Role reversal in evaluating worship sound.
Measuring and quantifying the performance of a sound system is not straightforward, and finesse and tact with the client is key.
By Peter Mapp FASA, FAES
Published April 2013 | Read More...
Are you only getting half the picture?
Unless you understand the fundamentals of what it is you are doing and the underlying acoustics, there is a good chance you may get it wrong.
By Peter Mapp FASA, FAES
Published March 2013 | Read More...
Give me zero on everything.
Despite the fact that you can get a typical conference room in good shape in a matter of minutes with current DSP units, you must apply test equipment and discipline to get the room to sound great.
By James Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, CQT
Published February 2013 | Read More...
The art of mismeasurement.
With many acoustic and even electrical measurements, it may not be at all obvious that there is/was a measurement error.
By Peter Mapp FASA, FAES.
By Peter Mapp,FASA, FAES
Published February 2013 | Read More...
Getting the Measure of STI.
Life safety standards around the world are slowly converging, with Europe leading the way. Now is the time to get to grips with STI and get the measure of it.
By Peter Mapp,FASA, FAES
Published December 2012 | Read More...
Tailoring sound masking for each environment.
ithout sound masking, many facilities suffer from inadequate ambient levels, leaving occupants to deal with the fallout: poor speech privacy and frequent disruptions. When...
By Niklas Moeller
Published December 2012 | Read More...
Can we really measure it? PART 2
The Speech Transmission Index (STI) has been adopted by standards and organizations that want a precisely defined measurement and scale. What is STI, how do we measure it—and is it foolproof?
By Peter Mapp,FASA, FAES
Published November 2012 | Read More...
The challenges and needs of restaurant ambient sound.
Escalating noise levels common in many restaurants have become a hot-button issue.
By Pierre Germain
Published October 2012 | Read More...
Can we really measure it? PART 1
A complex discussion related to the new IEC standard, 60268-16 Edition 4.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published October 2012 | Read More...
A different side of the Olympic Games.
The noise level inside some of the Olympic venues was reported to be "deafening" by many of the spectators and crew. Without much, if any, sound absorption, the levels could be considered dangerous.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published September 2012 | Read More...
How room acoustics affect our everyday lives & systems design.
Simple steps to account for poor room acoustics and control noise in busy, crowded settings, like a Las Vegas restaurant.
By Peter Mapp FASA, FAES
Published August 2012 | Read More...
Guessing is not an option.
A good signal to noise ratio increases intelligibility and ensures that audiences hear the intended audio without any inherent "hiss" in the system.
By James Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, CQT
Published August 2012 | Read More...
A pragmatic look at line arrays.
Although line arrays date back 70 years, future installations require a look at more than just reverberation.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published July 2012 | Read More...
Is there a future for 'audio only' engineers?
Audio engineers need to understand how to build and use computer networks and associated computer technology as a matter of course.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published June 2012 | Read More...
'Playing it by ear' is not an option.
Properly setting microphone gains with standard talker levels can alleviate problems with a DSP mixer, and technicians must use test equipment to do so.
By James Maltese, CTS-D, CTS-I, CQT
Published June 2012 | Read More...
Proper implementation is based on understanding processes.
Knowing what goes into speaker design and manufacturing can help when designing systems.
and complex floor plan.
By Steve Tatarunis & Dan Digre
Published May 2012 | Read More...
Systems comprise Monte Bros.' 'most complex ever.'
Cathedral of St. Joseph hired Monte Bros. Sound Systems to create a sound system for its wide range of worship services
and complex floor plan.
By Jim Stokes
Published April 2012 | Read More...
Additional background about smartphone measurement Apps.
Three primary causes for an inaccurate calibration on a smartphone acoustic measurement App: calibration, the non flat frequency response of the device's internal microphone and operator error.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published March 2012 | Read More...
Disney's Kurt Kinzel details 'natural sound.'
John Mayberry introduced us to "Silver Ears" in our October issue, where he mentioned "there appears to be roughly one true Golden Ear out of a hundred pretenders." Here, he speaks with one of the real ones.
By John Mayberry
Published March 2012 | Read More...
What are we really measuring?
The ever expanding technology of apps for the iPad and iPod presents new questions.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published February 2012 | Read More...
'Turning more tables' isn't a good reason.
Audio systems are increasingly being misused as weapons, and the argument that integrators aren't accomplices doesn't hold water anymore.
By John Mayberry
Published February 2012 | Read More...
Audio networking over Ethernet in 2012.
Audio networking over Ethernet has raised a lot of questions. The author addresses questions plaguing systems integrators, design consultants and engineers.
By Tim Shuttleworth
Published January 2012 | Read More...
Audio apps: tools or toys?
