The New York Portfolio: Paul Ginsberg

Paul Ginsberg is a true scientist with a finely tuned sense of hearing. Consider his credentials: President of Professional Audio Laboratories and the world’s leading expert in audio and video examination for countless Fortune 500 companies and American government institutions including the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, the Secret Service, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.As “a lover of everything audio” Mr. Ginsberg’s passion has become his career. He attended the City College of New York where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. But it was during his five years spent at an engineering firm after college “listening to the enhancement of signals in the presence of noise” that he discovered his talent.Mr. Ginsberg had planned his career in the entertainment industry, but the United States government had other plans. While developing a recording studio for John Belushi and Chevy Chase, the Justice Department called him in for an assignment; 30 years and testifying at 1,650 trials later, Mr. Ginsberg ranks at the top of his field.His company, Professional Audio Laboratories, examines evidence and proves its authenticity for clients including Coca Cola, CNN, Texaco, and the American and foreign governments, as well as individual clients.Mr. Ginsberg approaches his work with scientific objectivity, which allows him to represent both the prosecution and defense in the same trial as he did in the year-long terrorism trial, U.S. v. Rahman, in New York.Mr. Ginsberg assured The New York Sun that this only done with the consent of the judge.“They put me on notice so that I don’t mix up anybody’s laundry,” he said. He explained that representing both parties works to his advantage at trial because “nobody will challenge my qualifications as they have all accepted me as their expert.”Mr. Ginsberg’s missions may seem impossible, but his achievements are countless. This extensive list includes his work on the infamous “missing 18 minutes” of the Nixon Watergate Tapes, Woody Allen v. Mia Farrow in a celebrated child abuse case, and the Branch Davidian trials at Waco, Texas. His passion for audio technology and exposure to all kinds of communications from 911 calls, organized crime trials, drug cases, and distorted tapes from foreign governments contribute to his distinctive expertise. Needless to say, Mr. Ginsberg does not regret ending his career in entertainment early on.Professional Audio Laboratories is located in the basement of the Ginsberg’s residence in Spring Valley, N.Y. (Its Web site is www.proaudiolabs.com.) The walls are lined with audio and video equipment ranging from old-fashioned large cassette reels he uses to review 911 calls to the top secret “James Bond” style recording equipment he examines for the FBI. Mr. Ginsberg is up working at 4 a.m. most mornings in his “Tape Cave” driven by his passion, and dedication to justice.“When I can make a difference in a trial I know the value of what I have done,” Mr. Ginsberg told the Sun. Though his 30 years of experience contributes to his credibility and expertise, Mr. Ginsberg attributes his tremendous success to “a lot of luck, confidence, hard work, and moxie … and the ability to counterbalance serious business with a good sense of humor.”

The New York Portfolio: Paul Ginsberg

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