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CrownBariDad

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    Which World Class Corps is Loudest?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Update: I tried taking sound level measurements at Finals from Sect 639, Row 6, Seat 14 (top section on the right 40-yard line). I got a few Corps, but soon realized the crowd response (very enthusiastic) was causing problems in getting a true reading, so I gave up.

    I did measure the last chord on the massed Corps "Battle Hymn" at 103 dB, but it didn't seem to me that ending was meant to be a "blow your face off" type ending.

    And, Blue Devils B: 106 dB on their closing section.

    Probably the folks doing the audio and video recording might be setup better (mics on the field, but mounted high enough to pick up the sound directed at the press box) and might could provide a better indication on how much power these Corps are putting out. Anybody have any contacts?

    hows the improved sound

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    I noticed for the Quarter Finals, they had the back seats draped, but for the Semis they hung huge curtains from the ceiling over the back stands as well as curtains over one of the side windows (as was mentioned). We were near the center for Quarters, but I was sitting almost on the left Goal line for Semis, so I can't really give a good reading on the sound improvement.

    But, it seemed OK--I guess I realize we're in a huge open room, there's gonna be an echo, and you make allowances. I even like to hear the echo on some of those "WOW!!!" moments to make sure it was as great as I heard it the first time.

    Which World Class Corps is Loudest?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    There is something seriously wrong with a study that says Pioneer and Bluecoats are putting our equal amounts of sound...

    It may be true...but the EFFECT of the sound those two corps make is anything but equal -

    For the record, I've enjoyed both shows this season - numbers of times -

    Yes, there were several corps where the numbers said they were equal, but the perception was different. It could be any number of factors.

    One potential problem with your study is the relatively low seat location from which you took the sound levels. Most corps are aining at the press box, shooting the sound over your head.

    Excellent point--I was thinking more of the distance factor (as someone mentioned here, sound power diminishes quickly the further away you are) versus the angle. Tonight, it looks like we're in Section 639, much higher up but on the right 40-yard line. I might try measuring the first several corps and if results look promising, do the rest from that level.

    I'm expecting ALL the corps to bring their "A" game tonight. Good luck to all!!!

    Which World Class Corps is Loudest?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Very cool! :lookaround: Curious as to what the numbers might be tonight and tomorrow.

    I'm smelling a field pass episode.

    Yes, it would be interesting to compare numbers. I'm sure the adrenaline of semis and finals, and performing in front of the usually larger crowds could have added a few more dBs. Plus, I would have liked to measure the sound power Star was putting out.

    Our seats for semis and finals are in the upper decks, so it wouldn't have been a good comparison with quarters.

    Which World Class Corps is Loudest?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    There has been some discussion on DCP about which WC Drum Corps is loudest, so I decided to try a little experiment. At the WC Quarterfinals, I brought a sound level meter and measured each of the corps loudest moments. The results are below.

    First: Every corps that performed in Quarterfinals has a GREAT and SOLID sound. The members and staffs should be proud of how well they play!!! :tongue:

    Second: As my stats professor used to say, all this does is present results for one day, at a particular location, for the current members, for this set of performances, and with the measuring equipment I used. Your mileage may vary.

    Finally: This is just for fun and maybe encourage a little friendly discussion. Please, no flames! :thumbup:

    Method: We were seated down front (Sec 141, Row 6, Seat 6). We were on the first row behind the corps staff section and on the left 40-yard line. I used a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter (#33-2055). It was set to Fast Response (updates every 0.2 sec) and Weighting "C" (flat response for 32-10,000 Hz). During the corps loudest moments, I set the meter to remember the max dB value. I tried to measure sustained sounds versus short attacks which are often punctuated with the bass drum in the Pit. (One of the corps had an exposed bass drum piece where the player used hard wooden mallets. The volume level of the strikes was easily 109-110 dB.)

    The Results (presented in order of performance):

    Pioneer 109 dB

    Cascades 108

    Jersey Surf 106

    Teal Sound 107 (g)

    Mandarins 109 (s)

    Pacific Crest 106

    Crossmen 111 (e,s)

    Spirit 111 (e)

    Troopers 110

    Colts 110

    The Academy 111

    Glassmen 111 (e,s)

    Madison Scouts 111 (s)

    Blue Knights 112 (s,b)

    Boston Crusaders 107

    Blue Stars 107

    Santa Clara Vanguard 108 (s)

    Phantom Regiment 111 (s)

    The Cadets 112 (s,b)

    Carolina Crown 112 (s,x)

    The Cavaliers 111 (s)

    Bluecoats 109 (s)

    Blue Devils 111 (s)

    Footnotes:

    (e) - Off scale at measured range (90-110 db). Estimated--Sorry! After Glassmen, I switched to the 100-120 dB range.

    (g) - Guitar ensemble measured at 100 dB during a solo section.

    (s) - Low-end synth was noticeable (this is VERY subjective--some just added some bottom; others were more noticeable.)

    For corps scoring at the 112 dB level:

    (b) - Highest sound level occurred when brass was in "block" formation

    (x) - Highest sound level occurred when brass was spread across the field

    I guess that's it. I had really wanted to take some measurements with the roof open to see if that made a difference. Oh, well....

    Jump off the Clifton

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Recaps are up!!! Looks like Cadets score was changed from 94.24 to 94.25.

    Subcaptions are not very consistent with Crown and Cadets trading 1s and 2s. Phantom won percussion which I think pushed them to win Total Music (I'm not very good at reading these things).

    No penalties as was earlier rumored.

    Jump off the Clifton

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    The recaps, I would gander, are not up because of the weird scoring. 94.240? I bet this is accurate, but shouldn't be as such, and therefore DCI doesn't want to have to fix a judges errors, especially at a smaller show. Sucks though!

    At first, I thought it was a typo. Some people posted the 94.24 score, but some people at the stadium tweeted it was 94.25. However, it looks like DCI says it's really 94.24, but we really can't tell why because of no recaps.

    Yep--it sucks!

    Jump off the Clifton

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Slow down there home run, I just popped over to say hello to a fellow soldier and a friend to congratulate him on Cadets score. :lookaround:

    Actually I was blaming myself--I just happened to see the BD score (97??? this early??? Congrats BTW!!!) and probably should have commented over on the Buffalo thread. Mea culpa!

    Future Rule Changes

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    I just can't see DCI going for woodwinds. For one, how can you hear them? There's no way (unless you use wireless mics) that they will balance the brass the Corps are putting on the field these days.

    My daughter has a band shirt that says it best: Flutes--the best section you've NEVER heard.

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