Measurement and informational audio "apps" for the smart phones (iPhone and Android) provide industry professionals tools at their fingertips.
By Martin Palicki
Published January 2012 | Read More...
Continue not believing everything you hear or what you are told.
Many myths and misconceptions plague the AV industry:
what to look for and what to look out for...
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published December 2011 | Read More...
Don't believe everything you hear. Part 1
A collection of misconceptions, half truths and incorrect statements when sorting out sound systems comes from installers, operators and manufacturers...
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published November 2011 | Read More...
Big sound, subtle lighting make The Strip's latest entry a winner.
As we all know, there is no such thing as a free lunch; to put that another way, you do not get something for nothing...
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published October 2011 | Read More...
It is angst with 99 out of 100.
There are a couple of topics I've avoided writing about for 20 years now. One is the so-called "Silver Ear" listener and the angst he brings upon our industry.
By John Mayberry
Published October 2011 | Read More...
Big sound, subtle lighting make The Strip's latest entry a winner.
Vegas dance clubs have a short shelf life, but R2W helped Gallery in the Planet Hollywood Hotel get up to speed with big sound and subtle lighting.
By Dan Daley
Published September 2011 | Read More...
A saga of lower than expected sound pressure levels..
When sound pressure levels are much less than expected, calculations and quick thinking create a better platform from
which to work.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published September 2011 | Read More...
The ergonomics of sound system designs.
Using sophisticated technology works if it enables a better system to be provided, but it shouldn’t get in the way of the system and operation.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published August 2011 | Read More...
Video without sound is…
Although you can make an argument that communications can be made without it, no matter how striking or haunting your presentation may be, it won’t cut it without sound.
By John Mayberry
Published August 2011 | Read More...
It’s Time To Take The Building Back
Sound masking: a tipping point for AV.
For the sound masking market, it’s been a long, circuitous route working with sound contractors/integrators and AV, but it’s back, with new, advanced technologies.
By Jonathan Leonard
Published August 2011 | Read More...
Sound masking: a tipping point for AV.
For the sound masking market, it’s been a long, circuitous route working with sound contractors/integrators and AV, but it’s back, with new, advanced technologies.
By Jonathan Leonard
Published August 2011 | Read More...
Measuring Audio Signals and Voltages, Part 3
Audio Signals and Voltage Distribution Essentials.
While it is difficult to measure fluctuating signals, determining the various voltage points of a sound system is essential.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published July 2011 | Read More...
Audio Signals and Voltage Distribution Essentials.
While it is difficult to measure fluctuating signals, determining the various voltage points of a sound system is essential.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published July 2011 | Read More...
Measuring Audio Signals & Voltages
Converting your voltmeter into a random number generator. Pt. 2
Last month, I looked at the accuracy of rms voltmeters and came up with some surprising answers. I started out by wondering how a new digital meter would cope with measuring real audio signals. Knowing its basic measurement limits, it was time to try it...
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published May 2011 | Read More...
Converting your voltmeter into a random number generator. Pt. 2
Last month, I looked at the accuracy of rms voltmeters and came up with some surprising answers. I started out by wondering how a new digital meter would cope with measuring real audio signals. Knowing its basic measurement limits, it was time to try it...
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published May 2011 | Read More...
Are Your Volts The Same As My Volts?
Measuring audio signals and voltages. Part 1
The other day, I bought an inexpensive digital multi meter for my site kit bag. I have several digital volt meters, ranging from the "throw away after one use" to one that is stored in a time-locked safe and is only allowed to be used on high holy days and when...
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published April 2011 | Read More...
Measuring audio signals and voltages. Part 1
The other day, I bought an inexpensive digital multi meter for my site kit bag. I have several digital volt meters, ranging from the "throw away after one use" to one that is stored in a time-locked safe and is only allowed to be used on high holy days and when...
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published April 2011 | Read More...
On The Level
A saga of mixed loudspeakers and input levels. Part 2
Last month, Peter Mapp set out some of the issues he had encountered with a railway station PA system. This time, he delves further into the problems afflicting the system and how a solution was found.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published March 2011 | Read More...
A saga of mixed loudspeakers and input levels. Part 2
Last month, Peter Mapp set out some of the issues he had encountered with a railway station PA system. This time, he delves further into the problems afflicting the system and how a solution was found.
By Peter Mapp, FASA, FAES
Published March 2011 | Read More...
On The Level
A saga of mixed loudspeakers and input levels. Part 1
A while ago, I was called in to look at a PA system with a problem...well, several problems actually, but the one I want to talk about at the moment...
Published February 2011 | Read More...
A saga of mixed loudspeakers and input levels. Part 1
A while ago, I was called in to look at a PA system with a problem...well, several problems actually, but the one I want to talk about at the moment...
