Live entertainment technologies

Abstract

Media technologies are an integral part of most live musical performances. They are the source of components for musical instruments and the technology used in the recording, transmission, sound design and reproduction of audio signals. Electronic and electroacoustic devices are not only involved in the live performance of popular music (pop, rock and jazz). Also classical concerts (featuring orchestral music or opera, for example) are often supported by media technology, which is at times invisible, for instance when the reverberation of an opera house is enhanced by an electronic architecture of hidden microphones and loudspeakers for the performance of a symphony. For contemporary composers, electric and electronic instruments are the natural extension of their sonic repertoire. The live performance of music in large indoor or open-air venues with audiences of more than 10,000 people would be virtually impossible without electroacoustic technology. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.