HOW WE MEASURE THE DECIBELS: A JOURNEY OF INNOVATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Introduction

Since 2009, we at Uplause have been passionate about bringing fans closer to the action through interactive crowd engagement. From cheering contests to noise-level-triggered visuals, we've crafted unique ways for fans to feel like an integral part of the game. Measuring crowd noise has always been central to our approach, and our technology has evolved significantly over the years. Today, the Uplause Live Noise/Decibel Meter has become a global success, with over 80 sports clubs and events worldwide as customers. In North America, we’ve had the fortune to work with 13 NFL clubs, 12 NHL clubs, 7 NBA clubs, and 14 NCAA college teams over the years.

The Early Days: Using the Human Ear as a Sensor

In the beginning, our primary "sensor" was the human ear. Our team would manually gauge the crowd’s noise and energy, ensuring that the sound intensity met the criteria for our interactive games and visual effects. While this method added a personal touch, we quickly recognized its limitations in consistency and reliability.

Transition to Microphone-Based Technology 

By 2012, we introduced our first microphone-based system to measure crowd noise. This advancement allowed us to move beyond subjective assessments and automate interactions based on actual sound intensity. The initial microphone setup was a significant leap forward, enabling real-time measurement of crowd energy and triggering interactive responses accordingly.

Decibel Conversion and the Birth of Our Algorithm

In 2013, we began exploring the possibility of converting audio feeds directly into decibel measurements. Developing this algorithm was an exciting challenge that pushed us to consider factors such as calibration, noise filtering, and accuracy. As we refined our approach, we saw the potential for a more standardized and scientific measurement tool.

Ongoing Improvement Through Client Collaboration

From that point on, we've consistently worked to enhance our system, evolving it into what it is today. The journey has been both fascinating and inspiring, with many improvements achieved through close collaboration with our clients. Their feedback and high standards continually push us to develop better, more interactive solutions that merge precision with engagement.

New Capabilities with the Uplause Content Editor 

In 2023, we introduced a major new feature: the Uplause Content Editor, which empowers our customers to design and create all content and interactive elements independently. This new tool has lowered the barrier to becoming an Uplause customer, providing increased flexibility and speed in content creation. Now, our clients can quickly tailor interactive content to suit each unique event and audience, further enhancing fan engagement.

Balancing Science and Entertainment

While our system accurately measures crowd noise, we recognize that a purely scientific approach can lack the dynamic elements that make events memorable. We've learned to infuse entertainment into everything we build, balancing accuracy with readability and enjoyment. Our unique approach allows us to create visual, interactive representations of crowd noise levels, making each event experience both precise and fun.

What Sets Us Apart

There are other companies that offer decibel meters as a product, but no one else provides a system as complex and unique as Uplause. Our technology allows clients to engage their audiences in real time with visuals that respond instantly to crowd intensity. Whether it's in sports arenas, concerts, or other live events, our decibel meters are designed to make every cheer count in a way that’s unmatched in the industry.

A Continued Commitment to Innovation and Engagement

Our journey from relying on human ears to developing advanced algorithms has been one of constant innovation and collaboration. With the launch of the Uplause Content Editor, we’ve made it easier than ever for clients to harness the power of real-time crowd engagement. Thanks to our clients and our relentless pursuit of improvement, we've created an unmatched decibel measurement system that enhances crowd engagement like never before.