TV and radio — why has it gotten so loud?

[Troy McClure]

To add to this, most sports arenas / stadiums across the US are one LOUD clusterbomb of noise. The NBA has music going on during the entire game. During timeouts, there are fan contests, mascot skits, etc. Even baseball is falling into this realm of 'quiet must be boring' entertainment.

--Jason

[cacophony]

there's a physiological reason for the loudness war. the human brain is designed to identify loud, sustained sounds as warning signals, alarms, something requiring attention. it's difficult to overcome the impulse to pay attention because we evolved to listen for things we identify as warnings.

compressing and jacking up the volume on content makes the noise level more sustained and thus taps into our compulsion to pay attention. it's an exploitation of an evolved reflex.

Human brains have evolved to pay particular attention to loud noises, so compressed sounds initially seem more exciting.

when i was audio engineering we were encouraged (read: strong armed) to compress the shit out of anything intended for broadcast. regardless of the necessity.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by cacophony

there's a physiological reason for the loudness war. the human brain is designed to identify loud, sustained sounds as warning signals, alarms, something requiring attention. it's difficult to overcome the impulse to pay attention because we evolved to listen for things we identify as warnings.

compressing and jacking up the volume on content makes the noise level more sustained and thus taps into our compulsion to pay attention. it's an exploitation of an evolved reflex.



when i was audio engineering we were encouraged (read: strong armed) to compress the shit out of anything intended for broadcast. regardless of the necessity.

That's a very interesting point since I think about issues based largely on how our evolution has shaped the human species. Great insights, Cacophony.

[Rog]

Originally Posted by Troy McClure

To add to this, most sports arenas / stadiums across the US are one LOUD clusterbomb of noise. The NBA has music going on during the entire game. During timeouts, there are fan contests, mascot skits, etc. Even baseball is falling into this realm of 'quiet must be boring' entertainment.

--Jason

sports arena's? go to Anfield......it's fuckin LOUD.....no music-just supporters! Old Trafford is almost as loud......