Modern techniques for sound recording, processing, and mixing do not often enough take advantage of scientific knowledge in various areas of sound perception. This presentation will include an examination of the application of current research in sound localization, loudness, pitch, and masking to provide greater control of listeners’ perceptual experiences.

There will also be a discussion of applied psychoacoustical processing from a historical perspective as well as a look at some of the challenges associated with psychoacoustical applications in sound recordings intended for audiences in with diverse listening environments and playback hardware.

Guest Speaker:

Michael J. Epstein, Ph.D., is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with joint appointment in the Center for Communications and Digital Signal Processing (CDSP) at Northeastern University. He is the Director of the Auditory Modeling and Processing Laboratory (AMPLab), which seeks to bridge the understanding of loudness and perceptual processing with objective, non-invasive measures of underlying physiological processes. He has also been writing, recording, and performing music for over 20 years in bands including The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, The Motion Sick, and Neutral Uke Hotel, and has done sound recording and sound design for numerous feature and short films.