Contact & Links

Location: East Midlands, UK
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rosshammondaudio.com
Tel: Upon request, please email me
LinkedIn: rossdhammond

Freelance Services

  • Acoustic consultancy

  • Acoustic computer modelling

  • Sound and PAVA system design

  • Spatial audio and surround sound systems

  • FOH and monitor engineering (live sound)

Key Skills

Acoustic Computer Modelling
AutoCAD, Navisworks, Sketchup Pro, EASE 4, EASE 5, Odeon, CATT, COMSOL.
For venue design, PAVA and sound reinforcement system design.Live Sound System Engineering
System design, deployment and mixing.Audio Software Engineering and DSP
Real-time audio processing, algorithm development, VST development.
MATLAB, Python and C++.Research and Development
Key interests: speech intelligibility metrics, acoustic modelling, spectator acoustics, spatial audio, virtual reality, microphone arrays, live sound reinforcement.

Experience

July 2016 - Present

Freelance

Electroacoustic Consultant

I specialise in providing acoustic computer modelling services. One of my key skills is the construction and calibration of highly detailed and acoustically accurate 3D models of various types of buildings and spaces, including sports stadia, arenas, velodromes, cathedrals, and transport terminals. Specialised software and tools allows models to be built which accurately represent the acoustic properties of these spaces, taking into consideration factors such as the shape and size of the space, the materials used in its construction, and any sound-absorbing or reflecting elements present. In addition, I also collaborate on the design of public address and voice alarm (PAVA) systems, with a focus on ensuring that the intelligibility of speech is maintained throughout the space to meet British and International Standards.

September 2023 - present

Telent Technology Services

PAVA Design Engineer

Electroacoustics and acoustic computer modelling specialist, working on the design of public address and voice alarm systems, ensuring adequate speech intelligibility to meet British and International Standards. The primary project being Hinkley Point C.

January 2023 - September 2023

Sky LTD

Senior Acoustic Engineer

- Acoustic computer modelling of both transducers within products, and the interaction of products within small rooms.
- Lead on the R+D effort of an automatic room correction system that compensates for variable room acoustics for future audio products.
- Acoustic design and validation testing of microphone arrays, audio hardware, software and VOIP applications.
- Supporting the delivery of consumer products including Sky Live.

June 2021 - January 2023

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Acoustic and Audio Systems Engineer

- Acoustic system design for security and critical communications applications.
- Migrated all audio development and production-line testing from obsolete AP2700 to APx555 hardware/software package, including integration with MATLAB and NI interfaces for automation.
- Use of COMSOL and bespoke lumped-element python model, for complete system modelling using MEMS microphones.
- Hardware development including passive acoustic control and audio electronics, with a strong emphasis on speech intelligibility performance.
- Retrofitting obsolete components within existing products.
- Engaging with stakeholders, requirements capture and acting as a pool resource for internal consultancy. Hosting acoustic seminars and training for knowledge transfer and up-skilling team members.
- Industry watching, COTS product evaluations, speech processing algorithm assessment and academic engagement.

October 2017 - October 2020

University of Derby

Post-Graduate Teaching Assistant

As part of my PhD contract, teaching contributions within the College of Engineering and Technology included foundation year 0 (scholarship for technologists), undergraduate year 1 (lighting and video technology, electronic and mathematics fundamentals), undergraduate year 2 (computing and communication technology, acoustics), postgraduate (live sound system design and optimisation).
- I focused on experiential learning and hands-on skills development, with an emphasis on practical applications in the field of live events.

October 2011 - August 2017

Freelance

Monitor Engineer and Live Event Technician

Over a 6+ year span, and throughout BSc and MSc study, regular freelance work was carried out for several artists, production companies and venues. Primarily, this would mean operating monitors for the on-stage mix, with both analogue and digital consoles using wedges and in-ear monitors. Other roles included front-of-house mixing, system tech/design, lighting design/rigging/operation (exclusively using Avolites consoles) and site-wide power planning and distribution for multi-stage festivals. All types of event format were covered (medium/large outdoor festivals, arena concerts, conferences/exhibitions, theatre productions, etc).Equipment: d&b, L'acoustics, EV, MIDAS, Yamaha, Allen & Heath, DiGiCo, Soundcraft, Shure, Sennheiser and many others

Education

October 2017 - June 2024

University of Derby

PhD in Electroacoustics

"Analysis and modelling of human impact on sound reinforcement and reproduction in large spaces".

