DB 1969 05
DB 1969 05
DB 1969 05
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www.americanradiohistory.com
Only Sony's got em
Innovation through imagination. This is the sion of the brilliant C -37 A in the C-37 FET.
guideline Sony engineers follow in creating Whichever Sony microphone you choose,
superior microphones for the professional. you're sure of technical excellence and per-
For example, the C -55's cardioid condenser formance reliability that has successfully met
capsule can be positioned in whatever direc- the most critical standards in the world. For
tion is desired. With the C -77, Sony has complete details and specifications, please
shrunk the ordinary, cumbersome tele- micro- write Mr. Charles Bates, Sony /Superscope,
phone to an incredible 22 inches, made it a 8150 Vineland Ave., Sun Valley, Calif. 91352.
condenser and achieved fantastic frequency
response plus superb hyperdirectionality at
all frequencies, from 40 to 12 KHz. And now SONY® SUPERSCOPE
Sony offers a completely transistorized ver-
You never heard it so good.
www.americanradiohistory.com
Coming
\oxt
Month
THE SOUND ENGINEERING MAGAZINE
Next month we will have the prom-
ised picture gallery of equipment shown MAY 1969 Volume 3, Number 5
at the NAB Convention recently held
in Washington, D. C. There was a lot
to be seen.
The increased tendency to build
halls for multiple purpose presents
unusual challenges to sound reinforce-
T of Contonts
ment installations. A solution applied to FEATURE ARTICLES
one such hall in Bergen, Norway is the
topic for MULTI -PURPOSE HALLS PRE- Tape Delay Systems
SENT PROBLEMS. John M. Woram 20
THE ULTIMATE NOISE Is the provoca- U. S. Senate Sound System 22
tive title Mel Sprinkle has given to his
Improved Tape Quality
article. It explores the mathematics and
practicalities of pushing away the Max R. Cannon 24
thermal noise that is still left in our
equipment. MONTHLY DEPARTMENTS
And there will be our regular colum-
Letters 2
ists, George Alexandrovich, Norman H.
Crowhurst, Arnold Schwartz, and Mar- The Audio Engineer's Handbook
tin Dickstein. Coming in db, the Sound George Alexandrovich 4
Engineering Magazine. The Feedback Loop
Arnold Schwartz 10
Editorial 18
Theory and Practice
Norman H. Crowhurst 28
Sound with Images
Aoout
Martin Dickstein 33
New Products and Services 36
The db Bookcase 38
Classified 39
www.americanradiohistory.com
Robert Bach
PUBLISHER
Marilyn Gold
COPY EDITOR
Charles N. Wilson
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Richard L. Lerner
ASSISTANT EDITOR
A. F. Gordon
CIRCUL ATION MANAGER
Eloise Beach
The Editor: ASST. CIRCULATION MGR.
I would like to make some comments
on the article that appeared in the
January 1969 issue of db magazine.
This was the article on the Electronic
Telephone Patch by Ronald Pesha. SALES OFFICES
This circuit and the article almost are
the same as the unit that is now being New York
installed at radio stations throughout 980 Old Country Road
Plainview, N.Y. 11803
the Bell System area. This unit is 516- 433 -6530
identified by the Bell System as a re-
corder connector and the model number
is KS- 19645 -L2. This recorder connector Denver
has an a.g.c. circuit and its output is Roy McDonald Associates, Inc.
846 Lincoln Street
COO ohms to match most of the audio Denver, Colorado 80203
consoles in use today. This unit may 303-825-3325
be placed on an instrument or on a line
and it will increase the input of the Houston
phone conversation to the level of Roy McDonald Assoates, Inc.
O dBm; if the local phone has a level 3130 Southwest Freeway
cf more than O dBm it will reduce it Houston, Texas 77006
713 -529 -6711
and raise the outside level to O dBm.
Of course, on conversations that are
quite weak the background level will Tulsa
Roy McDonald Associates, Inc.
also be raised along with the conversa- 2570 S. Harvard Ave.
tion. Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114
At Station WARE the unit is in- 918- 742 -9961
stalled on the instrument instead of on
the line so that all the lines on that Dallas
instrument may use the same recorder Roy McDonald Associates, Inc.
connector and therefore feed into the Semmons Tower West
same console. This allows for other re- Suite 411
Dallas, Texas 75207
corder connectors to be used on other 214- 637 -2444
phones and as we have only three
instruments connected we can use all
four of our lines into consoles. A station San Francisco
with many lines into an instrument Roy McDonald Associates, Inc.
