Historically, acoustic and audio measurement systems were designed based on what the current technology allowed one to measure. With the recent increases in low cost computer power, almost any personal computer can become an acoustic and audio measurement system that would have been unthinkable (and extremely expensive) only a few years ago. Given the computer power available, the question becomes "what do we want to measure and how do we use this information?" This talk will address the types of measurements that are currently possible and how they are used. A description of both transfer function and impulse response measurement will be presented. A demonstration of both acoustic and audio system measurements will be included in the presentation.

Sam Berkow is the founding member of both SIA Acoustics and SIA Software Company, Inc. In 1996 Mr. Berkow combined his design work with John Storyk and the Walters-Storyk Design Group. Mr. Berkow specializes in acoustic measurement and design of musical performance spaces. To further his design efforts, Mr. Berkow has developed JBL-Smaart, a Windows-based acoustical measurement and analysis software package. JBL-Smaart provides both sound system optimization and acoustical measurement and analysis tools. Mr. Berkow has used this tool as part of the measurement and evaluation of numerous concert halls, performance spaces, and optimization of sound systems for numerous concert and sport venues. Currently Mr. Berkow is the lead acoustical designer for the new concert-theater for Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz@Lincoln Center Orchestra. Mr. Berkow holds a Masters degree in Acoustic Measurement and Design from Stevens Institute of Technology. Mr. Berkow has presented numerous papers at both national and regional AES meetings.

A pre-meeting dinner with the speaker is held at 6 p.m. at the Rusty Scupper on Alexander Road in Princeton. If you would like to attend, please call the information number to record your reservation on the answering machine.

Princeton ACM / IEEE Computer Society meeting are open to the public. Students and their parents are welcome. There is no admission charge, and refreshments are served.