Acoustics and sound reinforcement

Mission Statement

The committee’s work is concerned with the following areas of interest as applied to audio engineering: general acoustics, architectural acoustics including building acoustics and room acoustics (including measurement, design, and simulation), electroacoustic systems (including virtual reality, virtual acoustics, and signal processing), psychoacoustics and physiological acoustics, noise control, sound and vibration isolation.

Areas of Concentration

1. Auralization
2. Electroacoustic Systems
3. Electronic Architecture
4. General Acoustics
5. Noise Control
6. Physiological Acoustics
7. Psychoacoustics
8. Room Acoustics
9. Sound and Vibration Isolation

Current Areas Of Work

*** HEALTHY EARS, LIMITED ANNOYANCE (HELA) ***

TC-ASR proposed the Healthy Ears, Limited Annoyance (HELA) Initiative in Section 7.4 of AES Technical Document AESTD1007.1.20-05. Healthy Ears indicates a commitment to preserving healthy hearing for all individuals at an event (whether they are working, volunteering or in attendance). Limited Annoyance focuses on the off-site community, striving to avoid excessive annoyance due to noise pollution. Limited is used as it is understood that it is impossible to avoid all annoyance. Limiting noise-based annoyance as much as practical must be the target. The acronym, HELA, is a play on a common slang term used in California, “hella”, meaning very. In this case, any member of the initiative would be considered HELA-compliant (read: very compliant).

 

This initiative follows a two-pronged approach where it would support (A) research targeting the fundamental gaps in knowledge as identified in Sections 7.1 – 7.3 of the Technical Document and (B) essential education for all key live event stakeholders.

 

Work is currently underway in area (B) to develop an online certification program with external delivery partners. This will be based on the findings and recommendations from AES Technical Document AESTD1007.1.20-05 and the WHO Global Standard on Safe LIstening Venues and Events.

 

The research behind the AES Technical Document and the WHO Global Standard revealed significant variances in sound-level management practices and attitudes across the globe. Although both documents outline currently accepted best practices, it is unreasonable to expect key stakeholders within live events including, but not limited to, live sound engineers, venue management, musicians, acoustical consultants, event promoters, equipment manufacturers, booking agents, and educators (at large) to read and understand these documents (which both exceed 100 pages).

 

An opportunity exists to introduce a formal benchmark in professional practice for those seeking employment, or currently working within, the live event sector. Along with the potential benefits to public health and safety, the scheme will help promote improved professionalization across the industry. The certification scheme has the potential to make a real difference in terms of realizing reductions in exposure to dangerously high sound levels, as is the aim of the WHO Global Standard.

 

The working group for the HELA certification scheme includes:

* Jon Burton (University of Derby, UK)

* Adam Hill (University of Derby, UK)

* Marcel Kok (dBcontrol, Netherlands)

* Alex Krasnic (Vanguardia, UK)

* Michael Lawrence (Rational Acoustics, USA)

* Heather Malyuk (Soundcheck Audiology, USA)

* Jos Mulder (Australian National University, Australia)

* Elena Shabalina (d&b audiotechnik, Germany)

* Laura Sinnott (Sound Culture, USA)

 

The HELA certification scheme is planned for launch in 2024.

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*** AES TECHNICAL DOCUMENT AESTD1007.1.20-05 ***

TC-ASR published an AES Technical Document in May 2020 on sound exposure and noise pollution at large-scale outdoor music events. The document can be accessed here: http://www.aes.org/technical/documents/AESTD1007_1_20_05.pdf

 

The contributors to this document were:

* Chris Beale (SPLtrack, UK)

* Durand Begault (Charles M. Salter Associates, USA)

* Jon Burton (University of Derby, UK)

* Etienne Corteel (L-Acoustics, France)

* Christian Frick (Rocket Science, Switzerland)

* Jim Griffiths (Vanguardia, UK)

* Adam Hill (University of Derby, UK)

* Marcel Kok (dBcontrol, Netherlands)

* Michael Lawrence (Rational Acoustics, USA)

* Bob McCarthy (Meyer Sound, USA)

* Johannes Mulder (Australian National University, Australia)

* Kees Neervoort (Event Acoustics, Netherlands)

* Elena Shabalina (d&b audiotechnik, Germany)

* Andy Wardle (University of the Highlands & Islands, UK)

 

The aim of this group was to develop a set of recommendations outlining what needs to be done to address the issue of sound exposure and noise pollution due to outdoor events, with an emphasis on practicality and preservation of a good audience experience.

 

The document is due for an update in 2025. Please get in touch with one of the TC-ASR chairs/vice-chairs if you are interested in contributing.