625 Market Street
could, by placing the recorder connector San Francisco, California 94105
on the instrument, feed any one of these 415- 397 -5377
lines into a console.
One other feature of this recorder - Los Angeles
connector is the muting of the beep Roy McDonald Associates Inc.
on the line to the console but it feeds 1313 West 8th Street
this beep down the line to the other Los Angeles, California 90018
GATELY ELECTRONICS person, as required by the telephone 413-483 -1304
57 WEST HILLCREST AVENUE tariffs.
HAVERTOWN, PENNA. 19083 Burton Landry Portland
AREA CODE 215 HI 6 -1415 Roy McDonald Associates, Inc.
Chief Engineer
...have you checked Gately lately ? 2305 S. W. 58th Avenue
Station WARE Portland, Oregon 97221
04
Ware, Massachusetts 503-292-8521
Circle 11 on Reader Service Card
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Rx for Modern tape- recording science announces a breakthrough in mastering
technique -the Crown Integrated Mastering System with CX822 or
CX844 tape recorder. It is a complete mastering system including
fin- location computer -logic controlled transport, IoZ mic input mixers (2 /channel),
headphone amps, bass and treble equalizer for each channel, built -in
echo option, trac -sync, and rugged carrying case, all in one compact
unit. The Crown Integrated Mastering System is a "sure cure" for
on- location mastering sessions suffering from these ills:
Mastering SYMPTOMS
1. Feverish activity, indigestion and hypertension
2. Recordings muffed; clients upset or lost
3. Recording crew discouraged with technical problems
DIAGNOSIS
1. Equipment in many separate units, meaning a truck for trans-
portation and cramped, cluttered recording area
2. Complicated setup, needing two or more strongmen, with never
enough time to adequately check out each component
3. Innumerable cables which (if you remember them all) work
perfectly until two minutes before recording time
CURE
1. One Crown CX822 or CX844 tape deck, each a single unit
complete for mastering, easily transported and very compact
2. One -man setup with plenty of time; simply plug in microphones
and headphones
CX822 CX844 3. Relax. With no space, time or cable problems, you can concen-
Two -channel deck Four -channel deck trate on creative recording, with superlative Crown quality that
$2329 complete $3720 complete will delight your client.
Each an Integrated Mastering System! For more information, phone 219 + 523 -4919, or write Crown, Dept.
-
D40 2- channel 60w amplifier $199 DB -62, Box 1000, Elkhart, Indiana, 46514.
w
Circle Reader Service Card
12 on
www.americanradiohistory.com
The Aucio
Engincors
GEORGE ALEXANDROVICH
Over the last several months I have knowledge of the system along with its
received letters from readers of db limitations is still unknown to many
Magazine, asking me to amplify and young prospects in this field. Many
clarify some points in previous columns. studios complain that they try to hire
This month it is my intention to answer young people for disc -production rooms
a few of these questions. Since most of but are forced to turn down a great
the questions relate to disc recording, I majority of apparently talented young
will start with disc- cutting problems. men (although women could qualify for
Recently I happened to read several this job also). The reason is because of
newly -presented technical papers on their inability to cope with disc cutting.
disc recording, involving questions on Aside from the fact that qualified per-
groove geometry, decreasing distortion sonnel are hard to find, the upkeep and
by recording the disc backwards, and performance of the equipment is left to
others. This clearly indicates to me that deteriorate because of the lack of time
disc popularity is by no means on the and test equipment to maintain it at
decline, but has firmly entrenched itself peak performance. It seems that only
as one of the fundamental means of large recording companies are capable
preserving recorded material. The de- of sustaining maintenance crews and
Electro -luminescent optical sire of the industry to achieve the ulti- can experiment with new approaches
gain control (Patent number and techniques.
3,258,707) mate in disc recording is making itself
felt by the theoretical work of many There is a question of just how suc-
well -known scientists. Their efforts have cessful they may be because many small
Smoother operation independent studios quite often over-
found expression through the quality of
sound reproduced from the disc. This shadow their larger competitors. Most
Does not color the sound
can easily be compared to the sound of the recording rooms, once they are
coming from monitor speakers while set up, are not disturbed. The only
Gain reduction does not in-
playing tape or from a live take. The changes or improvements that managers
crease harmonic generation
average person would find it impossible will consider are to try different cutting
Eliminates all traces of to determine any differences between styli, better limiters, or some equaliza-
thumping the three. Achievement of this level of tion. But everyone is pushing for high
quality of sound is due to several fac- levels. This forces the operator to drive
tors. Here are the most important ones. the recording system to its highest point
Write today for complete specifications. before severe overload occurs.
