“Voice lift”—Improving sonic perception, including intelligibility, using multi-channel time variant systems

Abstract

For many of our clients, the “optimum” electro-acoustic reinforcement system is one that has a “magic microphone.” This translates to something that they do not have to wear or hold, or stand in a specific spot to use. It does not need to have its battery replaced or cable plugged in. They might not even want to “flip a switch” to turn it on—it would just “be there” and all that they would need to do is talk. And if someone in the audience wanted to ask a question, they too would have a “magic microphone” that would enable everyone to hear them. While little has changed with the development of flying cars, advancements in multi-channel digital signal processing, and microphone arrays have made audio systems that function in this manner attainable. This paper will discuss factors that are important for intelligibility, how this differs from factors that are important for the perception sonic quality, and why both are required in order to achieve a comfortable and engaging listening experience. It will also describe the underlying complexity involved in designing and integrating such systems. Two recent examples will be cited—the Best Buy Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Netlflix corporate auditorium in Los Gatos, CA.