3-Day Lecture 2027
3-Day Lecture 2027 | Sound Quality of Audio Systems
The annual 3-Day Lecture Sound Quality of Audio Systems takes place from 15 to 17 March 2027 at the Technical University of Dresden. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Klippel explains the measurement and diagnostic techniques used to design small, lightweight and cost-effective loudspeakers in telecommunication, automotive, multimedia and professional applications. Registration is open until 5 March 2027.
Linear, nonlinear and time-variant systems with lumped and distributed parameters model the generation of signal distortion. Over three days, the lecture connects measured symptoms with their physical causes. Each lecture part comes with practical demonstrations by KLIPPEL development engineers on KLIPPEL devices.
Four topic areas
Electro-Acoustical Modeling starts with linear lumped parameters and the question of what they cannot explain, among others nonlinear distortion and the maximum SPL. From there, the lecture moves on to distributed mechanical modeling and to nonlinear models of the transducer.
In Measurement and Analysis, participants learn how nonlinear parameters are identified and how sound radiation, sound propagation and room interaction enter the result, from near field fitting to in-situ tests.
Interpretation and Diagnostics link measured symptoms to physical causes. Standard test stimuli, equivalent input distortion and the simulation of separated nonlinearities show where distortion comes from. A section on irregular distortion deals with defects such as rub and buzz, and a look at perception explains why some distortion matters more than others.
Digital Loudspeaker Control closes the loop with nonlinear adaptive control of loudspeakers and headphones, active voice coil stabilization and green speaker design.
Program
| Day | Topics |
| Day 1, Monday 15 March | Linear lumped parameters, distributed mechanical modeling and modal vibration analysis, sound radiation and room interaction, diagnostics in the small signal domain |
| Day 2, Tuesday 16 March | Nonlinear modeling, measurement of nonlinear parameters, relationship between physical causes and nonlinear symptoms, diagnostics of loudspeaker nonlinearities |
| Day 3, Wednesday 17 March | Diagnostics on irregular nonlinear distortion, time-variant properties (heating, ageing, endurance, maximum SPL), nonlinear adaptive control of loudspeakers and headphones, perceptive and cognitive evaluation, creating successful audio products |
What participants take home
- Why a linear lumped parameter model cannot predict the maximum SPL, and how the nonlinear parameters Kms(x), Bl(x) and L(x) relate to the transducer design.
- How standard test stimuli reveal particular symptoms. DC displacement is more informative than 2nd-order harmonics, and intermodulation distortion may be significantly higher than harmonics.
- Why defective loudspeakers with irregular distortion should not be shipped even if the symptoms are inaudible, and how Pass/Fail limits depend on potential defects and the target application.
- How adaptive nonlinear control such as KCS generates more output at better sound quality from smaller speakers.
Who should attend
Engineers in research and development, manufacturing and quality control of the audio industry, as well as students and teachers of electro-acoustics.
General event information
- Date: 15 to 17 March 2027, 9 am to 5 pm
- Venue: Dresden University of Technology, Görges-Bau, Helmholtzstraße 9, 01069 Dresden
- Language: English
- Early Bird: 475 € (incl. VAT) until 31 December 2026
- Regular fee: 575 € (incl. VAT) from 1 January until 5 March 2027
- External students: 30 € (incl. VAT)
- External university staff: 60 € (incl. VAT)
- Students and staff of TU Dresden: Free of charge
- Registration deadline: 5 March 2027
Catering with snacks, lunch and drinks is provided. Hotel recommendations close to the university and the information flyer with the lecture agenda are available.
KLIPPEL House Party
The first lecture day continues at the KLIPPEL headquarters. At the house party on 15 March at 6 pm, KLIPPEL engineers show technical demonstrations in an in-house exhibition. It is a relaxed setting to talk with the team and with other participants. Everyone is welcome.
