US3095482A - Method of and apparatus for signal reproduction - Google Patents

Method of and apparatus for signal reproduction Download PDF

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Publication number
US3095482A
US3095482A US811937A US81193759A US3095482A US 3095482 A US3095482 A US 3095482A US 811937 A US811937 A US 811937A US 81193759 A US81193759 A US 81193759A US 3095482 A US3095482 A US 3095482A
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Prior art keywords
sound
channel
reproducing
channels
level
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US811937A
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English (en)
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Joseph S Whiteford
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Priority to US811937A priority Critical patent/US3095482A/en
Priority to GB16146/60A priority patent/GB935947A/en
Priority to CH526260A priority patent/CH370574A/fr
Priority to BE590622A priority patent/BE590622A/fr
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K15/00—Acoustics not otherwise provided for
    • G10K15/08—Arrangements for producing a reverberation or echo sound
    • G10K15/10—Arrangements for producing a reverberation or echo sound using time-delay networks comprising electromechanical or electro-acoustic devices
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S84/00—Music
    • Y10S84/01—Plural speakers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods of and apparatus for signal reproduction and, more particularly, to the reproduction of sound signals.
  • the sound is thus caused to be fed successively to the successively positioned loudspeakers, Say, from the front to the back of the room, building or other space, thereby simulating the actual travel of sound Waves from the front to the back.
  • a somewhat realistic sound-decay pattern can be obtained which, when supplemented by a signal fed back from the last of the plurality of reproducing transducers to the source, in a carefully controlled manner, can effect an over-all simulated reverberation time that corresponds to the desired reverberation time.
  • the reverberation produced by this kind of device consists of a series of segments, comparable to pulses or discrete echoes, the duration of which is equal to the time between successive energizations of the successive reproducing transducers.
  • this duration would correspond to the time that it takes any given point on the tape to travel from one head to the next.
  • the successful operation of the system depends upon keepingV this time duration short enough; and this can be accomplished by close head-spacing and high tape-speed. Unfortunately, there are several very severe limitations irnposed upon the application of these techniques.
  • a time duration of a tenth of a second has been found to be sucient for organ music and choral singing.
  • more explosive sounds with sharp transients such as, for example, cymbal clashes in orchestral music, a much shorter time would be required in order to mask the discrete-pulse effect inherent in the system.
  • the maximum permissible pulse-time length has to be, in the last analysis, decided by test for any given room, building or other space, taking into account the types of sounds that are to be reverberated.
  • Another audible, regularly recurring, undulating pulsation inherent in a system of this kind is what may be termed pumping It occurs each time any given signal re-enters vthe recording head via the feedback-path from the last reproducing playback head, and is, therefore, in time, equal to the short pulse time described above multiplied by the number of playback heads. In the case of six playback heads, for example, and the onetenth second time duration, this would be six-tenths of a second. This disturbance can be minimized by Very1 careful adjustment of all level controls, so that the over- 'ice all signal decay is kept as linear as possible.
  • the feeding-back of the signal from the last playback head to the recording head causes the sound suddenly to jump toward the front, again, and then to travel the same path from front to back, once more. Because the sound does this several times over before it dies out, it can readily be seen that the only acoustical dimension that the room, building or other space thus acquires is that of length. 'It appears to have no breadth and very little height, in spite of the fact that the loudspeakers may be placed well above earlevel.
  • An object of the present invention accordingly, is to provide a new and improved method of and apparatus for sound reproduction of the character described that shall not be subject to any of the above-mentioned disadvantages; but that shall, to the contrary, add breadth and height to the reverberation illusion andsubstantially eliminate the pumping and piling effects.
  • a further object is to provide a novel sound-reproducing apparatus of more general utility, as well.
  • FIGURE is a combined block-and-schematic circuit diagram illustrating the invention in preferred form.
  • the invention is shown applied to a church or ⁇ similar auditorium 1 having organ pipes at the front, operated from la console 3, and in which it is desired to simulate fthe acoustic response of a much larger building, :orf one with less acousv ⁇ One has the impresare disposed .at successively positioned lintervals, from front to back, along the oppositely disposed side walls f the church or auditorium 1, as previously discussed, and a further'pair of speakers l2 12 is provided at the back.
  • lintervals from front to back, along the oppositely disposed side walls f the church or auditorium 1, as previously discussed
  • a further'pair of speakers l2 12 is provided at the back.
  • Conventional erase heads 11, ⁇ as .of the permanent magnet and attenuating-currcnt types, may insure that .the tape is free ⁇ of residual signals before reach-ing the recording head ⁇ 13.
