“Enhanced Sound Level Monitoring at Live Events by Measuring Audio Program Loudness” by Jonathan Digby and Adam Hill explores a novel approach to sound level management by applying broadcast industry loudness metering to live event audio. This research presents a logical shift from traditional peak normalization to loudness normalization, enabling front-of-house engineers to achieve consistent, predictable sound levels while maintaining compliance with regulations – ultimately enhancing audience experience while protecting hearing health.
What is the title of the paper?
Enhanced Sound Level Monitoring at Live Events by Measuring Audio Program Loudness
What is the paper about?
Legally enforced sound level limits for sound system operators are typically expressed as a retrospective ‘A’ weighted equivalent continuous sound level. The Lp,Aeq sound level is not guaranteed to always align with perceived loudness, and there may be potential health implications due to sound exposure in spectral bands that are suppressed by ‘A’ weighted filtering. This paper discusses the application of site-calibrated audio programme loudness metering for event sound systems, with reference to pre-determined sound level limits at the location. The proven application of an audio programme loudness meter, which is standard practice in the broadcast industries, enables skilled operators to focus upon delivering an electrical output signal of repeatable and consistent loudness levels. A feasibility study analyzing the relationship between ‘A’ weighted sound levels and audio programme loudness metrics will be presented, including results from a small sampling of recent live events in the UK.
Why should people be interested in this work?
The paradigm shift in the area of live events from the existing practice of peak normalization to loudness normalization would provide a consistent, predictable, and transferable loudness balance and contrast for all audio segments at a live event. The FOH mix engineer could be assured, in advance, of sound level limit compliance by referring to an industry standard metering tool designed for the task. A net result, in general, would be a downward correction in sound exposure for all concerned, whilst maintaining or improving the audience experience.
What’s the full citation for the paper?
J. Digby and A. Hill, “Enhanced Sound Level Monitoring at Live Events by Measuring Audio Program Loudness,” Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 1–8, 2024.
Where can the paper be accessed online?