3 March 2025, LONDON, UK – The live event industry is set to transform with the launch of the HELA (Healthy Ears, Limited Annoyance) Certification, the world’s first initiative aimed at promoting best practices for responsible sound management at live events. This groundbreaking resource, led by researchers within the Electro-Acoustics Research Lab (EARLab) at the University […]
“A Subjective Comparison of Virtual Stereo Microphone Techniques for Rendering Ambisonics” by Anantha Girijavallabhanand and Bruce Wiggins explores how different stereo microphone techniques can be virtually extracted from Ambisonic recordings, comparing their effectiveness for stereo reproduction. This study is valuable for audio professionals and enthusiasts interested in 3D audio and immersive sound, offering insights into […]
“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, […]
Matthew Russell, a graduate of our MSc Audio Engineering programme, has built a diverse and impressive career in the theatre industry. After gaining years of experience as a Lead Production Sound Engineer, Matthew’s time at Derby helped refine his expertise in audio theory, subwoofer placement, and line arrays. Although his career trajectory shifted slightly after […]
Today we have “Sound Level Measurement, Monitoring and Management in Small Music Venues: Leq Averaging Time Interval” by Jos Mulder and Adam Hill in our paper spotlight. The paper addresses the critical issue of sound level management in live music environments, particularly focusing on the Leq time interval and its effects on dynamic range and […]
This week’s paper spotlight focuses on “Signal decorrelation for sound reinforcement system crossovers” by Adam Hill which delves into the application of diffuse signal processing to improve sound quality in live settings by addressing coherent interference issues. This paper is likely to be useful to audio professionals seeking an innovative solution for more consistent sound […]
In today’s paper spotlight, we have “A case study on practical live event sound exposure monitoring,” by Adam Hill, Ken Liston, Ian Wiggins, and Graham Naylor, introducing innovative strategies for real-time sound monitoring in music venues, aimed at reducing the risk of hearing damage for concert-goers while preserving the quality of live music experiences. This […]
David Imrie, a graduate from Derby’s BSc (Hons) Sound, Light, and Live Event Technology program, chose Derby for its strong engineering focus, influenced by a former boss who was a Derby graduate. Throughout his studies, his confidence grew, and he acquired a diverse skill set encompassing problem-solving, electro-acoustics, and more. Surprisingly, he developed a newfound […]
Today we’re spotlighting “An investigation into the effect of sweat and moisture on the performance of in-ear monitors,” by Ross Gilmour, Jon Burton, and Adam Hill, which offers critical insights into an often-overlooked aspect of live performance technology – the effect of perspiration on in-ear monitors (IEMs). This study is a valuable resource for musicians, […]
Ben Simmonds, a graduate of Derby’s MSc Audio Engineering program, embarked on a journey of self-discovery and academic rigor. With a background in physics and music, Ben sought the challenge offered by Derby. Initially uncertain about his career path, the course instilled in him invaluable research skills and coding proficiency. Despite the upheaval caused by […]