  • the successively energized playback heads Ztl, 40, 60, 80, 160 land 120 will thus transmit signals through corresponding pre-amplilier channels 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32, having conventional level, bass and treble controls, by Way of corresponding conductor paths ⁇ 42, 44,v 46, 48, 50 and 52, to corresponding further amplifier stages 2.2', 24', 26', 28', 30 and 32', thereby successively to energize the pairs fof loudspeakers 2 2', 4 4', 6 6', 8 8', 1t ⁇ and 12 12', respectively connected thereto.
  • the preemplier 22, yassocia-ted with the first-channel playback head 20 .and the vfirst pair of loudspeakers 2 2' . is shown feeding pant of its primary signal output through a level control, schematically illustrated as a variable resistor R2, to the pre-amplifier stage 23 of the fourth channel associated with the fourth pair of loudspeakers 8 8'.
  • the second-channel preamplifier 24 is connected by R4 to the f-thecliannel preamplifier 30 associated with the fifth pair of loudspeakers 1tl 10'.
  • R12 between the sixth channel associated with loudspeakers yl2 12 and the first channel
  • Rm between the fifth channel asso ciated with the fifth pair of loudspeakers ih ltl yand the third channel associated with the third pair of loudspeakers 6 6'
  • R8 between the fourth and sixth channels
  • R6 between the third and second channels.
  • a part of the primary signals reproduced iat the successively operated pairs of speakers will thus be reproduced yas seco-ndary signal-s .at other randomly selected speakers, simulating random reflections thereof and' giving the illusion of .three-dimensional reverberation, as above discussed.
  • :it has been found that .the level of the part of the primary signal thus fed from ⁇ one speaker channel to another speaker channel should be adjusted tto the same level ⁇ as .the primary signal of the said one speaker channel from which it originates. In some cases, this level of :the secondary signal may be reduced by any required reduction constant representative of thelamount, if any, by which the secondary or simulated reflection signal, should be lower in level than the primary sign-als of the loudspeakers.
  • the successive pairs of speakers were spaced at ten-foot intervals.
  • the ⁇ actual sound-wave travel time for this spacing was approximately 0.01 second.
  • the apparent length of the church was increased by a factor of ten.
  • the following chart illustrates the selected primary signal levels for the six channels, corresponding to the successive pairs of speakers 2 2', 4 4', 6 6',V
  • the reverberation .time desired was about two and a half seconds.
  • Secondary Secondary Secondary Secondary Secondary signal Primary signal signal using Channel signal level originates level unreduction- (decibels) from reduced constant of channel (decibels) 3 decibels ldown (decibels) -In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, compensation is effected for the previously mentioned phenomenon that the decrease in level at the speakers, successively more distant from Vthe front, is
  • the recorded or stored sounds need not be stored on magnetic tape, since phonograph records, optically or photographically recorded films, or other kinds of record media may also be employed.
  • Sound-reproducing apparatus having, in combination, a plurality of time-sequentially operative soundreproducing channels, a plurality of loud-speakers distributed in positional sequence corresponding to the time sequence of the operation of the reproducing channels, each loud-speaker corresponding to and being connected with the corresponding reproducing channel, means for pre-adjusting the level of each sound-reproducing channel to successively lower predetermined values to correspond to the successive positional separations of the loudspeakers, a plurality of further connections disposed between each channel and one or more randomly selected noncorresponding loudspeakers, and means for adjusting the level of signal fed along each further connection from each channel to a randomly selected non-corresponding loudspeaker to a value corresponding to the said preadjusted level of that channel.
  • Signal-reproducing apparatus having, in combination, a plurality of time-sequentially operative signalreproducing channels, a plurality of signal indicators distributed in positional sequence corresponding to the time sequence of the operation of the reproducing channels, each indicator corresponding to and being connected with the corresponding reproducing channel, means for pre-adjusting the level of each signal-reproducing channel to successively different predetermined values to correspond to the successive positional separations of lthe indicators, a plurality of further connections disposed between each channel and one or more randomly selected non-corresponding indicators, and means for adjusting the level of signal fed along each further connection from each channel to a randomly selected non-corre sponding indicator to a value corresponding to the said pre-adjusted level of that channel.
  • Sound-reproducing apparatus having, in combination, a source of sound signals, a plurality of pick-up devices for responding to the signals and each connected to a sound-reproducing channel, means for rendering the successive pick-up devices time-sequentially operative to respond to the source of sound signal-s, thereby successively to energize the corresponding sound-reproducing channels, a plurality of loudspeakers distributed in positional sequence corresponding to the time sequence of the operation of the pick-up devices, each loudspeaker corresponding to and being connected with the corresponding sound-reproducing channel, means for pre-ad justing the level of each sound-reproducing channel to successiveively lower predetermined values to correspond to the successive positional separations of the loudspeakers, a plurality of further connections disposed between each channel and one or more randomly selected non-corresponding loudspeakers, and means for adjusting the level of signal fed along each further connection from each channel to a randomly selected non-corresponding 6 loudspeaker to -a value corresponding to the said preadjusted level of that channel
