AES Rome 2013
Engineering Brief EB2
EB2 - E-Brief Papers—Part 1
Monday, May 6, 09:00 — 10:45 (Sala Foscolo)
Chair:
Etienne Corteel, Sonic Emotion Labs - Paris, France
EB2-1 Measurement of Sound Quality Differences in Individual CD Media Using Residual Waveform Comparison—Akira Nishimura, Tokyo Univeristy Information Sciences - Chiba-shi, Japan
To measure miniscule differences of sound quality that might exist between different CD media we compared residuals of two DA- and AD-converted waveforms from different discs on which the same data were recorded under clock synchronization conditions between DA and AD converters. This method clarifies the existence of differences in sound quality, except for sampling clock fluctuation. The results showed no media-dependent difference in sound quality. The main source of the residual waveform was change in the audio circuit transfer function associated with time since turning on the CD player.
Engineering Brief 83 (Download now)
EB2-2 Binaural Room Simulation for Acoustic Testing—Scott Levine, McGill University - Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology - Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Brett Leonard, McGill University - Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology - Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Richard King, McGill University - Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Often, in testing with acoustic conditions as the independent variable, challenges arise with the ease and speed of altering acoustic conditions. This study compares two possibilities for testing different acoustic conditions. In this test, physically varied acoustic treatment is compared to binaural room simulation. Explorations of these two methods are conducted employing an in situ, task-based paradigm presented to highly trained listeners. Results indicate significant differences in acoustic conditions within binaural simulations; however do not provide corresponding data to actual acoustic alteration.
Engineering Brief 84 (Download now)
EB2-3 The Advantages of Using Active Crossovers in High-End Wireless Speakers—David Jones, CSR Limited - Manchester, UK
With the availability of standardized wireless interfaces and high performance codecs, wireless loudspeakers can be designed that suit the consumer demands of compactness and ease of use. This paper will examine the performance benefits of using active crossovers and digital equalization in an amplification subsystem based on a high performance digital input switching amplifier. Measurements of distortion and damping factors will be compared in an example signal chain and the influence these parameters have on the perceived audio quality of the speaker system will be discussed.
Engineering Brief 85 (Download now)
EB2-4 Comparative Analysis of Different Loudness Meters Based on Voice Detection and Gating—Alessandro Travaglini, Fox International Channels Italy - Guidonia Montecelio (RM), Italy
After decades of extensive investigation, the international broadcasting community, represented by technical associations and bodies, has set precise standards aimed to objectively assess loudness levels of programs. Although all standards rely on the same algorithm as described in ITU-R BS1770, there are still two possible ways to implement such metering, including voice detection and gating. These two different implementations might, in some cases, provide measurements that significantly differ from each other. Furthermore, while the gating feature is uniquely defined in the updated version of BS1770-3, voice detection is not currently specified in any standard and its implementation is the independent choice of manufacturers. This paper analyses this scenario by comparing the results and robustness provided by three different loudness meters based on voice detection. In addition, those values are compared with measurements obtained by using BS1770-3 compliant loudness meters, including tables, comments, and conclusions.
Engineering Brief 86 (Download now)
EB2-5 Assessing the Standardization of an Existing iOS Control Application to AES64-2012 Network Protocol—Joan Amate, Master Audio - Barcelona, Spain
The recent publication of AES64-2012 standard has motivated the comparison of Master Audio’s own IP network control protocol against the new standard, in order to assess its interoperability or adaptability. This brief analyzes what AES64 means for manufacturers with existing control protocols who are willing to seek standardization. The protocol used for this assessment was developed for controlling self-amplified PA systems (built-in amplifier and processing), and is fully functional under Windows and iOS (iPad). Finally, a brief guide on how to face standardization is given from the manufacturer point of view.
Engineering Brief 87 (Download now)
EB2-6 Innovation in Audio: Update on Patent Activity in the Audio Field—Elliot Cook, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP - Reston, VA, USA; Joseph E. Palys, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP - Reston, VA, USA
This paper provides a sampling of recent patents relating to innovations in the audio field. The innovations come from a range of AES member companies and cover a diverse spectrum of technologies, such as music composition software, loudspeaker design, headphones, digital signal processing, microphones, and musical comprehension. In addition, unique statistical information regarding patent litigation in the audio field is provided. This information is based on original research regarding litigation involving audio patents. AES members may find this information helpful to better understand how audio innovations play a role in their industry.
Engineering Brief 89 (Download now)
EB2-7 An Examination of Early Analog and Digital Sampling—The Robb Wave Organ circa 1927—Michael Murphy, Ryerson University - Toronto, ON, Canada; Eric Kupp, Ryerson University - Toronto, ON, Canada
This paper examines Frank Morse Robb's work in the late 1920s and early 1930s on his Wave Organ, the first successful electronic organ. The Robb Wave Organ originally functioned by creating a visual representation of an analog pipe organ waveform through means of an oscilloscope and engraving that representation onto metal tone wheels. Later versions of the organ featured a digital, almost PCM-style, waveform representation on the tone wheels. This predates the theoretical description of PCM by Alec Reeves, as well as the PCM patent filed by Oliver and Shannon in 1946. These sample-based methods of tone generation were unique to the Robb Wave Organ, and this paper serves to place the organ within its contemporaries of that time period, most notably its primary competitor, the Hammond organ, launched in 1935.
Engineering Brief 90 (Download now)
