Vocal intelligibility and clarity in amplification: challenges for concert hall acoustics

The modern concert hall presents a range of programming from soloists and small classical ensembles to large orchestras with choir. In many communities the same concert venue is also required to host a range of amplified events from politely-reinforced ensembles to overtly amplified popular music artists. Maintaining intelligibility of vocals and clarity at high amplification levels depends upon a number of factors both within the control of the acoustics and sound system designers and not. This paper will discuss the programming for a typical season at one 1600-seat concert hall, the elements within its design to allow flexibility of program use, and experiences during the process of adjustment, tuning, and optimizing the hall over its first season.