Sottovoce

Noise exposure is a work, health and safety issue in all industries, but is particularly challenging in the music industry. The challenge is to provide performers an aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive system that allows real-time analysis of noise exposure, in a way that is useful and minimises hearing loss for performers and legal liabilities for organisations. Sottovoce addresses this challenge by providing a comprehensive suite of software and hardware for auditory safety and performance analytics, that is effective, convenient, and does not impact an artist’s performance, setting a new precedent for the responsible practice of live performances.

The Sottovoce system comprises discrete, performer-worn Aria wireless audio dosimeters, stage based Ensemble wireless receivers, and the integrated Sottovoce cloud platform. Utilising proprietary algorithms, it precisely tracks each performer’s location and sound exposure over time, presenting data through a real-time sound-field heatmap and detailed auto generated reports. This solution was developed to respond dynamically to the unique acoustics of any performance environment while ensuring minimal interference with the artist’s space. Throughout development, the project overcame significant technical hurdles, particularly data accuracy and user interface design, to provide clear, user-friendly reports that ensure compliance with legal standards and meet safety obligations.

Sottovoce’s design significantly impacts the performing arts by enhancing auditory health and safety. It offers orchestras a tailored approach to sound management, reducing the risk of litigation, hearing damage and extending musicians’ careers. Commercially, Sottovoce represents a new product class and positions itself as a vital tool for any music venue or orchestra prioritising health and performance quality. Environmentally, it contributes by encouraging sustainable health practices, and socially, it not only minimises hearing loss for performers and legal liabilities for organisations, but sets a precedent for the responsible practice of live performances, promoting a safer, more sustainable environment for artists.

Aria wireless tags: •Compact, lightweight, discreet wearable device •Designed to effortlessly integrate with performance practices •Suitable for monitoring every individual musician/performer within an orchestra •Multiple attachment methods allows the musician the choice of wearing the device or mounting to a music stand •Measures critical performance data including: sound pressure, temperature, humidity, accelerometer data, and relative positioning •Provides accurate positional data within the orchestral pit •Wireless communication over UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) to Ensemble base station •Intelligent, rechargeable battery design to provide optimal operating time within a small form factor Ensemble base station: •Designed to be positioned on the stage and seamlessly integrate with the performance space •Capable of receiving data from multiple Aria wireless tags worn by every member of the orchestra (48-96 devices) •Uploads data from all uniquely identified Aria wireless tags to the Sottovoce Cloud Platform •Option for wired or wireless communication to provide real-time cloud connectivity •Option of battery or mains power operation Sottovoce software: •Real-time and historical reporting on an individual’s noise exposure •Archival Recording for legal record keeping •Dynamic heat map visualisation •AI analysis of performance data for annotation metadata generation •Comprehensive suite of tools for auditory safety and performance analytics •Proactive monitoring and alerts