Dr. Ben Shirley
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Current positions
Reader in Audio Technology and Programme Leader of MSc Audio Production
Biography
Dr Ben Shirley is a Reader in Audio Technology at the Acoustics Research Centre, University of Salford, UK. He received his MSc from Keele University in 2000 and his PhD from the University of Salford in 2013. His doctoral thesis investigated methods for improving TV sound for people with hearing impairments.
His research interests include spatial audio and audio related accessibility solutions. Current activity is around personalization of object-based audio for both accessibility and engagement.
Dr Shirley is also co-founder and Director of Salsa Sound Ltd, developing multi-award winning audio solutions for live sports broadcast.
Areas of research
Media accessibility, Broadcast audio, Object-based audio, Spatial audio
Areas of supervision
Media accessibility, Media personalisation, Spatial audio, Broadcast audio
- Spatial Audio
- Audio Post Production
- Live Sound Connections
- Music Technology Systems
- Media accessibility solutions through media personalisation and object-based audio. Recent work has been in accessible broadcast audio for hearing impaired using object-based audio formats. Interested in extending this for visual impairment and other specific needs.
- Spatial Audio: especially in binaural and dynamic, interactive audio solutions e.g. wayfinding using binaural cues, AR and VR audio.
- Next-generation Broadcast: recent work in interactive and personalised broadcast.
- As co-founder of Salsa Sound I also have an interest in broadcast applications of AI.
Qualifications
- PhD (University of Salford) Improving television sound for people with hearing impairments
- PGCert Teaching & Learning in HE (University of Salford)
- MSc Digital Music Technology (Keele University)
- HND Audio & Video Systems Engineering (University of Salford)
Memberships
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Member of the Audio Engineering Society
- Member of the International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers