Abstract: A sound system design/simulation system includes background noise to provide more realistic sound renderings of the designed space and more accurate quality measures of the design space. The background noise may be provided as a library in the design system that allows the user to select a background noise profile. The user may also provide a recording of a background noise from the built space or from a similar space. The design system converts the recorded background noise to a background noise profile and adds the profile to the library of background noise profiles. The user can select a background noise profile and associate the profile with a specified space. The user can adjust the noise level of the background noise and the design system automatically updates one or more quality measures in response to the change in background noise level.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a display and method for conducting sound system design. The display is configured to simultaneously show a sound system model comprising both audio components and sound environment components, a plurality of parameters and a graphic representation of a calculated sound system performance attribute. In response to receiving input from the user and without any additional user intervention, the display re-displays a newly-calculated sound system performance attribute such as, for example, a graphic representation in the sound system model of a sound path associated with a user-selected reflected sound identifier. A processor also simulates, based on the sound system configuration, the sound performance that a user would expect to hear positioned in an identified listening position of the sound system model.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a display and method for conducting sound system design. The display is configured to simultaneously show a sound system model comprising both audio components and sound environment components, a plurality of parameters and a graphic representation of a calculated sound system performance attribute. In response to receiving input from the user and without any additional user intervention, the display re-displays a newly-calculated sound system performance attribute such as, for example, a graphic representation in the sound system model of a sound path associated with a user-selected reflected sound identifier. A processor also simulates, based on the sound system configuration, the sound performance that a user would expect to hear positioned in an identified listening position of the sound system model.

Abstract: An acoustic apparatus, including an acoustic driver, acoustically coupled to a pipe to radiate acoustic energy into the pipe. The pipe includes an elongated opening along at least a portion of the length of the pipe through which acoustic energy is radiated to the environment. The radiating is characterized by a volume velocity. The pipe and the opening are configured so that the volume velocity is substantially constant along the length of the pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing baffle vibration includes balancing an inertial force generated by two or more moving diaphragms and balancing an acoustic pressure acting on a housing supporting the two or more moving diaphragms such that a net force acting on the baffle is substantially zero. The acoustic force acting on the housing may be balanced independently of the inertial force balance. In another configuration, the acoustic force acting on the housing may be balanced by a non-zero net inertial force.

Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly comprises a base supporting at least one electro-acoustic transducer and at least one waveguide segment detachably supported by the base.

Abstract: A sound system design/simulation system provides a more realistic simulation of an existing venue by matching a measured reverberation characteristic of the existing venue and adjusting one or more acoustic parameters characterizing the model such that a predicted reverberation characteristic substantially matches the measured reverberation characteristic.

Abstract: A sound system design/simulation system includes background noise to provide more realistic sound renderings of the designed space and more accurate quality measures of the design space. The background noise may be provided as a library in the design system that allows the user to select a background noise profile. The user may also provide a recording of a background noise from the built space or from a similar space. The design system converts the recorded background noise to a background noise profile and adds the profile to the library of background noise profiles. The user can select a background noise profile and associate the profile with a specified space. The user can adjust the noise level of the background noise and the design system automatically updates one or more quality measures in response to the change in background noise level.

Abstract: Feedback is reduced by routing an input signal through a kick gate that opens for a predetermined time period then closes. The gate may be kept closed for a predetermined minimum time period before being allowed to open again. The gate is triggered open based on the input signal and may include a plurality of triggering conditions.

Abstract: An audio device has passive radiators that are driven by acoustic drivers. The passive radiators are arranged so that the net mechanical vibration is minimized.

Abstract: An electroacoustical transducer has an enclosure having a thickness substantially smaller than the width and the depth. The transducer includes a first rigid sheet, a second rigid sheet, and a spacing structure for spacing the first rigid sheet from the second rigid sheet to define an acoustic enclosure, having a top, a bottom and a side edge. The top includes the first rigid sheet and the bottom includes the second rigid sheet. The transducer includes an acoustic transducer for exchanging sound waves with the acoustic enclosure. The enclosure has a plurality of outlet points.

Abstract: A modular audio loudspeaker array system. The system includes a first speaker module, and a second speaker module, constructed and arranged to radiate sound waves responsive to audio signals. Sound waves radiated by the first speaker module and the sound waves radiated by the second speaker module combine to form a radiation pattern. The system further includes a positioning system, for positioning the first bass module relative to the second bass module at a plurality of fixed predetermined distances; an audio signal input terminal electronically for coupling the loudspeaker array to a source of the audio signals for receiving the audio signals; an audio signal processing device, electronically coupling the audio signal input terminal to the first bass module and to the second bass module, for processing the audio signals and transmitting the audio signals to the first speaker module and to the second loudspeaker module.

Abstract: An electroacoustical transducer has an enclosure having a thickness substantially smaller than the width and the depth. The transducer includes a first rigid sheet, a second rigid sheet, and a spacing structure for spacing the first rigid sheet from the second rigid sheet to define an acoustic enclosure, having a top, a bottom and a side edge. The top includes the first rigid sheet and the bottom includes the second rigid sheet. The transducer includes an acoustic transducer for exchanging sound waves with the acoustic enclosure. The enclosure has a plurality of outlet points.

Abstract: A modular audio loudspeaker array system. The system includes a first speaker module, and a second speaker module, constructed and arranged to radiate sound waves responsive to audio signals. Sound waves radiated by the first speaker module and the sound waves radiated by the second speaker module combine to form a radiation pattern. The system further includes a positioning system, for positioning the first bass module relative to the second bass module at a plurality of fixed predetermined distances; an audio signal input terminal electronically for coupling the loudspeaker array to a source of the audio signals for receiving the audio signals; an audio signal processing device, electronically coupling the audio signal input terminal to the first bass module and to the second bass module, for processing the audio signals and transmitting the audio signals to the first speaker module and to the second loudspeaker module.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system has a number of loudspeaker driver assemblies operative over a number of octaves in the audio frequency range. Support structure supports the loudspeaker driver assemblies in fixed substantially contiguous relationship substantially along an arcuate surface with each of the driver assemblies oriented in a prescribed direction and coacting to illuminate with sound a predetermined solid angle centered at the loudspeaker system substantially uniformly over said number of octaves.

Abstract: A stereo loudspeaker system includes left and right loudspeaker cabinets each having a woofer mounted off center on the front baffle and tweeters mounted in front of the woofer with the axis of each tweeter at an angle to that of the woofer. Each cabinet includes a crossover network that intercouples the woofer and tweeter and controls the phasing of the tweeter with respect to the woofer to steer the radiation maximum of lower treble frequencies along an axis skewed from the fore-aft axis of the woofer. Left and right loudspeakers of the stereo system have symmetrical, mirror-image, crossfired, acoustic radiation patterns.