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Selected Milestones in the History of Sound Reinforcement
Středa, Jan ; HADRABA, Jakub (advisor) ; PINKAS, Martin (referee)
This master's essay shows a detailed view on the development of the use of sound engineering for live performance. It presents the evolution of technological advancements from the first audio recordings, through the emergence of the speakers, and to the first historical reinforcement of the spoken word. Following is the chronology of how live sound engineering has changed over time, and how the specific professions such as FOH sound engineer, monitor sound engineer, and system engineer have evolved. It also discusses how the production and rental companies formed. It explores in detail "The Wall Of Sound" system, which was very unique at the time. The conclusion of the historical overview, that this paper discusses, ends with the emergence of the digital era. Modern reinforcement methods used today are demonstrated by the realization of the sound system of the London stadium during the 2012 summer Olympic games.
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The effect of headphone and loudspeaker reproduction on classical music mix balance
Hadraba, Jakub ; ZIKMUND, Tomáš (advisor) ; SYROVÝ, Václav (referee)
Primary focus of the dissertation is comparison of loudspeaker and headphone reproduction and its influence on the mix balance of classical music recordings.
A listening test, which represents an essential part of the thesis, was performed on a test group of sound engineers who prepared mixes of selected recordings using both loudspea-kers and headphones. An analysis of the resulting mixes was performed to find out if any systematic changes could be detected between headphone and loudspeaker mixes. The results disclosed a systematic change in preference of reverberation. Individual approaches of the sound engineers are documented by an extensive graphical section of the thesis. Level of stability of the individual models has been examined using repeated testing on selected participants.
Selected headphone and loudspeaker mixes have been further evaluated by a listening group in a second listening test. Differences between the mixes were judged using both loudspeakers and headphones. Answers of the participants were analysed to see if there was an increased preference of headphone mixes when judged using headphones and vice versa. The results didn't show significant preference changes based on type of reproduction. The selected mixes weren't found to be "more optimal" when listened to on their respective reproduction device, nor could they be identified based on the subjective preference test.
A special part is devoted to evaluation of an internet-based survey featuring a statistical documentation of loudspeaker and headphone usage in todays music recording industry. Special look has been taken at the group of respondents who indicated classical music as primary music genre of their profession. Another theoretical part of the thesis covers the artistic and technical approach of sound engineers to classical music sound image creation, including commonly used technical resources and stylization methods.
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Stereo microphone systems in acoustic space
Hadraba, Jakub ; Pinkas, Martin (advisor) ; Syrový, Václav (referee)
The thesis features an analytic view on stereo microphone systems and basic localization principals of phantom sound sources: time?of?arrival differences ∆t and signal level differences ∆L. All information throughout the thesis is based on an acoustic measurement of more than 100 microphone setups performed in a concert hall. Three fundamental types of stereophony ? time?of?arrival, intensity, and mixed ? are described using the results of the measurement. Various microphone system parameters, such as microphone distance, angle between microphones, polar pattern choice, are discussed, particularly their influence on captured ∆t and ∆L differences. The thesis allows a closer investigation of localization principles including the extent of their effectiveness in a real acoustic space.
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Stereophonic Microphone Techniques and Their Modification
Hadraba, Jakub ; Pinkas, Martin (advisor) ; Urban, Ondřej (referee)
The thesis presents certain types of stereophony in accordance with recording and
reproductive systems. Main principles of stereophonic microphone systems
? intensity and phase stereophony ? are presented in more detail and several related
tasks ? such as microphone system placement and directional pattern choice ?
discussed. The reason for adjusting the microphone system?s recording angle is
defined and further explained. It features detailed description of basic stereophonic
microphone setups including usage notes as well as practical guidelines for recording
angle adjustment. The thesis focuses mainly on music production and refers mostly
to recording in authentic rooms.
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