Great plug-in...but don't forget the room acoustics!

Came across an announcement about a new plug-in that's supposed to "shift" the "sweet spot" (if you believe in such a thing) relative to listener position. Seems like a great idea...until users realize it doesn't work quite right in a bare-wall / -ceiling room. ;)

Inconvenient Coincidences in Utah

Totally off-topic today: I came across two news items, both courtesy of slashdot. First, I read that a Utah legislator wants to make the 12th grade optional. Then, I read that the Utah assembly has passed a resolution that officially denies global climate change. I cannot help but speculate that the two issues might have a lot in common with each other...

BTW, in case you're wondering (doubtful, I know) where Savant stands on climate change, I suggest David Brin's blog to get a good idea. Particularly, this entry and its follow-up.

Where are the Noise Police?

This from Tucson, AZ, about "hump honkers." You have got to be kidding me. Well, Tucson residents (and police) might need to review their noise ordinance; Section 16.31(f) states: "No person may use any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle, engine or motor of whatever size, stationary or moving, instrument, device or thing, in such a manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise." Surely this nonsense qualifies as "unnecessary...noise." If so, the risk of a $100 to $2,500 fine should be deterrant enough for these "hump honkers." <<>>

Back east in Baltimore... Um, the Baltimore Health Code (PDF) covers this (see Section 9-206), folks. It's probably not unreasonable to speculate that the sound level from the generator is over the 50 dBA nighttime limit at the property boundary, i.e., at the edge of the right-of-way. Of course, since the noise is arguably within the public interest (maintaining cell phone coverage), it's probably exempt...but the exemption must be granted by the Commissioner of Health. (Which, giving the benefit of the doubt, Sprint may have done...) Regardless, the proposal to use "bales of hay" as noise mitigation is another matter entirely!!! <<>>

When More Noise is Better

Came across this little piece at the Scientific American blog site (via LinkedIn).

Go BOILERS!!!

ProAV Jul/Aug 2009

In case you haven't gotten your copy yet, ProAV Magazine has a good, short piece on acoustics entitled "Collective Wisdom," which provides acoustical perspectives on four types of commercial venues from four industry experts. For the online version, it seems you'll have to tolerate some annoying Sony pop-ups. Worth it, tho'. :)

Careful Where You Put That Probe, Officer...

Dateline, Mansfield, OH:

"(Sgt. Todd) Newberry probed 20 inches into the idling Ford's tailpipe, and took a reading of 103 decibels -- 13 past the legal limit of 90."

With my curiosity sufficiently piqued by this measurement procedure, I looked up the Mansfield (OH) city code, which states the following regarding vehicular noise emissions:

"Ninety db(A) when measured twenty inches from the rear of the exhaust pipe at a forty-five degree angle to the center of the pipe at a minimum height of eight inches from a hard surface."

Hmmm... Assuming this was reported accurately, it would seem that Sgt. Newberry went 40 inches the wrong way with his, er, probe. Advice: Avoid body cavity searches in Mansfield, OH!

Acoustical Miscellany

Some bits and bobs for this week / month:

Those amongst you with a penchant for sci-fi may be familiar with the steampunk subgenre. I'm not a huge fan of steampunk, but I have to admit that I hold a special place in my heart for The Wild Wild West TV show from the '60s. How does this relate to acoustics? Well, a new online steampunk publication, Steampunk Magazine, provides issues for free download. The first issue (PDF) had a couple of articles that will be interesting to the musical acoustics enthusiasts among you; check out "The Pyrophone" on page 9 and "Glass Armonica" on page 10.

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Colleague Jeffrey Fullerton, of Acentech, writes for The Journal of New England Technology about considering acoustics during the meeting planning process. Excellent advice.

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This is an interesting article on some work being undertaken at Youngstown State University on using laser scanning of large performance venues to help analyze acoustics. The article doesn't go into much detail on the how, but I think it shows promise: I can envision a future where a consultant can perform a few scans if an existing space that import the results directly into a acoustical modeling program (such as one of these). This would save considerable time poring over drawings and inputting data points by hand.

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Finally, don't forget next Wednesday (29 April 2009) is International Noise Awareness Day. Do your part to help spread the quiet! 8^)