Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for improving the intelligibility of speech in a noisy environment. A communication model is developed that includes noise inherent in the message production and message interpretation processes, and considers that these noises have fixed signal-to-noise ratios. The communication model forms the basis of an algorithm designed to optimize the intelligibility of speech in a noisy environment. The intelligibility optimization algorithm only does something (e.g., manipulates the audio signal) when needed, and thus if no noise is present the algorithm does not alter or otherwise interfere with the audio signals, thereby preventing any speech distortion. The algorithm is also very fast and efficient in comparison to most existing approaches for speech intelligibility enhancement, and therefore the algorithm lends itself to easy implementation in an appropriate device (e.g., cellular phone or smartphone).

Abstract: A method and associated system of automatically generating an entry of a service catalog of a cloud-computing environment as a function of discovered attributes of a virtual machine provisioned in a non-cloud computing environment. A cloud-management platform of the cloud-computing environment analyzes and compares results of infrastructure-discovery and application-discovery tools that describe a business application or a virtual service provisioned on the virtual machine. The cloud-management platform, or a related service-catalog generating entity, uses these analyzed and compared results to automatically generate a service-catalog entry that represents or describes a cloud business application or service associated with the virtual machine, and enters the automatically generated entry into the service catalog.

Abstract: Techniques for managing networked node transactions are disclosed. In an embodiment, a fingerprint generator determines multiple classifier digital fingerprints that each comprise a bit sequence associated with a respective result classifier. The fingerprint generator receives transaction event entries that contain message text associated with a transaction between two or more nodes. The fingerprint generator generates a digital fingerprint for each of the transaction event entries. Each of the generated digital fingerprints comprises a bit sequence that is associated with an identity of at least one of the two or more nodes, and generating each of the fingerprints includes, for each bit position in the fingerprint bit sequence, determining whether the message text includes a specified text pattern and setting the bit position value based on the determination of whether the message text includes the specified text pattern.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for securing entry of an alphanumerical code by a user. The method includes: obtaining, through a first device, information for converting at least one portion of the alphanumerical code into at least one portion of converted code, the information for converting being one-time converting means; a piece of information identifying the information for converting; entering, into a second device distinct from the first device, at least the portion of converted code, converted using the information for converting; and transmitting at least the portion of converted code and the piece of information identifying the information for converting towards a secured server.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications device. The telecommunications device includes an electrical balance duplexer connected to an output node of a transmission path, an input node of a receive path, an antenna, and a tunable impedance. The electrical balance duplexer is configured to isolate the transmission path from the receive path by tuning the tunable impedance. The telecommunications device also includes a tuning circuit for tuning the tunable impedance. The tuning circuit includes amplitude detectors for measuring voltage amplitudes, phase detectors for measuring voltage phase differences, an impedance sensor for measuring an input impedance of the electrical balance duplexer, and a processing unit operatively connected to the detectors, the impedance sensor, and the tunable impedance. The processing unit is configured to calculate an optimized impedance value. The processing unit is also configured to tune the tunable impedance towards the optimized impedance value.

Abstract: A system includes reception of a request associated with a cloud-based application at an external port of a container associated with the cloud-based application, passage of the request to an application controller associated with the cloud-based application, determination of whether the request includes a command to modify the cloud-based application, invocation of a function to execute the command if it is determined that the request includes a command to modify the cloud-based application, and forwarding of the request to the cloud-based application at a second port different from the external port if it is determined that the request does not include a command to modify the cloud-based application.

Abstract: A system and mechanism for monitoring and/or controlling a sound masking system from a computer aided design drawing. According to an embodiment, the system is configured to allow an operator to “click” sound masking components on the design drawing and view operating/configuration settings, and/or edit, change or modify the operating/configuration settings, which are then applied via an interface to the associated physical sound masking component in the sound masking system. According to another embodiment, the system is configured to allow an operator to design or configure sound masking components on a design drawing. The sound masking components correspond to physical sound masking components in a sound masking system and comprise one or more active sound masking elements, which are configured to be responsive to an input and allow an operator to monitor, change and/or modify operating/configuration settings for physical sound masking component via the sound masking element in the design drawing.