September 2016 - August 2017

University of Derby

MSc in Audio Engineering (Distinction)

Modules included advanced surround sound systems (81%), audio electronics (84%), audio innovation (80%), audio software engineering (88%), independent engineering scholarship (80%), live sound system design and optimisation (82%) and research methods (83%).

September 2013 - July 2016

University of Derby

BSc in Sound, Light and Live Event Technology (1st class)

Modules included acoustics (85%), audio digital signal processing (89%), computing and communication technology (85%), electroacoustic and lighting design (81%), independent engineering project (85%), live event practice (87%) and multi-channel sound system design (94%).

September 2011 - July 2013

Lewisham College

BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology (100% credits)

Achieved full credits for a full-time creative music technology course, including modules on studio techniques, composition, audio recording, mixing and mastering and critical listening.

Awards and Other Qualifications

  • AES sustaining members post-graduate research competition 2018 (2nd place)

  • UOD Vice-chancellor's prize for outstanding contribution to engineering and technology 2017

  • AES Up Your Output student competition 2017 (2nd place)

  • AES educational foundation Don and Fran Pearson scholar 2016

  • Lighting and Sound International magazine feature - early stagers 2016

  • Grade 8 electric guitar

  • Clean, full UK driving license

Publications

R. Hammond, "Analysis and Modelling of Human Impact on Sound Reinforcement and Reproduction in Large Spaces," PhD Thesis submitted to University of Derby (2024).R. Hammond and A. J. Hill, “On the effects of occupation on stadia sound system intelligibility,” J. Audio Eng. Soc., (TBC).P. Mapp and R. Hammond, “The Effects of Spectators on the Speech Intelligibility Performance of Sound Systems in Stadia and Other Large Venues,” presented at the 147th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, New York, USA (2019, Oct.). – cited in BS7827-2019.R. Hammond, P. Mapp and A. J. Hill, “Modelling the Effects of Spectators on Speech Intelligibility in a Typical Soccer Stadium,” J. Acoust. Soc. of Amer., vol. 145, no. 3 (2019).R. Hammond, P. Mapp and A. J. Hill, “Modelling the Effects of Spectator Distribution and Capacity on Speech Intelligibility in a Typical Soccer Stadium,” presented at the 146th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, Dublin, Ireland (2019 Mar.).R. Hammond, A. J. Hill and P. Mapp, “Discrepancies between Audience Modelling Methods in Performance Venues,” Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics: Reproduced Sound, vol. 40, no. 4 (2018).R. Hammond, A. J. Hill and P. Mapp, “On the Accuracy of Audience Implementations in Acoustic Computer Modelling,” presented at the 145th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, New York, USA (2018 Oct.).R. Hammond, “Three Restrictions of the Speech Transmission Index for Assessment of Speech Intelligibility of Public Address and Voice Alarm Systems,” MSc Thesis submitted to University of Derby (2017).R. Hammond, P. Mapp and A. J. Hill, “Disagreement between STI and STIPA Measurements due to High Level, Discrete Reflections,” presented at the 142nd Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, Berlin, Germany (2017 May).R. Hammond, P. Mapp and A. J. Hill, “The Influence of Discrete Arriving Reflections on Perceived Intelligibility and Speech Transmission Index Measurements,” presented at the 141st Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, Los Angeles, USA (2016 Oct.). – cited in BS60268-16-2020.R. Hammond, P. Mapp and A. J. Hill, “The Influence of Discrete Arriving Reflections on Perceived Intelligibility and Speech Transmission Index Measurements,” presented at the 140th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, Paris, France (2016 Jun.).R. Hammond, “The Influence of Discrete Arriving Reflections on Perceived Intelligibility and Speech Transmission Index Measurements,” BSc Dissertation submitted to University of Derby (2016).

