Rock and Pop Venues

This new edition of this standard work adds several new information the book, so that sound engineering and architects can better assess the acoustic value of a Rock and Pop Venue. In particular, new insights to the influence of sound absorbers in reflected and important ISO standards are included into the new edition.
Based on the first ever scientific investigations on recommendable acoustics for amplified music conducted by the author, this book sets forward precise guidelines for acoustical engineers to optimize the acoustics in existing or future halls for amplified music.

• It Gives precise guidelines on how to design the acoustics in venues that present amplified music
• Debates essential construction details, including placement of sound system and use of possible building materials, in the architectural design of new venues or the renovation of old ones
• Portrays 75 well-known European Rock & Pop venues, their architecture and acoustic properties.
• 20 venues were rated for their acoustics by music professionals leading to an easy-to-use assessment methodology

“The book begins with an introduction to acoustics and hearing. Readers who have learned about acoustics primarily from high-school or undergraduate college courses in general science or physics will gain new insights … . I highly recommend Adelman-Larsen’s book to anyone involved in the design of halls used as rock or pop music venues, as well as the musicians and sound technicians who work in these venues.” (audioXpress, audioxpress.com, Vol. 54 (6), June, 2023)

Niels W. Adelman-Larsen was in his early twenties educated a mechanical engineer in Denmark, and in music and sound engineering at Berklee College of Music in the USA. During the next 15 years, as a full-time jazz and rock drummer, he played about 1200 concerts some of wich with top jazz performers such as late Esbjörn Svensson and Doug Raney. Such experiences, as well as jam sessions with notabilities like Joshua Redman and Pat Metheny, has made Niels aware of, as he says “ what music actually can sound and feel like at its best”.

While still playing about 80 concerts a year he completed a master’s degree with a thesis on acoustics in Danish halls for amplified music. Since 2005 Niels has been a leading writer of scientific articles on the topic. He is well-known for his passionate oral presentations and lectures and has appeared on acoustics conferences world-wide. He invented and patented a new technology for variable and mobile acoustic treatment in favour of amplified music concerts cofinanced by investors such as the Danish Ministry of Technology and Innovation. The technology was launched in 2013.