Average Is the New Loudest

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 56-59
Author(s):  
Johannes Mulder
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Audio Engineering ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Live Music ◽  
Measurement Strategies ◽  
Audio Production

This article discusses new sound pressure level (SPL) measurement strategies in the context of live music. A brief overview of the introduction of loudness normalization in broadcast audio engineering precedes a discussion of using average sound levels in measurements at concerts. The article closes with a short analysis of the implications of these developments for the notion of agency in the sociotechnical domain of audio production.

scholarly journals Sound Levels Forecasting in an Acoustic Sensor Network Using a Deep Neural Network

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan M. Navarro ◽  
Raquel Martínez-España ◽  
Andrés Bueno-Crespo ◽  
Ramón Martínez ◽  
José M. Cecilia
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Sensor Network ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Deep Neural Network ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Acoustic Sensor ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Sound Levels

Wireless acoustic sensor networks are nowadays an essential tool for noise pollution monitoring and managing in cities. The increased computing capacity of the nodes that create the network is allowing the addition of processing algorithms and artificial intelligence that provide more information about the sound sources and environment, e.g., detect sound events or calculate loudness. Several models to predict sound pressure levels in cities are available, mainly road, railway and aerial traffic noise. However, these models are mostly based in auxiliary data, e.g., vehicles flow or street geometry, and predict equivalent levels for a temporal long-term. Therefore, forecasting of temporal short-term sound levels could be a helpful tool for urban planners and managers. In this work, a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep neural network technique is proposed to model temporal behavior of sound levels at a certain location, both sound pressure level and loudness level, in order to predict near-time future values. The proposed technique can be trained for and integrated in every node of a sensor network to provide novel functionalities, e.g., a method of early warning against noise pollution and of backup in case of node or network malfunction. To validate this approach, one-minute period equivalent sound levels, captured in a two-month measurement campaign by a node of a deployed network of acoustic sensors, have been used to train it and to obtain different forecasting models. Assessments of the developed LSTM models and Auto regressive integrated moving average models were performed to predict sound levels for several time periods, from 1 to 60 min. Comparison of the results show that the LSTM models outperform the statistics-based models. In general, the LSTM models achieve a prediction of values with a mean square error less than 4.3 dB for sound pressure level and less than 2 phons for loudness. Moreover, the goodness of fit of the LSTM models and the behavior pattern of the data in terms of prediction of sound levels are satisfactory.

R-weighting provides better estimation for rat hearing sensitivity

2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Böjrk ◽  
T. Nevalainen ◽  
M. Hakumäki ◽  
H.-M. Voipio
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Studies ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Sound Levels

Since sounds may induce physiological and behavioural changes in animals, it is necessary to assess and define the acoustic environment in laboratory animal facilities. Sound studies usually express sound levels as unweighted linear sound pressure levels. However, because a linear scale does not take account of hearing sensitivity-which may differ widely both between and within species at various frequencies-the results may be spurious. In this study a novel sound pressure level weighting for rats, R-weighting, was calculated according to a rat's hearing sensitivity. The sound level of a white noise signal was assessed using R-weighting, with H-weighting tailored for humans, A-weighting and linear sound pressure level combined with the response curves of two different loudspeakers. The sound signal resulted in different sound levels depending on the weighting and the type of loudspeaker. With a tweeter speaker reproducing sounds at high frequencies audible to a rat, R- and A-weightings gave similar results, but the H-weighted sound levels were lower. With a middle-range loudspeaker, unable to reproduce high frequencies, R-weighted sound showed the lowest sound levels. In conclusion, without a correct weighting system and proper equipment, the final sound level of an exposure stimulus can differ by several decibels from that intended. To achieve reliable and comparable results, standardization of sound experiments and assessment of the environment in animal facilities is a necessity. Hence, the use of appropriate species-specific sound pressure level weighting is essential. R-weighting for rats in sound studies is recommended.

Case study: Evaluation of noise reduction in frequencies and sound reduction index of construction with variable noise isolation

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-208
Author(s):  
Tomas VilniÅ¡kis ◽  
Tomas JanuÅ¡eviÄ?ius ◽  
Pranas BaltrÄ—nas
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Glass Wool ◽  
Noise Attenuation ◽  
Engineering Equipment ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Air Supply ◽  
Study Evaluation ◽  
Sound Reduction

Intense sound levels produced by engineering equipment have become an acute issue. As most of engineering equipment require air supply, exhaust and good ventilation, it is not possible to control the noise by covering them with tight hoods. Louver with blades covered with acoustic materials and gaps that enable free circu- lation of air are used to this end. Three louver configurations were tested in the semi-anechoic chamber: bare metal louver blades, louver with blades covered with 20-mm-thick polystyrene foam slabs on both sides, and louver with blades covered with 15-mm-thick glass wool slab. According to the test results, louver with blades covered with glass wool slab demonstrated the best noise attenuation characteristics. The reduction of equiv- alent sound pressure level subject to blade inclination angle was from 10.8 to 12.5 dB. Sound pressure level reduction by louver with blades covered with poly- styrene foam slabs was weaker: the reduction of equivalent sound pressure level was from 5.4 to 8.4 dB. Louver with blades not covered with any acoustic material demonstrated the least noise attenuation result from 1.9 to 3.9 dB