Abstract: A method of audio buffering continuity which includes downloading by a client device a digital audio stream from a digital source; buffering by the client device the downloaded digital audio stream; playing the digital audio stream from the buffered digital audio stream; when the digital audio stream is interrupted such that there is a gap when the client device is incapable of downloading the digital audio stream, inserting by the client device an audio pattern into the gap wherein the audio pattern has one or more elements of the downloaded digital audio stream; and playing by the client device the audio pattern a plurality of times to form a loop while the digital audio stream is interrupted. Also disclosed is an apparatus and a computer program product.

Abstract: A hearing instrument and a method for operating a hearing instrument for relieving tinnitus, hyperacusis, and/or hearing loss is provided. The hearing instrument and/or the method includes receiving and manipulating an audio signal at a signal processor to create a manipulated audio signal, providing a tinnitus relief sound having an operational level based on a present volume level from an audio signal, and generating an output signal based on the manipulated audio signal and the tinnitus relief sound.

Abstract: An audio system includes a plurality of near-field speakers arranged in a listening area. A plurality of cross-talk cancellation filters are coupled to the speakers. The speakers and the filters are arranged to provide first and second listening zones in the listening area such that audio from the first listening zone is cancelled in the second listening zone and vice versa. The system also includes at least one audio source providing audio content. Volume-based equalization circuitry receives an audio signal representing audio content for the first listening zone from the audio source and controls a volume adjustment applied to the audio signal to control a volume of audio in the first listening zone. The circuitry limits attenuation or amplification of a first frequency portion of the audio signal when a volume setting differential corresponding to a difference between volume settings for the first and second zones exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle combustion noise-masking control method includes: receiving driving information of a vehicle; estimating a frequency of a combustion noise generated in the vehicle using the driving information; and outputting a masking sound when the frequency is equal to or larger than a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A method of operation of a device includes receiving an input signal at the device. The input signal is generated using at least one microphone. The input signal includes a first signal component having a first amount of wind turbulence noise and a second signal component having a second amount of wind turbulence noise that is greater than the first amount of wind turbulence noise. The method further includes generating, based on the input signal, an output signal at the device. The output signal includes the first signal component and a third signal component that replaces the second signal component. A first frequency response of the input signal corresponds to a second frequency response of the output signal.

Abstract: A more clear-cut separation of a first audio signal within a first region of a sonication area of a plurality of loudspeakers is achieved in that a calculator calculates that version of the audio signals which results from the spatially selective reproduction of the audio signals at this first region, in that a masking threshold is calculated as a function of the version of that audio signal which is to be separated from the one or more other audio signals at this region, and in that the emission of the audio signals for spatially selective reproduction to the outputs of the plurality of loudspeakers is influenced as a function of a comparison of the masking threshold with the version of the one or more other, i.e. spurious, audio signals.

Abstract: A sound machine having a pseudo random white noise generator provides white noise sound therapy of selectable tone/texture, bandwidth and/or peak frequency to those suffering from tinnitus or others seeking noise-masking or sleep or relaxation. The sound machine having a pseudo random white noise generator includes a user input interface having a tone/texture user input control, a band pass user input control and a peak select user input control. The tone/texture user input control selects the tone/texture of the white noise sound generated, the bandpass user input control the bandpass of the white noise sound generated and the peak select user input control provides the ability to select frequency peaks of the white noise sound generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for self-adaptively transmitting communication signals. The method comprises: a host acquires its own position information and position information of each terminal, and then calculates to acquire a relative position relationship between the host and each terminal according to the acquired position information; and the host matches each communication signal to be transmitted with each terminal according to the relative position relationship between the host and each terminal, and wirelessly transmits corresponding communication signals to each terminal according to the matched correspondence. By means of the technical scheme of the present invention, the complex wiring and wire plugging processes of wired transmission can be omitted, also the self-adapting transmission of signals is achieved, and the working efficiency is improved.

