Ear Height

The layers created within the Layer Manager are used to represent the real-world venue. The issue here is architecturally this is what is being measured with the laser rangefinder & inclinometer, or from the CAD file of the venue, however this is not where the actual audience are listening to the audio from the loudspeaker system. This is typically above the floor. It however is not a fixed value - for the audience may be standing or seating. The ear height parameter is therefore included on the ‘add’ and ‘edit’ layer controllers (except for layers marked as scenery, and floor plans) to enable the user to define at what height the pressure mapping should be considered. The default value for the ear height parameter is 1.7m, which is a typical number for standing audience members. If the audience are seated, then 1.2m may be more suitable.

Ear Height in the 3D View

Within the 3D View, Ear Height appears as a light-blue level above the drawn layer. This should be used as a visual aid for the aiming of loudspeaker systems, for example, with Aim Discs.

Setting the Ear Height of Many Layers at Once

‘Set ear height…’ in the Layer Manager’s right-click menu sets the ear height for every selected layer in one go - Shift-click or Ctrl/Cmd-click to select several layers first. Applied to a group, it covers all the layers inside.