Biffy Clyro performing in Nottingham.

Biffy Clyro Becomes First HELA-Certified Tour: Landmark Collaboration Sets New Standard for Safe Sound in Live Music

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The HELA Initiative, hosted within EARLab, University of Derby, continues to expand internationally, offering certification and strategic support for promoters, venues, artists, and technicians committed to building a safer, more sustainable future for live events. In a landmark moment for the live events sector, multi-award-winning rock band Biffy Clyro has become the first international tour to […]

HELA logo

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

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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 […]

singer sweating onstage

Paper Spotlight – The effect of perspiration on IEMs

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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, […]

illustration of a large loudspeaker on a stage.

Paper Spotlight – An improved omnidirectional loudspeaker

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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 a live event near a community

Paper Spotlight – A critical analysis of inaudibility criteria

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This week we look at “Inaudibility criteria and alternative methods for controlling music noise levels from late night entertainment,” by James Gardner, Gareth Hance, and Adam Hill, which looks into the complex issue of managing noise from late-night venues without dampening the spirit of live entertainment. This paper is crucial for policymakers, venue owners, and […]

illustration of an audience at a live event

Paper Spotlight – Audience participatory noise at live events

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This week we spotlight “The influence of audience participatory noise on sound levels at live events,” by Marcel Kok, Adam Hill, Jon Burton, and Jos Mulder, which sheds light on the significant impact that audience participatory noise, such as cheering and clapping, has on sound levels at live music events. This research is a must-read […]

AES company logo.

Derby academic leads work on new AES Technical Document

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University of Derby Associate Professor of Electroacoustics, Adam Hill, has recently completed work on a new AES Technical Document: AESTD1007.1.20-05 Understanding and Managing Sound Exposure and Noise Pollution at Outdoor Events (http://www.aes.org/technical/documents/AESTD1007_1_20_05.pdf). Adam led the working group as Chair of the AES Technical Committee on Acoustics and Sound Reinforcement. This report is intended to present […]

Royal Albert Hall logo.

Derby graduate leads project for Royal Albert Hall’s new sound system

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German loudspeaker manufacturer, d&b audiotechnik has recently designed the new sound system for the Royal Albert Hall, which is now considered to be the world’s largest single-room loudspeaker system. View of the new sound system recently installed in the Royal Albert Hall in London The project was led by one of our very first BSc […]