Sound Reinforcement: A practical based study into the technical requirements and aesthetic qualities required to produce a live music performance.
Bethany Wilson · UPT. Syiah Kuala University Library (Syiah Kuala University) · 2014
This project is an investigation into sound reinforcement and the different aspects that are required in producing a successful quality of sound at a live event. The project combines the knowledge I have gained from book research with the practical field research I have conducted whilst working as a sound engineer. The first section consists of diary entries which detail the sound events I have worked at. These entries detail the equipment that was used, the acoustic qualities of the venues, the signal paths of each venues, the steps taken to produce the sound and the creative input I had as an engineer in creating a good quality sound. These entries lead on to the next section of the project that details some of the main issues I have come across during my field research. These issues include the debate of analogue equipment compared with digital equipment, PA placement and the importance of people management during an event and how this can impact the quality of the live event. Finally I hope to take my own experience in small to medium size venues and compare how this relates to the production requirements of large venues. By combining these different segments of the study, I hope to have achieved a thorough understanding of all the technical elements in play at a live event and emphasise the important part sound engineers play in the creative production of sound.