Abstract: The adaptive speed to changes in a primary source noise is increased through a noise detecting means feeding parallel multi-passband means and multi-transverse adaptive filter means, where each adaptive filter has its own individual adaptive step size means adjusted automatically according to the signal strength at each passband output. The output from each of the multi-adaptive filter means drives a secondary canceling source generating means where each multi-adaptive filter means is automatically adjusted to produce minimum sound in its passband at an error detecting means. Alternatively, the output from the noise detecting means is negated through a negation means, passed through a plant neutralization inverse means and an inverse delay means before driving the secondary source generating means.

Abstract: A system (100) for controlling noise comprises an array (2) of concelling tranducers (loudspeakers) (2a). Located some distance away from cancelling array (2) is a detection system (3) comprising a series of microphones (3a), the system casting an acoustic “shadow” or quiet region (4). Located on or adjacent the primary source (1) emitting the noise to be controlled is a synchronising sensor (5) which may be a microphone, vibration transducer or electrical transducer, the output of sensor (5) being fed, along with the output from detection array (3), into an adaptive control system (102) the output of which is fed back to the cancelling units (2). The adaptive control system (102) comprises a low pass filter (15) producing a dc component V from a mathematical convolver (multiplier) (14), and a digital oscillator (16) which generates the cancelling frequency which is controlled by V. Also included arc frequency multipliers (17, 18 and 19) which multiply (2, 3) and n times respectively.