Chicago AES Section Blog

March 28, 2018 at 7:30 pm

Location: Threshold Acoustics LLC 141 West Jackson Blvd, Suite 2080 Chicago, IL 60604

Moderated by: Scott Pfeiffer

Speaker(s): Scott Pfeiffer, Nick Dulworth, and John Strong

NOTE: Due to space, this event will be limited to 36 participants. Attendees must RSVP to request a spot. Please send an email to Giles Davis ([email protected]) to be added to the list. Please RSVP by March 26 (event may fill before then).

DESCRIPTION:

Auralization is used regularly in acoustic design, and is often over-hyped. It is not like hearing it before you build it, or a miracle of real-world fidelity. It is however, a way to bring musicians, owners, architects, and others into the conversation. Instead of discussing STC, RT, Clarity, Bass Ratio, Running Liveliness, or EDT, now we can listen together and explore – understand how changes in design become audible and meaningful.

We put the controls in the hands of the users. We present the capability and the shortcomings of the techniques, and we share all of the decisions we make on the way to the final outcome – there is no salesmanship in our technique.

John Strong, Nick Dulworth, and Scott Pfeiffer, with support from others on the team, will share the auralization process as implemented by Threshold Acoustics, you’ll get a chance to hear some auralizations that have moved projects toward their successful completion, and be invited to share your critiques and ideas for how it could be improved.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Scott Pfeiffer
For over two decades, Scott has participated in virtually every aspect of the acoustical consulting profession, from modeling and measurements to leading the design of complex rooms, audio and video installations, and electronic enhancement systems. He entered the field with a Bachelor of Science in Physics with Honors in Music from Moravian College, and then moved on to graduate studies in the Acoustics Laboratory at the Technical University of Denmark. Scott has been honored as a Fellow in the Acoustical Society of America for his accomplishments in the design of worship and performing arts spaces. He was keynote speaker at the University of Michigan’s 2013 Saturday Morning Physics conference, lecturing a rapt audience of 1,000 on physics, perception, and uniqueness.

Nick Dulworth
Nick has a background in classical recording, music composition, and mechanical design. As a recording engineer, he has recorded over 200 concerts including performances by the Emerson String Quartet, Emanuel Ax, Zuill Bailey, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, and Daniil Trifonov. Nick holds a master’s degree in Acoustics as well as bachelor’s degrees in Music Composition and Recording Arts from The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. 

John Strong
John’s career in acoustics comprises design of facilities for performing and recording arts, education, and worship, across the US and internationally. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and music theory from the University of Notre Dame, a Master’s degree in architectural acoustics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and lifelong experience as a performer in numerous musical genres. As a multi-instrumentalist, science lover, and compulsive tinkerer, he finds perpetual inspiration at the intersection of art and technology. He has presented to the Acoustical Society of America, Audio Engineering Society, and American Institute of Architects, and is a guest lecturer at the University of Notre Dame.

MAILING LIST:

Feel free to drop us a note at [email protected] if you'd like any changes to how you receive our meeting announcements. As always, both members and non-members are welcome.

Other Business: Dinner (optional) will begin at 6:30 pm. Pizza and salad from Lou Malnati's will be provided. In your RSVP, please let Giles know if you will join us for dinner and if you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc). Price is $10 for non-members and $8 for members and students (please bring cash).

View Official Meeting Report