AES India Section - Activities5

Conducted by Audio Engineering Society (India Section). Date: Wednesday,

The speakers, all members of AES India Section – Dr. Pralhad Umadikar, Ex Head of the Physics Dept., Institute of Science University of Mumbai, Mr. Manohar Kunte -Head of the Dept. (Sound recording) Dept. Of Music, Mumbai University, Uday Chitre- Senior Recording Engineer, Western Outdoor Media Technologies Ltd and Mr. Avinash Oak -Associate Director (Audio) Western Outdoor Media Technologies Ltd. The session will be moderated by Nandu Bhende-Singer/Studio owner (Chairman AES India).

Truthfully accepting the maxim “ CATCH THEM YOUNG” literally, AES India Section has devised an “Audio Awareness” program for school and college students.

During the past 11/2 years tenure, this presentation has yielded very positive results, at various institutions.

This uniquely designed program for the architecture institute, was created with a special concern for the students who design structures with a sense of visual aesthetics.

Mr. Nandu Bhende ( Chairman 2003 )

After a brief introduction of the panel members by Mr. Nandu Bhende, Chairman, AES India Section, the workshop did begin with the senior most member – Dr. Pralhad Umadikar. Refusing to use the available electronic amplification for his powerful booming voice, he clarified that the natural acoustics of the auditorium will serve the purpose. He briefly discussed the fundamentals – amplitude, frequency & beat frequencies, with the aid of an excellent soundtrack especiallyprepared for this program by AES India.

He then moved easily on to SPL, decibels and human hearing. At regular intervals there were contributions from other members like Mr. Manohar Kunte, Mr. Avinash Oak & Mr. K. J. Singh.

Mr. Kunte (Vice-Chairman 2003)

Mr. Avinash Oak (Secretary 2003)

Mr. K.J. Singh (Editor Resonance 2003)

The topic which is always covered in all “audio awareness” programs is noise pollution and hearing impairment which was then discussed with the aid of the playback of noise samples especially recorded at public places such as cathedral, library, showroom, department store, underground passage, railway station lobby and platform etc. The audience were shocked to realize the db levels of the noise floors at the familiar locations.

Prof. Mr. Umadikar

Dr. Umadikar did finish off with a specially relevant topic for the occasion – Temple Acoustics, his personal pursuit of last two decades.

Later, as a seasoned professional of the trade, Mr. Uday Chitre, a long standing member of AES, gave valuable insights in the recording process, the formats of sound recording and the commercial release. He took the students on a guided tour through the history – from evolution of sound recording in 1877 to the present tape less digital era. On his way he played interesting landmark recordings such as a) the first song recorded in India featuring electronic sounds, b) first multi track song, c) the initial vinyl releases in the subcontinent etc. This later part was as informative as it was entertaining.

Mr. Uday Chitre (Treasurer)

The special thanks was due to R & S Electronics for providing their well established PULZ brand of speakers and the matching amplification.

The students were exposed to a real world of audio around them, which they were blissfully unaware of. It was a satisfying experience for the AES India as well.