1. Original recording on tape has im-
Rep and Dealer inquiries invited. proved technically due to better studio
Not every studio has 100 -watt driver
amplifiers and not every cutting facility
techniques, better equipment, mics, ampli-
has stereo cutters, but each establish-
fiers, tape machines and better tape.
ment wants to outdo the others. Natu-
2. Mastering techniques and equip- rally, the results are often disasterous.
ment have improved. Better driver ampli- Pumping enormous levels into a cutting
fiers, better cutters and better cutting styli. system with limited capabilities pro-
3. Playback transducers have been the duces distortion, unpleasant sound and,
major improvement in sound reproduc- ironically, the record doesn't sound
tion over the past several years. Along loud at all. Most of the mechanically
PRODUCTS OF WIT with cartridges, there have been improve- dampened cutters used for cutting
ments on arms, turntables, amplifiers, and mono records exhibit fairly flat fre-
11922 VALERIO STREET
NO. HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. 91605 speakers. quency response at moderate levels.
TEL. (213) 764 -1500
But, what is still the weakest link in But when the cutter is overdriven,
the whole process? The mastering of mechanical damping (due to factors
VW
¡ UNITED RECORDING ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES
the disc. The art of cutting and the such as heat, poor surface tension of
Circle 10 on Reader Service Card
www.americanradiohistory.com
NEW Model RE10 530.00, shown on Model 421 desk stand $10.50. Model REIS $153.00. shown with Model 307 suspenslo -,..J. NEW Model RE11
nown will, Model 311 snap-out stand adapter $3.90. NEW Model REt6 5159.00. shown on Model 421 desk stand $10.50. Au pria:, ,lud n,.t.
Freedom of choice!
Professional sound has entered a Once you set equalization it remains Now Select from Four Models
new era. It started with the Electro- constant. You have full assurance that In addition to the original REI5, we've
Voice Model REIS. And now there are tonal balance won't change between the added the RE16. The same fine micro-
four E -V dynamic cardioid microphones
that share its distinctive advantages
with some unique benefits of their own.
- dress rehearsal and the final perfor-
mance, no matter what the talent does.
phone with an external "pop" filter to
solve the problems of ultra -close miking.
The new REIO is the economy version
Unaffected by Distance... Angle Improved Cardioid Pattern of the RE15. The same concept and
Basic to all of these microphones is Only acoustics and noise can limit quality, but for slightly less rigid re-
Exclusive Electro -Voice Continuously you. Yet even here these new E -V micro- quirements. And the RE11 is the lower
Variable -D* construction. Now it offers phones gain an advantage from the cost twin to the REI6.
something you've never heard before super -cardioid pattern that provides These four great cardioid microphones
with any microphone: no matter what you better sound control than ordinary car - give you new freedom to head off sound
do, microphone response never varies! dioids. With maximum rejection 150° off problems before they start. Your E -V
Whether performers almost swallow axis, it is easier to eliminate unwanted microphone headquarters has them
the microphone, wander far off-mike ... sound while maintaining normal stand waiting. Choose today.
or even move around to the back... or boom microphone positions. There's U.S. Patent No. 3,115.207. Trade mark r. istered.
you'll still get the same smooth response. also an integral bass-tilt circuit to cut ELECTRO- VOICE, INC., Dept. 591BD
Only the level changes. rumble below 100 Hz. when needed. 686 Cecil Street Buchanan, Michigan 49107
high fidelity systems and speakers tuners, amplifiers, receivers public address loudspeakers
microphones phono needles and cartridges space and defense electronics
www.americanradiohistory.com
the damping liquid, or the mechanical
properties of the damping material) is
no longer capable of suppressing peaks
of the mechanical system of the cutter.
Electrical feedback cutters which de-
STEP UP pend entirely on the feedback loop for
their performance are far superior in
this case, regardless of the fact that
...to the finest transcription turntable in the world! some recording experts prefer "blooming
of the sound" caused by the mechanical-
ly dampened cutters at high levels.
It is also known, and has been de-
BUILDING -
low so the plastic doesn't flow properly
producing non -fill. A chilled spot on
the stamper or vinyl would make this
BLOCKS TO
SOUND 111 spot of the disc noisy.