Effects of Leisure Activity Related Noise in Residential Zones

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 265-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.M. Barrigón Morillas ◽  
V. Gómez Escobar ◽  
J.A. Méndez Sierra ◽  
R. Vílchez-Gómez ◽  
J.M. Vaquero
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
The City

An analysis of two noise surveys of the city of Cáceres is presented. The first was made for 400 inhabitants living throughout the city, and the second for 50 inhabitants of a conflictive zone due to noise during the night, mainly at weekends. The similarity of the two groups of persons interviewed was studied and verified. Then a comparison was made of the responses referring to disturbing noise sources and effects of noise. The results showed appreciable differences between the two surveys. Some continuous sound pressure level measurements made over several days are also presented. They show major differences in the sound levels between the zone and the rest of the city.

Tutorial and Guidelines on Measurement of Sound Pressure Level in Voice and Speech

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan G. Švec ◽  
Svante Granqvist
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Frequency Weighting ◽  
Voice And Speech

Purpose Sound pressure level (SPL) measurement of voice and speech is often considered a trivial matter, but the measured levels are often reported incorrectly or incompletely, making them difficult to compare among various studies. This article aims at explaining the fundamental principles behind these measurements and providing guidelines to improve their accuracy and reproducibility. Method Basic information is put together from standards, technical, voice and speech literature, and practical experience of the authors and is explained for nontechnical readers. Results Variation of SPL with distance, sound level meters and their accuracy, frequency and time weightings, and background noise topics are reviewed. Several calibration procedures for SPL measurements are described for stand-mounted and head-mounted microphones. Conclusions SPL of voice and speech should be reported together with the mouth-to-microphone distance so that the levels can be related to vocal power. Sound level measurement settings (i.e., frequency weighting and time weighting/averaging) should always be specified. Classified sound level meters should be used to assure measurement accuracy. Head-mounted microphones placed at the proximity of the mouth improve signal-to-noise ratio and can be taken advantage of for voice SPL measurements when calibrated. Background noise levels should be reported besides the sound levels of voice and speech.

Mesa Verde National Park: Acoustic monitoring report

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Job
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
National Park ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Logarithmic Scale ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Mesa Verde ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Human Ear

In 2015, the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division (NSNSD) received a request to collect baseline acoustical data at Mesa Verde National Park (MEVE). Between July and August 2015, as well as February and March 2016, three acoustical monitoring systems were deployed throughout the park, however one site (MEVE002) stopped recording after a couple days during the summer due to wildlife interference. The goal of the study was to establish a baseline soundscape inventory of backcountry and frontcountry sites within the park. This inventory will be used to establish indicators and thresholds of soundscape quality that will support the park and NSNSD in developing a comprehensive approach to protecting the acoustic environment through soundscape management planning. Additionally, results of this study will help the park identify major sources of noise within the park, as well as provide a baseline understanding of the acoustical environment as a whole for use in potential future comparative studies. In this deployment, sound pressure level (SPL) was measured continuously every second by a calibrated sound level meter. Other equipment included an anemometer to collect wind speed and a digital audio recorder collecting continuous recordings to document sound sources. In this document, “sound pressure level” refers to broadband (12.5 Hz–20 kHz), A-weighted, 1-second time averaged sound level (LAeq, 1s), and hereafter referred to as “sound level.” Sound levels are measured on a logarithmic scale relative to the reference sound pressure for atmospheric sources, 20 μPa. The logarithmic scale is a useful way to express the wide range of sound pressures perceived by the human ear. Sound levels are reported in decibels (dB). A-weighting is applied to sound levels in order to account for the response of the human ear (Harris, 1998). To approximate human hearing sensitivity, A-weighting discounts sounds below 1 kHz and above 6 kHz. Trained technicians calculated time audible metrics after monitoring was complete. See Methods section for protocol details, equipment specifications, and metric calculations. Median existing (LA50) and natural ambient (LAnat) metrics are also reported for daytime (7:00–19:00) and nighttime (19:00–7:00). Prominent noise sources at the two backcountry sites (MEVE001 and MEVE002) included vehicles and aircraft, while building and vehicle predominated at the frontcountry site (MEVE003). Table 1 displays time audible values for each of these noise sources during the monitoring period, as well as ambient sound levels. In determining the current conditions of an acoustical environment, it is informative to examine how often sound levels exceed certain values. Table 2 reports the percent of time that measured levels at the three monitoring locations were above four key values.

