as impressive as in any other situation. Dominik, Ruben and John put everything in the right scale. A look overhead would show the following: the sky is the limit.

Beachboys 2008: Ruben, Rich, John and Kevin lounging on a Santa Cruz beach. Days like these make you want not to go home again: Super surf and around 25 degrees Centigrade - and all this in the middle of October, mind you. California is the place to be, if you ask me.

On and on and on and on ... a final look at the Pacific, and then the trip continues towards Mexico. To tell you the truth, I would really like to know how many miles Gil has traveled in the name of audio... with even more flying hours ahead: Musikmesse 2009 is coming soon!