Fortunately, we don't often run across
SYSTEMS these gross rejects when buying records,
because most of these faults are repeti-
tive, and are consequently arrested at
the stamping plant during the routine
inspection.
i
A complete line of Indoor and
BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE
Outdoor Sound Columns-to beam A limited number of back issues of db
sound exactly where you want it are available to interested readers who
Sound Column's bicone speakers music Handsome birch or walnut may have missed or misplaced earlier
create a flat, fan -shaped beam of veneer cabinets available Adjust- issues. When ordering please indicate
sound that can be aimed as required able brackets for mounting to wood, date of issue desired and enclose 75c
with great accuracy-quality audio masonry, concrete or steel Write for each copy.
is easily distributed even in very for "Sound Column" applications
noisy surroundings Reverbera- bulletin to the innovators. CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT
tions and echoes are more easily
controlled or eliminated High PHILIPS BROADCAST db-The Sound Engineering Magazine
fidelity audio coverage over the full PHILIPS EQUIPMENT CORP. 980 Old Country Road
frequency range from 60 Hz. to 18 One Philips Parkway, Montvale. N 07645 201/ 391 -1000 Plainview, N.Y. 11803
KHz. Fine, rich reproduction of A NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS COMPANY
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AUDE_TM
AUDIO DESIGNS / 15645 Sturgeon / Roseville (Detroit), Michigan 48066 ' (313) 778 -8400
o
Circle 22 on Reader Service Card
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Thy
F C oack Loop
ARNOLD SCHWARTL
BUILDING
BLOCKS TO
SOUND
SYSTEMS
switch for lineup Multi -play and Figure 2. A remote monitor station operated
Sound on Sound recording Switch - One Philips Parkway. Montvale. N.J. 07645 201, 391 -1000
able monitoring of recording signal dur- A NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS COMPANY by the Port of New York Authority at the
airports they operate.
Circle 17 on Reader Service Card
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FOR
ARENAS
CARNIVALS
COLISEUMS
CATHEDRALS
AUDITORIUMS
AMPHITHEATRES
You name it- we guarantee it!
The Audimax. Whatever your sound reinforcement
requirements, this remarkable instrument fills the
bill ...automatically.
Especially effective for use with non -professional
speakers or actors. Compensates for speaker -to-
mike distances. Automatically controls audio lev-
els-to boost your signal when your speaker has a
tendency to drop his voice. Helps even a soft-
voiced amateur "speak up" like a pro!
What's more, the Audimax works without distor-
tion, thumping, pumping or audio "holes." Bridges
through program pauses without "swish -up" of
background noise. Delivers a smoother, more
pleasant sounding performance...from front row
to back row (balcony, too!). Anywhere in your
audience!
Try it FREE for 30 days. No obligation. No strings
attached. If you don't like it,send it back. Freight's
on us. If you like what you hear, send us just $665.
Small price to pay for the best level control in
the business!
PROFESSIONAL
PRODUCTS
LABORATORIES
Stamford. Connecticut 06905
A Division of Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.
IMDICROPHONE
91 dB
UP TO
13INPUTS
Figure 3. The central noise -control tower
at La Guardia Airport.
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The airport noise monitoring and con-
trol systems monitors aircraft take -off
noise on all runways that require the
aircraft to fly over residential neighbor-
hoods. The basic element of the system
is the remote monitoring station. Joe
Frederickson showed me a typical sta-
tion (see FIGURE 2) which consists of a
telephone pole with a microphone and
associated electronic equipment mounted
at the top. The station is located in line
with the runway at the start of the
residential area. The proximity of
homes to the monitor station can be
observed in the photograph. Distances
of these stations from the start of the "The Dolby system gives me a 10 db reduction
runways varies from 2 to 4 miles and a
telephone line connects the remote sta-
tion to the central noise-control tower.
of hiss, print - through and crosstalk,"ysSeymour
Solomon, recording director of Van-
The noise- control tower is located so guard Records. "The use of the Dolby
Noise Reduction System enables us to
that all take-offs can be observed by an record a work with great dynamic con-
operator on duty. The tower is manned trasts, such as the Mahler 2nd Sym-
24 hours a day, and all take -offs are phony, with a new dimension of
realism. It is now standard procedure
logged by the operator. As the aircraft to record our Vanguard classical tape
approaches the remote monitor station, masters with the Dolby System."
and if the sound pressure level is Take a tip from Mr. Sol n -break
through the noise barrier with the de-
greater than 96 dB, the noise monitor pendable Dolby 4301, note in we by
system is activated. All pertinent noise over 90 companies throughout the
data is recorded on a graphic level world.
recorder shown on the left side of the DOLBY LABORATORIES INC.
photo of FIGURE 3. This photograph 333 Avenue of the Americas. New York. N.Y. 10014 Telephone (212) 243 -2525 Cable: Dolbylabs New York
was taken looking out on to the runway So. CALIF
Audio Industries Cory.