Abstract: To improve the intelligibility of speech for users with high-frequency hearing loss, the present systems and methods provide an improved frequency lowering system with enhancement of spectral features responsive to place-of-articulation of the input speech. High frequency components of speech, such as fricatives, may be classified based on one or more features that distinguish place of articulation, including spectral slope, peak location, relative amplitudes in various frequency bands, or a combination of these or other such features. Responsive to the classification of the input speech, a signal or signals may be added to the input speech in a frequency band audible to the hearing-impaired listener, said signal or signals having predetermined distinct spectral features corresponding to the classification, and allowing a listener to easily distinguish various consonants in the input.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a core cognitive fingerprint. A core cognitive fingerprint can be used to capture the evolution of a system state and potentially respond with a predetermined action if the fingerprint falls within a threshold. The method includes: identifying a set of time frames within which data is extracted; providing a plurality of pattern recognizers; processing the extracted data through the plurality of pattern recognizers to generate an initial set of elements; extracting identified relationships amongst the initial set of elements; modifying the initial set of elements to include the identified relationships to create an intermediate set of elements; comparing the intermediate set of elements against assigned values to weigh each element in the intermediate set of elements to create a final set of elements; and using the final set of elements as a cognitive fingerprint.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for selecting a targeted portion of a digital image. In one embodiment, a selection cursor having central and peripheral regions is provided. The central region is used to force a selection or a deselection, and therefore moving the central region over a portion of the image causes that portion of the image to be selected or deselected, respectively. The peripheral region of the cursor surrounds the central region and defines an area where a localized level set algorithm for boundary detection is performed. This provides more accurate boundary detection within the narrowly-focused peripheral region and eliminates the need to apply the level set algorithm across the entire image. Thus moving the peripheral region of the selection cursor over a boundary of the targeted portion of the image applies the level set algorithm in that boundary region and increases the likelihood that the boundary will be detected accurately.

Abstract: Information associated with a broadcast stream event is encoded within an in-band broadcast. The encoded information in a broadcast stream is detected. The detected information is decoded at least in part to determine content to be injected into the broadcast stream.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is to be operated by a user with tinnitus. The portable electronic device is used to determine a primary phase cancellation tone that corresponds to the user's primary tinnitus, and a secondary phase cancellation tone that corresponds to the user's secondary. The portable electronic device outputs the primary and secondary phase cancellation tones at an output device based on input from the user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and device for arbitrating priority levels. The method comprises: setting a plurality of first stage polling arbiters and a second stage priority level arbiter respectively, wherein the number of the first stage polling arbiters is equal to the number of priority levels contained in a plurality of source ends; receiving task request signals for requesting tasks from the plurality of source ends and assigning request tasks with the same priority level to the same first stage polling arbiter; each of the first stage polling arbiters polling the received request tasks with the same priority level respectively to obtain one request task and transmitting the request task to the second stage priority level arbiter; and the second stage priority level arbiter receiving the plurality of request tasks and outputting an output result of request tasks with the highest priority level to a destination end.

Abstract: A wireless headset having ear hook includes a device body, a speaker, an electrical charger, a charger cover, and an ear hook. The speaker is coupled to the device body. The electrical charger is arranged in the device body, and the electrical charger is exposed from the device body. The charger cover is coupled to the device body and selectively covers the electrical charger. The ear hook is integrally formed with the charger cover. By the combination of the ear hook and the electrical cover, the amount of parts is reduced, and when not in use, the headset can be electrically charged by lifting the charger cover.

Abstract: In one example, a device for retrieving multimedia data, the device comprising one or more processors configured to analyze information of a manifest file for multimedia content, wherein the information of the manifest file indicates that at least one representation of the multimedia content includes a temporal sub-sequence, determine one or more locations of data for the temporal sub-sequence, and submit one or more requests for the data for the temporal sub-sequence.

Abstract: A sound masking system for shaping the ambient noise level in a physical environment. The sound masking system comprises a networked and distributed system having a number of master units coupled together and to a control unit. One or more of the master units may include satellite sound masking units which function to reproduce an audio signal generated by a central sound masking module. The audio signal comprises a sound masking signal, a paging signal or a sound masking signal mixed with a paging signal. The sound masking signal is generated by the central sound masking module or a selected from a number of sound masking signal inputs at the control unit. Each of the master units is addressable over the network by the control unit enabling the control unit to control the contour, spectral band, and gain characteristics of the audio output signal.