Variations of NICU Sound by Location and Time of Day

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry Matook ◽  
Mary Sullivan ◽  
Amy Salisbury ◽  
Robin Miller ◽  
Barry Lester
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Main Outcome Variable

Purpose/Aims. The primary aim of this study was to identify time periods of sound levels >45 decibels (dB) in a large Level III NICU. The second aim was to determine whether there were differences in decibel levels across the five bays of the NICU, the four quadrants within each bay, and two 12-hour shifts.Design. A repeated measures design was used. Bay, quadrant, and shift were randomly selected for sampling. Staff and visitors were blinded to the location of the sound meter, which was placed in one of five identical wooden boxes and was preset to record for 12 hours.Sample. Sound levels were recorded every 60 seconds over 40 12-hour periods, 20 during the day shift and 20 during the night shift. Total hours measured were 480. Data were collected every other day during a three-month period. Covariates of staffing, infant census, infant acuity, and medical equipment were collected.Main Outcome Variable. The main outcome variable was sound levels in decibels, with units of measurement of energy equivalent sound level (Leq), peak instantaneous sound pressure level, and maximum sound pressure level during each interval for a total of 480 hours.Results. All sound levels were >45 dB, with average readings ranging from 49.5 to 89.5 dB. The middle bay had the highest levels, with an Leq of 85.74 dB. Quadrants at the back of a bay were louder than quadrants at the front of a bay. The day shift had higher decibel levels than the night shift. Covariates did not differ across bays or shifts.

scholarly journals Improved Source Characteristics of a Handclap for Acoustic Measurements: Utilization of a Leather Glove

Acoustics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 803-811
Author(s):  
Rick de Vos ◽  
Nikolaos M. Papadakis ◽  
Georgios E. Stavroulakis
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Acoustic Measurements ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Acoustic Parameters ◽  
Source Characteristics ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Engineering Practices

A handclap is a convenient and easily available source for room acoustic measurements. If used correctly (e.g., application of optimal hand configuration) it can provide usable results for the measurement of acoustic parameters, within an expected deviation. Its biggest drawbacks are the low sound pressure level (especially in the low frequency range) as well as its low repeatability. With this in mind, this paper explores the idea of testing a handclap with a glove in order to assess the effect on its source characteristics. For this purpose, measurements were performed with 12 participants wearing leather gloves. Sound levels were compared with simple handclaps without gloves, and between grouped results (overall A-weighted SPL, octave bands, 1/3 octave bands). Measurements were also performed several times to evaluate the effect on repeatability. Results indicate that the use of leather gloves can increase the sound levels of a handclap by 10 dB and 15 dB in the low frequency ranges (63 Hz and 125 Hz octave bands, respectively). Handclaps with leather gloves also point toward improved repeatability, particularly in the low-frequency part of the frequency spectrum. In conclusion, compared to simple handclaps without gloves, evidence from this study supports the concept that handclaps with leather gloves can be used in engineering practices for improved room acoustic measurements of room impulse response.

Contributions of Voice and Nonverbal Communication to Perceived Masculinity–Femininity for Cisgender and Transgender Communicators

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 931-947
Author(s):  
Teresa L. D. Hardy ◽  
Carol A. Boliek ◽  
Daniel Aalto ◽  
Justin Lewicke ◽  
Kristopher Wells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fundamental Frequency ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Presentation Mode ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Presentation Modes ◽  
Audiovisual Stimuli ◽  
Vocal Tract Resonance ◽  
Point Light

Purpose The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to identify a set of communication-based predictors (including both acoustic and gestural variables) of masculinity–femininity ratings and (b) to explore differences in ratings between audio and audiovisual presentation modes for transgender and cisgender communicators. Method The voices and gestures of a group of cisgender men and women ( n = 10 of each) and transgender women ( n = 20) communicators were recorded while they recounted the story of a cartoon using acoustic and motion capture recording systems. A total of 17 acoustic and gestural variables were measured from these recordings. A group of observers ( n = 20) rated each communicator's masculinity–femininity based on 30- to 45-s samples of the cartoon description presented in three modes: audio, visual, and audio visual. Visual and audiovisual stimuli contained point light displays standardized for size. Ratings were made using a direct magnitude estimation scale without modulus. Communication-based predictors of masculinity–femininity ratings were identified using multiple regression, and analysis of variance was used to determine the effect of presentation mode on perceptual ratings. Results Fundamental frequency, average vowel formant, and sound pressure level were identified as significant predictors of masculinity–femininity ratings for these communicators. Communicators were rated significantly more feminine in the audio than the audiovisual mode and unreliably in the visual-only mode. Conclusions Both study purposes were met. Results support continued emphasis on fundamental frequency and vocal tract resonance in voice and communication modification training with transgender individuals and provide evidence for the potential benefit of modifying sound pressure level, especially when a masculine presentation is desired.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document