Walter Sear RIP

[ajfarber]

I just got the sad news that Walter Sear passed away. He had an accident of few months ago and was in hospital. He had been in rehab as of late and yesterday (28 Apr.) he was transferred back to hospital. He died this morning 29 April 2010. Today would have been Duke Ellington's 111th birthday. Walter had just turned 79.

I hope the studio can survive without him.

[RobAnderson]

Wow- that's really sad news. Thanks for letting us know.

[Remoteness]

Oh my lord, I'm truly saddened by the news.
He was an awesome guy to have known.
I learned a lot from his insight over the years, especially in the early years.

Do you know when the wake / funeral will take place?

[Studiodawg]

RIP Walter...and thanks.

[Marcocet]

Wow, I only heard that he was sick last night. A genuinely great man. He'll be missed.

[Plush]

I am saddened to learn this news. He was always generous with his time and expertise in guiding me when I was starting out. What a great guy he was and he realized his vision at his studio.

[adpz]

Used to work for him at Sear - a truly special guy. I was just talking about him to someone this morning. Does anyone know if there will be a funeral??

[themaidsroom]

he was very kind to me.
sent people my way.
took me out to dinner a couple
of summers ago
we saw eye to eye about all
things audio.
the engineers he raised and trained
are the best engineers i have ever known or
worked with.

he was an individual who was brave enough to believe in his
own ears and vision and aesthetic.
i hope sear sound continues


- jack

[reeserichardson]

man, thats so sad. I only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but he was a charming fellow for sure

[Quint]

Super unfortunate. That's really sad to hear.

[Chris Shaw]

What a sad day. Worked at Sear countless times. Walter was an inspiration and such a fountain of knowledge.

[ELI-173]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I wish I could have met him. A legend!
RI

[Waltz Mastering]

R.I.P. Walter.

A great and knowledgeable man.

I had the pleasure of talking with him for a few days when working out of his studio a few years back...I will never forget.

[ajfarber]

Originally Posted by adpz

Used to work for him at Sear - a truly special guy. I was just talking about him to someone this morning. Does anyone know if there will be a funeral??

I put in a call to Roberta at Sear but she hasn't called back. I was actually calling her to book a day at Sear A, and less than 24 hours later Walter died. Former Sear staff engineer, bil emmons, is keeping me up-to-date.

[tombak]

Walter was truly the last of the Mohicans in NYC, and an oracle of knowledge.

Rest in peace.

Long Live Sear Sound!
Sear Sound NYC, NY

(image: Walter & Bob)

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by ajfarber

I put in a call to Roberta at Sear but she hasn't called back. I was actually calling her to book a day at Sear A, and less than 24 hours later Walter died. Former Sear staff engineer, bil emmons, is keeping me up-to-date.

When is the funeral / viewing?

[adpz]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

When is the funeral / viewing?

Yeah, I'd appreciate it if any has any details . . .

[Thor]

Another legend has left us...

Hope he's found audio heaven.

Thor

[Waltz Mastering]

R.I.P Walter.

He was an original.

[Legacy]

Ouch! What a loss for our community.

He was a great man. What an amazing life lived.

My deepest sympathies to Roberta, Chris, Dave and all in the Sear family.

I hope that we all can work at Sear Sound for many many years to come and enjoy his legacy.

-Silas

[Cellotron]

I was fortunate to have had been given a couple guided tours through Sear Sound by Walter. He definitely was a very gracious host who was a no nonsense unpretentious straight talker who was still fascinating to listen to. I'd run into him sometimes when I would go to Dan Zellman's (whose shop is in the basement of Sear Sound) as well - and despite smoking like a chimney it seemed the man did not slow down or lose even a tiny bit of his acuity until his accident. He will be missed!

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[wado1942]

Unfortunate. One of the last, real, classic engineers.

[ThetaAlpha970]

required reading

[greggybud]

He was truly a legend who paddled against the stream, and did it with dry wit.

What is the status of the studios? Is there a new owner?

[JPeters86]

Good lord. I met him in October last year in his studio. He was a true legend. RIP Walter, you will be missed.

[JPeters86]

Originally Posted by Cellotron

I was fortunate to have had been given a couple guided tours through Sear Sound by Walter. He definitely was a very gracious host who was a no nonsense unpretentious straight talker who was still fascinating to listen to. I'd run into him sometimes when I would go to Dan Zellman's (whose shop is in the basement of Sear Sound) as well - and despite smoking like a chimney it seemed the man did not slow down or lose even a tiny bit of his acuity until his accident. He will be missed!

Best regards,
Steve Berson

I was fortunate enough to have a similar experience. It was absolutely fascinating to hear him talking about his microphones and his theories about recording. One of the most inspiring moments in my life for sure. I never had any similar experience in any other studio. His knowledge seemed to be unlimited.

[Thor]

I met him last November at his studio together with a group of visiting engineers, and it was a blast.

He talked our ears off, was a repository of audio knowledge and engineering know-how, and represented a dedication to quality that sadly is rapidly disappearing.

All this while being both charming and witty. What a character

Thor

[Bob Yordan]

R.I.P

[soundbarnfool]

RIP, Walter. I recorded my first solo album at Sear Sound for Polydor in 1991, direct to 2 track. Walter was such a gentleman, and is of course a legend. This is very sad news indeed.

Jordan Chassan
Inglewood SoundBarn

[ajfarber]

I hope to hear about a service for Walter soon. I'll keep you all posted.