No. CALIF
Audio-Video Systems Engineering
MIDWEST
Expert Electronics Inc
CANADA
J-Mar Electronics. Ltd.
area from the operator's position in the 1419 N LaBrea Ave.
Hollywood, Calif. 9002E
1525 Tennessee Street
San Francisco, Calif. 94107
7201 S.Western Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60636
6 Ban.gan Drive
Toronto 17, Ontario. Canada
noise -control tower. The operator also Tel: 213 -HO5 -4111 Tel: 415- 6474420 Tel: 312- HE6-2700 Tel. 416 -421 -9080
www.americanradiohistory.com
important function of acting as a gate
by sensing the signal level and allowing
only signals to go through which exceed
console-
greater than 96 dB plus an additional
being fed to the recorder, the monitor 20 seconds. The 20- second delay is used
amplifier feeds the signal to the re- to permit the recording of the 91 dB
generator causing a relay to close which calibration tone which, as we have seen,
actuates a time and date stamper. The is always present at the remote station
stamper mechanism can be seen in the pre -amplifier but is normally below the
and get close-up photograph of the level re-
corder in FIGURE 6 as an outboard de-
vice protruding from the level recorder
level required to open the monitor -
amplifier gate. All the necessary in-
formation is now recorded on the chart
immediately above the chart. The relay
which is kept as a permanent record.
closing also starts the recorder chart
!* The noise control system instituted
MOVING?
Have you sent us a change -of-address
notice? It takes time for us to change
your plate so let us know well in ad-
T QUAD -EIGHT vance of your move. Be sure to send us
5 the complete new address as well as
v ELECTRONICS Figure
station
5. This close -up of
such as
a remote monitor
in Figure 2 shows the micro-
your old address. Include both zip num-
11810 VOSE STREET, NORTH HOLLYWOOD
phone to be parallel to the ground so that bers. Keep db coming without inter-
CALIFORNIA 91605 PHONE (213) 764 -1516 sound impinged on it in a grazing fashion. ruption!
Crrrlr 15 on Reader Ser ice Card
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When low distortion is a critical requirement,
Acoustic Research speaker systems are a logical choice.
1111111111111 1111111111111111
Acoustic Research.speaker systems are carefully designed and meticulously inspected to be certain that
they reproduce sound while introducing no sound of their own. This lack of distortion partly explains
their natural, uncolored music reproduction in rooms both large and small, of delicate harpsichord
tones or the tutti of a Beethoven symphony. As at a concert, the listener hears what the musicians have
created, free of unnatural artifice or misguided attempts at enhancement.
At a recent performance of Deserts by Edgar Varese, a work for stereophonic magnetic tape and
symphony orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra was accompanied by six AR -3a speaker systems
reproducing the composer's tape. The requirement was authenticity of reproduction without distortion of
the acoustical setting provided by Boston's Symphony Hall, which Bruno Walter called "the noblest
of American concert halls." The speaker systems are shown on the stage during tests.
AR -3a speaker systems are priced from $225 to $250, depending on cabinet finish. Write for complete
technical data and an AR catalog describing our other speaker systems, turntable and amplifier.
A lot of very fine consoles are being produced these It's designed and built for us by Neumann, the
days. Slowly. finest name in audio equipment. A name that not
Expensively. only means quality and experience, but technical ex-
With agonizing attention to detail. cellence and high resale value. And you know it mea-
And a lot of time spent waiting. sures up to Gotham's rigorous standards. Because
We want to help. That's why we've come up with we don't have to deal with anything less than perfect.
the first studio console you can have in a week. The Neumann studio console has twenty -four
A console with all the important features you'd inputs and eight output channels, and can be aug-
specify if you were having it custom made. mented to sixteen. It meets every studio requirement
But without the waiting. The headaches. And you can imagine. And some you probably haven't
the custom -made price tag. even thought of.
www.americanradiohistory.com
Ec itorial
AT A RECENT New York City concert, Laurin Hollander played an
experimental piano built by the Baldwin Company. Inside the piano,
the usual sounding board was replaced by a battery of JBL speakers.
A modified Marantz amplification and control system was used
internally to adjust the piano's tone to musical and environmental
conditions at hand. Esthetically, the concert was a success.
Of course, this was by no means the first electronically amplified instrument.
Electronic control of guitars is already highly sophisticated and most other
instruments have been electronically modified to some extent. In addition, a
totally new breed of instrumental sound has been created by the electronic
synthesizer.
