Bob Stuart, creator of MQA and co-founder of Meridian Audio, was recently awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering Prince Philip Medal for ‘his exceptional contribution to audio engineering which has changed the way we listen to music and experience films’.
Stuart is the first audio engineer to receive the award in its 20-year history.
Previous recipients of the Prince Philip Medal include inventor of the turbojet engine, Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle OM KBE CB FREng FRS; geothermal power innovator, Lucien Bronicki; and the electrical engineer who revolutionised fibre optics, Dr Charles Kao CBE FRS FREng.
Commissioned by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, Senior Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Prince Philip Medal is awarded periodically to an engineer of any nationality who has made exceptional contributions to engineering through practice, management or education.
Upon receiving the award Stuart pointed out the relationship electrical engineers in the audio industry have with the art of sound.
“Audio engineering sits at an intersection between analog and digital engineering, music and the human listener,” comments Stuart.
“My passion to enable great sound recording and playback has required a multi-disciplinary approach, but that quest to preserve and share music perfomances is very satisfying and important. I am honored and humbled to receive this award from the Royal Academy of Engineering.”
Bob Ludwig, a multi-Grammy Award winning mastering engineer, says Stuart’s combination of engineering and understanding of music sets him apart in the world of electronics.
“Bob Stuart is a connoisseur of both engineering and music and that is what sets him apart. He is like a mastering engineer – he knows what music is supposed to sound like, so he isn’t blinded by theory or technology,” says Ludwig.
“If something does not sound right to his ear he will quickly reject it and explore a more musical way of accomplishing his goals. The invention of MQA improved the sound clarity that was blurred by digital components and as a musician, I am so delighted for my ears to be the recipient of Bob’s creation and to use it in my work.”
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