Abstract: A sound masking system according to the invention is disclosed in which one or more sound masking loudspeaker assemblies are coupled to one or more electronic sound masking signal generators. The loudspeaker assemblies in the system of the invention have a low directivity index and preferably emit an acoustic sound masking signal that has a sound masking spectrum specifically designed to provide superior sound masking in an open plan office. Each of the plurality of loudspeaker assemblies is oriented to provide the acoustic sound masking signal in a direct path into the predetermined area in which masking sound is needed. In addition, the sound masking system of the invention can include a remote control function by which a user can select from a plurality of stored sets of information for providing from a recipient loudspeaker assembly an acoustic sound masking signal having a selected sound masking spectrum.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing voice equalization are provided. In exemplary embodiments, acoustic signals are received from both a near-end and a far-end environment. A power spectrum estimate for the far-end signal and a noise estimate based on the near-end signal are determined. A voice equalization mask based on the power spectrum estimate of the far-end signal and the noise estimate based on the near-end signal is generated and applied to the far-end signal to obtain a modified signal. The modified signal may then be dynamically processed to obtain an enhanced audio signal. The enhanced audio signal is then output.

Abstract: A method and system for masking to a listener a conversation between a care provider and a patient such that the conversation becomes unintelligible to the listener, includes interposing an acoustically absorbent curtain that substantially spans between the floor and the ceiling and is positioned between the listener and the care provider and patient. A masking device is affixed to the curtain generally between the floor and the ceiling at a position along the barrier length and at a height approximately coinciding with a height of a mouth of the care provider. The masking device includes at least one speaker having an axis oriented generally perpendicular to the plane the curtain defines. An amplifier drives the speaker to produce a sound to propagate along the axis. A signal source provided at the amplifier input produces the sound selected to mask the conversation between the care provider and the patient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for masking noise originating from rotary equipment in a vehicle engine. The method may include checking if engine input conditions fulfill engine input condition threshold values. If the engine input conditions fulfill the engine input conditions threshold values, the method may include outputting a first masking noise from a speaker. The first masking noise may include a first central frequency, a first predetermined bandwidth and a first amplitude, where the first central frequency and the first amplitude are determined by the input conditions. The disclosure also relates to a system for masking noise originating from rotary equipment in a vehicle engine.

Abstract: A speech enhancement method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: receiving a plurality of frames of sound signals by a microphone array; calculating an inter-aural time difference for each frequency band of each frame of the sound signals corresponding to at least one two-microphone set of the microphone array; calculating a plurality of values of cumulative histograms according to the calculated inter-aural time differences, wherein each value of the cumulative histograms is associates with a sound signal intensity of a respective frame; determining a first inter-aural time difference threshold according to the calculated value of the cumulative histograms; and filtering the plurality of frames of sound signals according to the first inter-aural time difference threshold.

Abstract: Two ear cups are coupled by a flexible member. Each ear cup includes a speaker mounted on an internal portion thereof and is configured to form an air pressure seal around an ear of a user when the apparatus is placed on the user. The flexible member couples the two ear cups and ijs configured such that, when the apparatus is placed on the user, each ear cup completely covers an associated ear of the user and forms an air pressure seal around the associated ear. A microphone is electrically coupled to the speaker in each ear cup for transmitting ambient sound to the user when the apparatus is placed on the user. An indicator light may be provided which is configured to turn on when the microphone is active. The microphone and/or the indicator light may be mounted on the flexible member or on one of the ear cups.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for adapting a ringtone in accordance with ambient noise. In one embodiment a method includes processing an ambient noise signal to determine an ambient noise volume. When there is an incoming communication and it is determined that the ambient noise has a low ambient noise volume, a method can include generating a ringtone having a ringtone volume that is initially a low volume and increasing the ringtone volume over a predetermined period of time. A method can include applying a filter to the ringtone signal to increase a signal-to-noise ratio, the filter configured to increase an amplitude of a frequency that is not one of the predominant frequencies of the ambient noise and that the transducer is configured to output according to the transducer frequency response. In another embodiment, a second transducer may generate a ringtone output in addition to the first transducer.