Published February 2011 | Read More...
The FCC's Measured & Practical Approach
A review of policy changes that affect wireless.
This year, the FCC made two significant rulings, both demonstrating a practical approach to some complex issues by balancing the needs of those...
Published January 2011 | Read More...
A review of policy changes that affect wireless.
This year, the FCC made two significant rulings, both demonstrating a practical approach to some complex issues by balancing the needs of those...
Published January 2011 | Read More...
What’s In Your Test Kit?
Essential test equipment for sound contractors and installers.
I often am asked by integrators and installers what test equipment I use and what gear they should have. These two questions do not necessarily have the same answers, although...
Published December 2010 | Read More...
Essential test equipment for sound contractors and installers.
I often am asked by integrators and installers what test equipment I use and what gear they should have. These two questions do not necessarily have the same answers, although...
Published December 2010 | Read More...
In The Loop
Helping the growing population with hearing loss.
Momentum is accelerating toward a new world of assistive listening for Americans with hearing loss. We refer to the mushrooming support for induction loops...
Published November 2010 | Read More...
Helping the growing population with hearing loss.
Momentum is accelerating toward a new world of assistive listening for Americans with hearing loss. We refer to the mushrooming support for induction loops...
Published November 2010 | Read More...
Audio standards?
Are they a help or hindrance?
Every year, more and more new standards appear relating to audio systems, and I have wondered often why we need so many and why so many more keep on appearing. In the current...
Published November 2010 |
Read More...
Are they a help or hindrance?
Every year, more and more new standards appear relating to audio systems, and I have wondered often why we need so many and why so many more keep on appearing. In the current...
Published November 2010 |
Read More...
testing, testing: which signal when?
Conclusion of a four-part series.
Over the last couple of months, I have predominantly
looked at “noise” and...
Published October 2010
Read More...
Conclusion of a four-part series.
Over the last couple of months, I have predominantly
looked at “noise” and...
Published October 2010
Read More...
Taking the patient’s pulse and bursting the sound barrier.
Over the last couple of months, I have predominantly
looked at “noise” and...
Published September 2010 | Read More...
Which test signals to use and when.
Today, we have a wide variety of test signals available to us for checking, testing and tuning sound systems, but...
Published August 2010 | Read More...
Starting out in the AV world.
I am writing this at 36,000 feet, somewhere over the Mediterranean on the way back from a business trip to the Middle East.
Published June 2010 | Read More...
For optimal sound, school auditoriums need
effective sound design..
Not long ago, I sat in my daughter’s high school auditorium, prepared for the long haul of the Spring concert...
Published May 2010 | Read More...
Matching acoustics and function.
Although most of my work relates to sound systems, I also spend a significant amount of my time working on room acoustics.
Published May 2010 | Read More...
How do you know your measurement is correct?
As audio engineers, almost every day we have to measure something, be it a background acoustic noise level, the frequency response of a sound system...
Published April 2010 | Read More...
A matter of timing.
In the previous parts of this discussion about sound quality [December 2009, January and February 2010], I have looked at some of the effects of frequency and temporal distortion.
Published March 2010 | Read More...
A matter of timing.
Last month, I looked at some of the effects that frequency response and frequency distortion have on sound quality.
Published February 2010 | Read More...
A matter of frequency.
In Part 1 last month, I introduced the concept of sound quality and some of the potential components that are related to it.
Published January 2010 | Read More...
Can we quantify it?
I do not know how many specifications have crossed my desk that said that the sound system or audio has to be of a high quality.
Published December 2009 | Read More...
Now is a good time to add to your expertise.
I have been meaning to raise the topic of audio
education for awhile.
Published November 2009 | Read More...
The A, B and C of sound level measurement.
For more than 40 years, the weighted sound level, or dBA, has been the universal measure for assessing sound levels. But why dBA?
Published October 2009 | Read More...
Strategies for dealing with the building design team.
A young colleague of mine recently asked, “Why do architects hate good sound?
Published September 2009 | Read More...
FCC actions leave wireless mics in limbo.
Traveling over to InfoComm, I enjoyed(?) a nine-hour flight. After awhile, boredom set in and, because it was the middle of the day, I didn't particularly feel like sleeping.
Published August 2009 | Read More...
Polar balloons, Isobal plots and coverage plots
In Part 1 of this two-part review last month, I showed that there is more to loudspeaker coverage than beamwidth diagrams and directivity plots.
Published July 2009 | Read More...
Bringing audio in retail environments into focus.
As retail marketing evolves and becomes increasingly competitive, marketers continue to search for new ways to capture and guide the attention of their customers.
Published July 2009 | Read More...