  • Sound-reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 4 and in which the source of sound signals comprises a magnetic medium traversing a predetermined path and the pick-up devices comprise playback transducers substantially equally spaced a predetermined distance from one another along the path of the medium.
  • Sound-reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 and in which a recording channel is provided with recording transducer means for storing sound signals upon the magnetic medium, the recording transducer means being spaced substantially the said predetermined distance from the rst of the plurality of playback transducers.
  • Sound-reproducing apparatus as claimed invclaim 6 and in which feedback means is provided between one or more of the channels and the recording transducer means, having control means for feeding back a greater level of low than high-frequency sound components of the sound signals.
  • Sound-reproducing apparatus having, in combination, a source of sound signals, a plurality of pick-up devices for responding to the signals and each connected to a sound-reproducing channel, means for rendering the successive pick-up devices time-sequentially operative to respond to the source of sound signals, thereby successively to energize the corresponding sound-reproducing channels, a plurality of loudspeakers distributed in positional sequence corresponding to the time sequence of the operaltion of the pick-up devices, each loudspeaker corresponding to and being connected with the corresponding soundreproducing channel, and a plurality of further connections, one disposed between each channel and one or more non-adjacent and randomly selected non-corresponding loudspeaker, said source of sound signals comprising a magnetic medium traversing a predetermined path and the pick-up devices comprising playback transducers substantially equally spaced a predetermined distance from one
  • Sound-reproducing apparatus having, in combination, a source of sound signals, a plurality of pick-up devices for responding to the signals and each connected to a sound-reproducing channel, means for rendering the successive pick-up devices time-sequentially operative to reannalisa spond to the source of sound signals, thereby successively to energize the corresponding sound-reproducing channels, a plurality of loudspeakers distributed in positional sequence corresponding to the time sequence of .the operation of the pick-up devices, each loudspeaker corresponding to and being connected with the corresponding soundreproducing channel, and a plurality of further connections, one disposed between each channel and one or more non-adjacent and randomly selected non-corresponding loudspeaker, said further connections being provided with means for adjusting .the level of signal fed therealong.
  • Sound-reproducing apparatus having, in combination, a group of time-sequentially operative sound-reproducing channels, a group of loudspeakers distributed in positional sequence corresponding to the time sequence of the operation of the reproducing channels, each loudspeaker corresponding to and being connected with the corresponding reproducing channel, and a further connection between each of a plurality of said channels and a non-corresponding loudspeaker that is connected to an other channel not immediately adjacent thereto, each of said plurality of channels being unconnected to immediately adjacent channels.
  • each of said sound-reproducing channels has a sound pick-up head providing signals to be reproduced.
  • each of said soundreproducing channels having a sound pick-up device, said apparatus having a source of sound signals and said channels being rendered time-sequentially operative by means for causing said pick-up devices to respond to said source of sound signals in time sequence.
  • each of said channels having an amplifying means connecting its pick-up device to its loudspeaker, the amplifying means of each of said other, nonadjacent, channels having means for mixing the signals from its pick-up device and from the fur-ther connection to that channel.
  • said source of sound signals comprising a magneticfmedium traversing a predetermined path
  • the pick-up devices comprising playback transducers substantially equally spaced a predetermined distance from one another along the path of the medium.
  • the apparatus of claim 16 said apparatus having a recording channel provided with recording transducer means for storing sound signals upon the magnetic medium, the recording transducer means being spaced substantially the said predetermined distance from the iirst of the plurality of playback transducers.
  • Signal-reproducing apparatus having, in combination, a group of time-sequentially operative signal-reproducing channels, a group of signal indicators distributed in positional sequence corresponding to the time sequence of the operation of the reproducing channels, each indicator corresponding to and being connected with the coresponding reproducing channel, and a further connection between each of a plurality of said channels and a non-corresponding indicator that is connected to another channel not immediately adjacent thereto, each of said plurality of channels being unconnected to immediately adjacent channels.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing Not Specific To The Method Of Recording And Reproducing (AREA)
  • Stereophonic System (AREA)
US811937A 1959-05-08 1959-05-08 Method of and apparatus for signal reproduction Expired - Lifetime US3095482A (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US811937A US3095482A (en) 1959-05-08 1959-05-08 Method of and apparatus for signal reproduction
GB16146/60A GB935947A (en) 1959-05-08 1960-05-06 Arrangement for sound reproduction
CH526260A CH370574A (fr) 1959-05-08 1960-05-07 Procédé de reproduction de sons et appareil pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé
BE590622A BE590622A (fr) 1959-05-08 1960-05-09 Procédé et appareil de reproduction de signaux sonores