Abstract: Wind and other noise is suppressed in a signal by adaptively changing characteristics of a filter. The filter characteristics are changed in response to the noise content of the signal over time using a history of noise content. Filter characteristics are changed according to a plurality of reference filters, the characteristics of which are chosen to optimally attenuate or amplify signals in a range of frequencies.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for filtering sound. A position sensor determines positions of a plurality of occupants in a defined space. Multiple microphones receive sound and generate corresponding audio signals. A processor in communication with the microphones and the position sensor receives the positions of the occupants and the audio signals. The processor determines which of the occupants are engaging in speech and applies a temporal-spatial filter to the audio signals to generate a plurality of output signals corresponding respectively to each occupant of the defined space.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include systems, computer program products, and related methods for managing power plant acoustics. In various embodiments, a system is disclosed including at least one computing device configured to perform the following: determine a difference between an A-weighted sound decibel (dBA) level and a C-weighted sound decibel (dBC) level (? dBC-dBA) from a power plant system within a sound spectrum; compare the ? dBC-dBA with a predetermined threshold difference for the sound spectrum; and provide instructions to increase the dBA level of a balancing sound in the spectrum proximate the power plant system in response to determining the ? dBC-dBA exceeds the predetermined threshold difference.

Abstract: An acoustic system includes: a first customer-side microphone; a first counselor-side microphone; a first sound changing unit; a first loudspeaker; a second customer-side microphone; a second counselor-side microphone; and a second loudspeaker. Between the second loudspeaker and the first customer-side microphone, a first sound transmission path is provided. Also, between the second loudspeaker and the first counselor-side microphone, a second sound transmission path is provided. These sound transmission paths have substantially the same length. The first sound signal generated by the first customer-side microphone is made to have a phase substantially opposite to that of the second sound signal generated by the first counselor-side microphone, and the sound signals are added together.

Abstract: Ambient sound is masked by receiving an audio signal, monitoring an acoustic signal that includes components of both the ambient sound the audio signal, determining a sound level sufficient to at least partially mask the ambient sound, and reproducing the received audio signal to produce an output acoustic signal at the determined sound level.

Abstract: A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes noise canceling circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. An error microphone may also be provided proximate the speaker to estimate an electro-acoustical path from the noise canceling circuit through the transducer. A processing circuit uses the reference and/or error microphone, optionally along with a microphone provided for capturing near-end speech, to determine whether one of the reference or error microphones is obstructed by comparing their received signal content and takes action to avoid generation of erroneous anti-noise.

Abstract: A method of masking sounds associated with a vehicle is provided. The method includes performing on processing circuitry, monitoring of vehicle data. A tonal disturbance type and a tone to mask associated with the tonal disturbance type are identified based on the vehicle data. A shaped band of sounds is determined based on the tone to mask. The shaped band of sounds covers a range of frequencies around the tone to mask. The shaped band of sounds is applied to an audio output of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed, in general, are devices that provide an air-tight chamber over a sound source while absorbing all fields of sounds from the sound source. In general, the devices feature: an anechoic chamber that is configured to receive a sound source in an air-tight manner; and an anechoic channel that is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere. Suitably, the anechoic chamber is adapted to capture air containing sound energy generated by the sound source, and distribute the air about an internal surface area on the inside of the chamber, wherein the internal surface area is sufficiently large to dampen or otherwise absorb the sounds energy. Preferably, the air is directed from the anechoic chamber through an anechoic channel extending therefrom to the ambient to further dampen or absorb the sound energy. In one configuration, the outer wall of the apparatus is configured to reflect ambient sounds.

Abstract: Road noise masking for a vehicle includes determining, by a computer processor, an expected interior sound associated with the vehicle. The expected interior sound is defined by a design of the vehicle in conjunction with road conditions encountered by the vehicle. The road noise masking also includes monitoring, via the computer processor, information sources of the vehicle during a driving event. Upon determining a current road surface from the monitoring, the road noise masking includes calculating a masking noise shape commensurate with the expected interior sound, and transmitting instructions including the masking noise shape to an audio system in the vehicle. The audio system produces masking noise from a tuner of the audio system that approximates the masking noise shape.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for automatically analyzing, modifying, and mixing a plurality of audio signals. The modification of the audio signals takes place to avoid spectral collisions which occur when more than one signal simultaneously occupies one or more of the same frequency bands. The modifications mask out some signals to allow others to exist unaffected. Also disclosed herein is a method for displaying the identified spectral collisions superimposed on graphical waveform representations of the analyzed signals.