Obviously, an electronic piano that frees the performer from the instrument's
present limitations is highly desirable. But is the raucous distortion of electronic
guitars also acceptable? We think so. ..as a necessary (even pleasant to some)
by- product of a vital and creative new musical era.
These electronic instruments can be totally new music -making forms. The
synthesizer is currently shaking up the serious music field and modified guitars
have transformed pop music. So, we look forward with interest to the potential
of this new piano.
--
We do not see any musical or artistic validity in amplification per se. We
frankly wish the whole loudness race whether for higher modulation on records
or 130 dB levels in discotheques would just quietly fade away.
But musical production cannot be bound by the trap of tradition. (And we
do not even agree with those who argue that electronic music production is con-
trary to tradition.) If we held only to tradition, Laurin Hollander would have
ir - -
been playing a clavicord.
The continuing viability of music pop or classical demands perpetual
experimentation with new forms. And we hope the audio engineer will be in the
forefront of this electronic music phenomenon. . .guiding it, growing with it and,
co above all, enjoying it. L.Z.
www.americanradiohistory.com
0X..`
:;.. -i ...fS.RI.
r-.yf
. ï:
46
f ' f
THIS
FEATURE -FILLED
MIXER/ REMOTE
AMPLIFIER
HAS AN
UNEXPECTED*
PRICE TAG
'Unexpected? Judge for yourself: the Shure M67 Profes- and RF susceptibility (noise level 126dbv); female-
sional Mixer/ Remote Amplifier has virtually every important Cannon connectors, two -level headphone monitor jack and
feature asked for by broadcasting and recording studios and many other features.
sound installers. It can be used as a complete, compact Its distortion level is UNDER 1% from 20 to 20k Hz at
console for studio, remote, or original installation use -or +10 dbm out! Clipping level is +18 dbm. It also features
as an "add -on" mixer for expanding existing facilities and a unique noiseless automatic switchover to battery if the
providing additional microphone inputs with tape recorders AC line fails. (Battery pack optional.)
and VTR's. It is not much larger than two cartons of cigarettes
It features 600 ohm line and microphone level outputs; (11%" x 71/2" x 21/2") and weighs just 4 lbs. 4 oz.
an illuminated VU meter calibrated for +4 and +10 dbm; Incredibly, this truly professional, compact, complete
four low impedance microphone inputs, each with individual mixer/ remote amplifier has a professional net price of
low- frequency filter inputs -plus one input convertible for only $147.00!
line bridging, or 600 ohms; built -in tone oscillator to provide Write Professional Products, Shure Brothers, Inc.
calibration signal to set signal levels; extremely low noise 222 Hartrey Ave., Evanston, Illinois 60204
HLJFRE
PROFESSIONAL MICROPHONE MIXER /REMOTE AMPLIFIER 1969 SHURE BROTHERS. INC
T
MOST MODERN RECORDING ST UDIO3 have some sort many new consoles incorporate a special set of plugs for an
of echo or reverberation facility available. The auxiliary tape machine, and include a delay in /out switch on
most common types are; an actual echo chamber the console.
(i.e., a highly reverberant room containing at The popularity of this system has somewhat obscured the
one end a loudspeaker, and at the other a microphone), an many other interesting applications of tape delay. To cite
EMT or similar steel sheet -type unit, a Fairchild Reverber- one obvious example: try inserting a tape delay in the echo
tron, or a spring -type device such as the Fisher Spacexpander. return line instead of (or in addition to) the one in the send
These devices all receive their input from an Echo send circuit line. Or, when using an EMT with two outputs, one can be
in the console, and return their outputs to the console's echo returned direct and the other through a tape delay. (FIGURE
return lines. 2).
In many cases, a more natural type of echo effect may be For a special effect, tape delay can be used without the
realized if a delay is introduced between the direct signal and echo device. Depending on tbe speed of the auxiliary tape -
the echo return. The delayed echo is a closer approximation delay machine, two distinct effects may be obtained. At
of a natural concert hall type of reverb than a return that speeds which produce a delay of more than about 25 milli-
coincides in time with the direct signal. seconds, the delayed information is heard as a separate signal,
This delay is commonly accomplished by inserting an resulting in a slapp.d back type of effect. If the signal is de-
auxiliary tape recorder in the echo send line. The delay intro- layed twice, and both delays are returned to the console,
duced is the time it takes for the recorded tape to travel the there will be an impression that the instrument being treated
distance between the record and the playback head (FIGURE this way is playing triplets. (FIGURE 3.) This is often particu-
1). This application of tape delay has become so popular that larly effective on a fender bass track, if the original bass line
is not musically complex.
