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Audio / Events

Case Study: Low-Latency Audio Trigger for Lighting & Sound Effects



Sector: Audio & Live Events / Embedded Systems



Nature of Project:


BFO Systems developed a low-latency audio trigger system for controlling lighting and sound effects in environments where traditional microphones or MEMS sensors were unsuitable due to high ambient noise, interference, or environmental constraints. The system needed to detect vibrations reliably while ensuring zero degradation of the audio signal and minimal latency.



Tech Stack Used:


  • Sensing Mechanism: Piezo cable as a      transducer for vibration detection

  • Signal Processing: DSP-based      filtering and amplification

  • Audio Path Control: Analogue      switches for gating audio signals

  • Latency Optimisation: Custom DSP      logic for real-time response



Major Challenge Overcome:


Reliable Vibration Detection Without Traditional Microphones


In high-noise environments, MEMS microphones and traditional sensors struggled with interference, making them unreliable for triggering lighting and sound effects. Instead, BFO Systems implemented a novel solution using Piezo cable as a vibration transducer.

To ensure accurate detection while maintaining audio fidelity and low latency, the team:


  • Amplified and filtered vibration signals to eliminate background noise

  • Used Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques to distinguish intentional triggers from false positives

  • Designed an analogue switching system to open and close audio pathways without introducing distortion or latency


This approach allowed seamless integration into live event systems, providing a responsive, high-fidelity trigger mechanism that outperformed conventional microphone-based solutions.



Outcome:


The Piezo cable-based detection systemsuccessfully replaced traditional microphones, offering robust performance in challenging environments. By using real-time DSP filtering and analogue signal gating, BFO Systems delivered a zero-latency, distortion-free audio trigger system, enhancing the reliability of sound and lighting effects in live performance and event applications.

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