photo of a stereo pair of microphones with a small foam baffle in the middle.

Paper Spotlight – Improved localization using Blumlein Shuffling

“Improved Localization for Binaural Recordings and Stereo Program Material Using Blumlein Shuffling” by Jonathan Digby, Adam Hill and Bruce Wiggins examines how a somewhat forgotten stereo processing technique can significantly enhance spatial localisation when binaural and near-coincident recordings are played back over earphones or loudspeakers. The paper offers practical insight into correcting image narrowing, with […]

HELA logo

World’s first safe listening certification launches, setting new standard for live events

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 […]

illustration of engineer mixing a live performance.

Paper Spotlight – Enhanced Sound Level Monitoring at Live Events

“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, […]

illustration of an audience at a live event.

Paper Spotlight – Signal decorrelation for live sound

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 […]

illustration of a crowd at a live event.

Paper Spotlight – Live event sound exposure monitoring

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 […]

illustration of a large loudspeaker on a stage.

Paper Spotlight – An improved omnidirectional loudspeaker

This week we feature the paper, “The ICOSSA Project – An improved omnidirectional sound source for room acoustic testing,” by David Gilfillan, Glenn Leembruggen, and Adam Hill, which presents an interesting advancement in the field of room acoustics. This paper is relevant to acoustics professionals, sound engineers, and venue designers, as it introduces an innovative […]

illustration of noise in an urban environment

Paper Spotlight – Prediction of annoyance due to live music

In our spotlighted paper this week, “Towards a subjective quantification of noise annoyance due to outdoor events,” Charbel Hourani and Adam Hill explore the complex nature of noise annoyance and its impact on communities surrounding outdoor events. This innovative research is relevant to event organizers, policymakers, and community leaders, providing a novel approach to understanding […]

illustration of a live music venue.

Paper Spotlight – Investigating the acoustic transparency of materials at live events

This week’s paper spotlight features “The effect of purported acoustically transparent materials on sound propagation” by Zsombor Szoke, Jon Burton, Adam Hill, and Mark Dring and provides an in-depth look at how materials used in stage designs, like LED walls and acoustic scrims, influence sound quality at live events. This research is of interest to […]