At delays of less than 25 milliseconds, the ear is usually
unable to resolve the delayed and the direct signals into two
With this article, Mr. Woram begins what will be a more or less separate and distinct sounds. For an interesting application
regular series of feature articles to appear in our pages. He will of a high -speed delay, try feeding a direct signal onto, say,
range widely within the recording field. He is well- qualified for the left track during a re-mix session. The delayed signal is
this, his position as a recording engineer with RCA Victor in then treated as a separate source, and fed to the right track
New York City offers him much opportunity to observe the con- as in FIGURE 4. Both the direct and the delayed signals may
temporary scene. be individually equalized, compressed, echoed, etc. The re-
DIRECT
ECHO
1
SIGNAL
DELAYED
ECHO J
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-DIRECT SIGNAL RECORD HEADS
PLAYBACK HEADS
SAME PRGM
ON BOTH TRKS
TO CONSOLE
ECHO DEVICE
DIRECT SIGNAL
Figure 6. Using sel -sync on a duplicated extra track in this manner
TO LEFT TRACK provides an echo before the direct signal.
2
3
4
-
MACH CONSOLE
Figure 4. This system when mixed can result in greatly expanded I
5
sound most effective with strings.
-
6
7
FEEDBACK LOOP 8
MACH. 2
TAPE
Figure 7. Vary the speed of machine two if you want some truly
Figure 5. By controlling the amount of feedback, voice can be given unusual effects. If you are feeding in the vocal part only, you can
an outer -space quality. make it race ahead or fall behind the rest of the program.
suit is a greatly expanded, room -filling sound, which can be usual manner. The other track is switched to the sel -sync
very effective when applied to a sustaining part such as a mode, so that the output is taken from the record head, and
string track; or a few voices can be made to sound like a large then sent directly to the echo device. The echo return arrives
choir, since the short tape delay is very much like that slight at the console before the actual program, producing a very
imprecision of attack characteristic of a large group of voices. unusual effect (FIGURE 6).
(If the effect is one of a small group with a bad case of the Another odd effect can be produced by varying the speed
stutters, the tape -delay machine is not going fast enough. of the auxiliary tape-delay machine. While the machine is
On a typical Ampex 300-type deck, the record and play- changing speed, the pitch of the echo signal will rise (or fall)
back heads are about two inches apart. At 7.5, 15, and 30 and then return to normal as the machine stabilizes at the
in. /sec., this yields delays of 266, 133, and 66 milliseconds new speed. Of course, the direct signal remains unaffected.
respectively. To achieve a delay of under 25 milliseconds, an A somewhat devastating effect can be achieved if you have
oversized capstan sleeve, such as the type used for high -speed available, say, two eight-track machines of the same type.
duplicating, may be used. (In a future article, I hope to be With a previously recorded tape, try playing back the instru
able to give a report on the EMT 970 Audio Delay Unit, mental tracks only from the playback head. At the same
which can be used in place of a regular tape recorder for delay time, feed the vocal track from its record head to the second
effects.) machine, monitoring the vocal track from the second ma-
An outer -space effect is possible by using a type of con- chine's playback head as shown in FIGURE 7. As long as the
trolled feedback system. A signal such as a voice, is fed in the two machines are running at the same speed, everything
usual manner to the tape recorder. Then the playback head sounds fine. But try varying the speed of machine two and
output is returned to a separate mixer position which is set hear what happens as the vocal part races ahead or falls
to the same bus as the vocal mixer. By carefully riding this behind the rest of the program! You probably won't have
additional mixer, a repetitive signal is produced which can be much chance to apply this effect, other than as a practical
sustained or diminished as desired (FIGURE 5). joke.
If there is an extra track available on a multi -track tape The application of tape -delay systems to produce a variety
machine, (there almost never is) a kind of negative tape delay of unusual effects is limited only by the flexibility of the con-
can be used to produce an echo before the direct signal is sole and the imagination of the engineer. If you have any
heard. The program to be treated in this way is recorded on original applications that you think might interest others.
ro
two tracks. During playback, one track is monitored in the send them in.
www.americanradiohistory.com
S. Sonoto Sounc Systom
1ITORS TO THE SENATE GALLERIES will receive the ized loudspeakers for all Members, speakers for the Presiding
dubious dividend of sound as well as sight in the officer and Senate officials, a removable floor-stand micro-
near future. The Senate Rules Committee has ap- phone, loud- speakers for the official reporters, and a wide
proved the installation of an intricate sound system distribution of loudspeakers in the Galleries.
