Jimmie Paloranta and Ida Renström

Automized optimization

of stage monitor hearing

Moving the monitor hearing sweet spot in real time

- a solution for the moving musicians on stage?

Abstract

A novel stage monitor hearing model has been developed to evaluate the idea of a system that moves the stage monitor hearing according to the positions of the live performing musician. The aim of the study was to answer to what extent is such a system useful during live music performances. The system model is programmed using Pure Data and adjusts the different sound mixes for each monitor on the stage so that the location of the spot of the ideal stage sound corresponds to the positions of the musicians. The positions of the musicians are obtained by using a Motion Capture camera system together with software to communicate with Pure Data. During the study interviews and user tests were performed with performing musicians and sound engineers. The results indicate that the musician’s performance is improved and previous limitations caused by a restricted monitor hearing sweet spot are reduced. The extent of the usability of such a system within the rock and pop genres is believed to increase with the overall sound level and complexity of the genre performed, and it is also associated with the musician’s own musical preferences. A set of model simplifications was however made to the system that would need to be taken into consideration for implementation in an actual live concert performance.