Improving particular components of the audio signal chain: optimising listening in the control room

In the field of audio engineering there is a constant need for optimising the listening situation. Listening to, judging and finally optimising the recorded material are essential tasks of audio engineers. The author of this contextual statement has been working in the field of audio engineering since 1993. In addition, various research projects have been undertaken in this field. A selection of three research areas and their published outputs are presented in this contextual statement:
Research Area 1: Improving acoustic modules to increase efficiency in the acoustical treatment of control rooms
Research Area 2: Measuring time alignment errors, testing their impact on the listening experience and providing solutions for time alignment of loudspeakers
Research Area 3: Using equalisation for correcting and shaping a loudspeaker's frequency response
These research areas relate to a consistent listening 'defect' that leads to a blurred and broader sound image. Measures to overcome these defects are presented and proven to be effective by built prototypes and/or products. The results of the research are published in articles and books and can be experienced in the form of hardware systems such as acoustic modules or modified loudspeakers.