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US811937A US3095482A (en) 1959-05-08 1959-05-08 Method of and apparatus for signal reproduction

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US3095482A true US3095482A (en) 1963-06-25

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BE (1) BE590622A (fr)
CH (1) CH370574A (fr)
GB (1) GB935947A (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3286042A (en) * 1962-06-18 1966-11-15 Schober Organ Corp Synthetic reverberation systems
US3341833A (en) * 1963-12-19 1967-09-12 Collins Radio Co Magnetic tape recording and reproduction system
US3398230A (en) * 1965-01-13 1968-08-20 Seeburg Corp Sequential connction of speakers for moving sound source simulation or the like
US3681531A (en) * 1970-09-04 1972-08-01 Industrial Research Prod Inc Digital delay system for audio signal processing
JPS50105101A (fr) * 1974-01-28 1975-08-19
JPS5136101A (fr) * 1974-09-20 1976-03-26 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
JPS53134401A (en) * 1977-04-27 1978-11-24 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Acoustic reproducing system

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DD242954A3 (de) * 1983-12-14 1987-02-18 Deutsche Post Rfz Grossraumbeschallungssystem
JP2737595B2 (ja) 1993-03-26 1998-04-08 ヤマハ株式会社 音場制御装置

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2279018A (en) * 1939-12-29 1942-04-07 Rca Corp Sound recording method and system
US2298618A (en) * 1940-07-31 1942-10-13 Walt Disney Prod Sound reproducing system
US2327956A (en) * 1940-12-16 1943-08-24 Begun Semi Joseph Magnetic recording and reproducing
FR1033682A (fr) * 1951-02-26 1953-07-15 Perfectionnements aux appareils pour la réalisation de bruits ou sons musicaux
US2931862A (en) * 1957-07-29 1960-04-05 Philips Corp Sound reproduction system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2279018A (en) * 1939-12-29 1942-04-07 Rca Corp Sound recording method and system
US2298618A (en) * 1940-07-31 1942-10-13 Walt Disney Prod Sound reproducing system
US2327956A (en) * 1940-12-16 1943-08-24 Begun Semi Joseph Magnetic recording and reproducing
FR1033682A (fr) * 1951-02-26 1953-07-15 Perfectionnements aux appareils pour la réalisation de bruits ou sons musicaux
US2931862A (en) * 1957-07-29 1960-04-05 Philips Corp Sound reproduction system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3286042A (en) * 1962-06-18 1966-11-15 Schober Organ Corp Synthetic reverberation systems
US3341833A (en) * 1963-12-19 1967-09-12 Collins Radio Co Magnetic tape recording and reproduction system
US3398230A (en) * 1965-01-13 1968-08-20 Seeburg Corp Sequential connction of speakers for moving sound source simulation or the like
US3681531A (en) * 1970-09-04 1972-08-01 Industrial Research Prod Inc Digital delay system for audio signal processing
JPS50105101A (fr) * 1974-01-28 1975-08-19
JPS5136101A (fr) * 1974-09-20 1976-03-26 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
JPS53134401A (en) * 1977-04-27 1978-11-24 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Acoustic reproducing system

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Publication number Publication date
BE590622A (fr) 1960-09-01
GB935947A (en) 1963-09-04
CH370574A (fr) 1963-07-15

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