AES Warsaw 2015
Key Technology Briefing Details
Thursday, May 7, 11:00 — 11:45 (PSE Stage on Exhibition Floor)
K1 - Flexible Acoustics in Multi-Purpose Venues (By the Use of Fabrics and Membrane Absorbers) [Gerriets GmbH]
Presenter:Jonas Schira, Gerriets
Abstract:
The acoustics requirements for theaters, opera houses, multipurpose halls, or community centers have changed dramatically over the recent years. A few years ago it was still acceptable to only reduce the overall reverberation time to meet the performance requirements, but today the acoustics of a venue need a more specific scope of requirements unique to the space. Using fabrics and inflatable membrane absorbers can be an efficient solution for flexible and adjustable room acoustics in all frequency bands.
Thursday, May 7, 12:00 — 12:45 (PSE Stage on Exhibition Floor)
K2 - Sound Quality in Audio Interfaces—Popular Myths and Some Practical Advice [Prism Sound]
Presenter:Graham Boswell, Prism Sound
Thursday, May 7, 14:00 — 14:30 (PSE Stage on Exhibition Floor)
K3 - TBA [Roland]
Thursday, May 7, 15:00 — 15:45 (PSE Stage on Exhibition Floor)
K4 - Audio Networking—Challenges & Solutions [Studer]
Presenter:Roger Heiniger, Studer - Switzerland
Abstract:
Using Audio over IP technology to distribute networked audio sources to targets was recently a very hot topic. Now this technology has to be integrated into the systems and although there are many advantages and new possibilities using this technology, there are also some challenges to face and solve. We have several AoIP protocols in the market: Does this mean, an integrator has to choose in the beginning on what protocol he builds up his system and stick with it forever? There is the AES67 standard that promises the ability to interconnect but currently this standard handles only the transport of the audio streams? What about Mic-Pre settings, stream announcement, etc.? How about bandwidth handling in more complex network topologies, incorporating several switches in series?
This session considers these challenges and looks at possible solutions offering ease of use and reliability to the end user.
Thursday, May 7, 16:00 — 16:45 (PSE Stage on Exhibition Floor)
K5 - New Home for Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice [Wroclaw University]
Presenter:Piotr Z. Kozlowski, Wroclaw University of Technology - Wroclaw, Poland
Abstract:
The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice (NOSPR = Narodowa Orkiestra Symfoniczna Polskiego Radia w Katowicach, in polish) is one of the greatest and most famous orchestras throughout the world. This group had no concert hall of their own that matched its level of quality in the past. They moved from one venue to another with no success toward improving the quality of the acoustics. Last period they spent at Congress Hall, where the acoustics were completely different from their needs and expectations.
As a result of the decision that a new concert hall should be built to become the new home for the orchestra, an international architectural competition for the complex design was announced in 2008.
The design stage started in March 2009 and was finished in January 2011. The general contractor started the building process in March 2012 and finished September 2014. The acoustical tuning process took five months—from May to September 2014. The first concert was played on October 1, 2014. This evening belongs of course to Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and for one and only Krystian Zimerman.
In the presentation we will discuss various topics from the many technological aspects: • noise control and the building acoustics; • room acoustics of the acoustic qualified interiors; • electro-acoustics system of the entire building with the multitrack recording system; • stage management system; • stage lighting; • upper and lower stage mechanics with the control system; • digital signage information system for the viewers (agenda).
Technological topics are described separately for the most
important areas of building such as: two concert halls, four team rehearsal rooms, 37 solo rehearsal rooms, recording studio, backstage, OB vans docks, ventilation, and electrical powering rooms.We will also present design stage dilemmas. Final results of acoustical measurements done during tuning process are presented to show why the two concert halls and the entire complex has received the highest praise from artists and auditors.