Projects

Acoustic Computer Modelling of PAVA systems

For both research and commercial projects, I have developed an extensive catalogue of highly detailed acoustic models using AutoCAD, Sketchup Pro and EASE for the assessment of electroacoustics. Types of buildings include sports stadia, arenas, velodromes, cathedrals, theatres, concert halls and large public transport terminals. These to-scale digital models were created from architectural AutoCAD files and drawings using appropriate absorption and scattering coefficients. Calibration is often completed by using a collection of measured RT and STIPA values.During my time as a post-graduate teaching assistant, I taught the MSc Audio Engineering students how to interpret drawings and develop acoustic models in EASE as part of their live sound system design and optimisation module. A thorough video tutorial series I developed for students is still a key resource for undergrad and postgrad students.A primary focus of my Ph.D. is optimum audience modelling methods and I therefore have particular expertise with this topic, with a citation included in BS7827.

Speech Transmission Index and Intelligibility Research

Independent research during both my BSc and MSc programs investigated particular nuances of the STI measurement method, particularly the mechanistic inaccuracies caused by high-level, discrete reflections. Some of this work is cited in the current version of the STI standard 60268-16.I have also designed many sound systems with a primary objective to achieve appropriately high intelligibility that meets standards specifications.My experience has given me a deep understanding of this essential measurement, of the causes of poor sound system intelligibility and how to avoid, correct or fix most system design issues regarding intelligibility.

Audio Software Engineering

For an MSc module, a multi-band compressor VST plugin was developed with C++ using the VST3 framework and RackAFX. The plugin utilises a four-band crossover network with infinite impulse response filters in a complimentary fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley, branching configuration, with separate compressors for each band. The compressors use peak level measurement and a feedforward, log-domain detector topology.During my PhD studies, I developed a real-time auralization tool that also allows impulse response measurements to be taken using sine-sweep, MLS or using incoming program material. These impulse responses can be convolved in real-time with an incoming audio source for real-time auralization. This program (and GUI) was created with MATLAB.As part of a BSc year 3 module, a real-time bandstop FIR filter was designed, optimised and tested to a given specification utilising C/assembly and an NXP DSP56371. The impulse response was initially developed in MATLAB.I have also developed an image source model program in MATLAB that produces BRIRs of a specified rectangular room/absorption coefficients.Many complex audio web applications have also been created using the web audio API (javascript). This has included developing processing nodes for custom real-time applications. A 16 multi-track virtual mixer has been created with sub-group routing, individual channel EQ, dynamics processing and with auralization to virtually mix in different spaces. Additionally, other web audio API creations include a guitar amp simulator with tuner, an impulse response measurement program and an interactive listening test for research purposes with real-time audio processing.

Audio Electronics

I have designed (using Matlab and Multisim), built (Ultiboard for printing onto PCB), populated and tested an analogue 4-band, 4th order Linkwitz-Riley crossover with variable frequency and gain controls. Transfer functions were assessed using MATLAB and output summations compared to justify using state-variable with split branching topology. A passive high pass filter, master gain control and polarity reverse switches were also included.During my BSc degree, I conducted the design and build of an analogue octagon ambisonic decoder including PCB design, population and testing. Three signal inputs (W, X, Y) were proportionately distributed via summing amps to eight outputs to correspond with eight loudspeaker positions in an octagon configuration.

Spatial Audio

I co-created a bespoke artistic surround sound installation in the Derby University atrium, sonically recreating a train station platform with a virtual train arriving and departing at the Sounds in Space symposium 2016. This included taking audio recordings at Derby train station, arranging the reaper project routing, mixing and arranging the audio and installing the 32 loudspeaker surround system.I am interested in the use of neighboring ambisonic loudspeaker arrays for installation in large spaces. Although preliminary research has been conducted, work on this topic is yet to be published.