Abstract: A pseudo noise superimposing unit superimposes a pseudo noise (M-sequence) to an audio signal picked up by a microphone and outputs the superimposed signal to an amplifying system. An calculating unit calculates a correlation value between the audio signal picked up by the microphone and the pseudo noise. The calculating unit estimates a gain of a closed loop based on the correlation value. A gain control unit suppresses a gain of the audio signal based on the estimated gain of the closed loop.

Abstract: An elimination system for diverting dental instrument noise includes an audio player, a sound sensor, and a controller. The audio player is used for broadcasting an audio content. The sound sensor may sense noise from a dental instrument, thereby outputting a sensing signal. The controller is electrically connected with the audio player and the sound sensor. According to the sensing signal from the sound sensor, the controller controls the audio content that is broadcasted by the audio player.

Abstract: At least one segment is identified in an audio signal. The audio segment is associated with an artifact within the audio signal and has a time duration. At least one stored sound clip is retrieved, which has a time duration that exceeds the time duration associated with the audio segment. The retrieved sound clip is mixed with the audio signal and the retrieved sound clip audibly compensates for the audio artifact.

Abstract: Portable noise generator apparatuses and methods may be used to mask sounds in a hunting area. A noise generator apparatus may have a portable housing configured to be used by a hunter in a hunting area where game may be present, a loudspeaker positioned in the housing, and an electronic noise generator held within the housing. The electronic noise generator may be used to output noise through the loudspeaker to mask sounds made by the hunter while in the hunting area, and the noise may comprise frequencies perceptible by a non-human species. The noise may include white noise and ambient noise that is capable of limiting or covering the sounds of the hunter perceived by game animals.

Abstract: Methods and systems for masking audio noise are disclosed. One apparatus includes a silence detector configured to detect a period of substantial silence in an audio signal; a masking noise source operably coupled to the silence detector, the masking noise source configured to generate a noise signal in response to the silence detector detecting the period of substantial silence; and at least one combining device operably coupled to the masking noise source, the at least one combining device configured to contribute to combining the audio signal and the noise signal. A method includes detecting a period of substantial silence in an audio signal; and combining masking noise with the audio signal during the period of substantial silence.

Abstract: A sound processing apparatus includes a target sound emphasizing unit configured to acquire a sound frequency component by emphasizing target sound in input sound in which the target sound and noise are included, a target sound suppressing unit configured to acquire a noise frequency component by suppressing the target sound in the input sound, a gain computing unit configured to compute a gain value to be multiplied by the sound frequency component using a gain function that provides a gain value and has a slope that are less than predetermined values when an energy ratio of the sound frequency component to the noise frequency component is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and a gain multiplier unit configured to multiply the sound frequency component by the gain value computed by the gain computing unit.

Abstract: In a masker sound generation apparatus, an acquisition part acquires a sound signal, and a generation part generates a masker sound signal based on the acquired sound signal. Specifically, the generation part divides the sound signal acquired by the acquisition part into a plurality of sections each having a predetermined time length, then repeats a sorting process of sorting the divided sections as a process of changing the sequence of arrangement of the sound signal, and alters a manner of sorting the sections each time the sorting process is repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating driving coefficients for loudspeakers of a loudspeaker arrangement for an audio signal associated with a virtual source is described.

Abstract: The adjustment of a hearing device with regard to a current feedback path is to be designed in a more user-friendly manner. For this purpose, provision is made for hearing aid equipment, in particular a hearing device or a non-programmable device such as a headset, including a measuring device for measuring a feedback path and an operating facility for operating the hearing aid equipment by the wearer. The operating facility allows a measurement cycle to be activated to determine at least one characteristic of the feedback path. The hearing aid wearer can thus make adjustments themselves in terms of the feedback path and therefore does not have to rely on an acoustician.