in the Senate chamber, and following approval of the Senators, Cost of the installation is estimated at $125,000.
the system will be installed whenever the Senate is not in Under consideration is a plan to block off a small part of the
session. Visitors Gallery behind a plexiglass screen to cut down on
For years visitors, members of the press, and some mem- background noise. This section, which would contain no
bers of the Senate viewed the proceedings of the Greatest seats, would be used for tourists on guided tours who move
Deliberative Body in the World as though they were watching in and out of the galleries. Tourists who want to watch the
a silent movie being shot on location. Booming Senatorial proceedings at greater length would be required to obtain
voices that filled the TV screens in Keokuk were barely regular admittance cards from their Senators or Representa-
audible to the torists in the galleries. tives, as is now the case.
Now, with tradition tossed to the winds, the marvels of The system would be controlled by a person manning a
electronics will bring the amplified orations of the 100 Sena- console in one corner of the chamber who would flick the
tors to the ears of all. mikes off and on when required. He, ostensibly could control
The Senate has long opposed the invasion of electronic debate in the Senate, but no such problem is contemplated.
devices in its hallowed chamber. Senator Javits (NY) had the During a Senate discussion of the system in January, Sen.
affrontery to introduce such legislation in 1957. It got no- George Murphy (R- Calif.) pointed out that astronauts,
where. In 1967 the Legislative Reorganization Act included 240,000 miles from the earth could be heard and understood
amplifying equipment for the Senate. The bill passed the by the earthpeople, but most often a Senator could not be
Senate, but died in the House -where microphones have heard by his colleagues yards away on the Senate floor:
been in use for years. In calling for installation this year, Murphy also spoke about his throat operation which left
Senator Javits suggested that the modern devices could well him hoarse. The operation for a cancer near his vocal chords
blend with the traditional, in that the historical inkwells was a complete success, he disclosed. "I have never felt
on each Senator's desk could be topped by a microphone healthier, but at times I sound like a cross between Everett
instead of a quill pen. Dirksen and Andy Devine," he commented. Murphy pointed
The change was discussed at a Democratic caucus early out that it would be difficult for him to address the Senate
this year and was overwhelmingly approved. Senator Mans- had not his colleagues extended him the courtesy of using a
field says the microphones will be installed- possibly by the throat amplifier.
end of this year. Murphy made a telling point when he assured Senators
A survey made at the direction of the Architect of the that the presence of microphones would not lead to longer
Capitol by acoustical consultants has recommended installa- speeches. He suggested that speeches would be shorter, since
tion of individual desk -mounted microphones and miniatur- "we are inclined to make longer speeches. ..and we are repeti-
tious for fear that we have not been understood the first
We are grateful to Congressman John W. Wydler of the Fourth time."
District, New York for his help in securing this information. Senate approval is expected any day now, assuring the
The article is a reprint that originally appeared in the Con- Senate an equal voice with the House in the legislative
a04 gressional newspaper ROLL CALL dated March 13, 1969. branch.
www.americanradiohistory.com
the inside story of Willi Studer
The Revox A77 is Willi Studer's brain child... a recorder that could match the performance
born from years of experience designing of the Revox A77 in all respects, and very
magnetic recording equipment for the few that even come close. It sounds as good
broadcasting and recording industries. This as it tests, which speaks for itself."
is a great machine that comfortably outper-
forms recorders costing even three times as To know the detailed inside story on Willi
much. Studer's Revox A77 read the fully descriptive
As noted in the report by Hirsch -Houck Labo- story from REVOX CORPORATION 212 Mineola
ratories: "At 7 -1/2 ips, the response was Avenue, Roslyn Heights, N.Y. 11577
within +0.5, -2.0 dB from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Telephone (516) 484 -4650
This has never been equalled by any other
recorder we have tested. It is one of the
handsomest, as well as best -performing, tape In Canada contact
recorders we have seen. We have never seen Tri -tel Associates Ltd Toronto Canada
REVOX
Chyle 25 on Kruder.Srn4re Card
ro
w
www.americanradiohistory.com
m 0rovoC Ta c Quahty
MAX R. CANNON
is now superb -
Tape quality on high -speed professional recorders
particularly when
specialized improvement techniques are utilized.
The author explains a number of substantial
ways to improve the sound from home -type
machines such as are often used professionally,
with particular attention to signal -to -noise
improvements.
MOST NON -STUDIO TAPE RECORDERS are capable of but the equipment also contributes some noise.' Tape noise
producing high-fidelity audio recordings. On many is generally in the form of a hiss or a print -through signal
,,i these machines, however, it is difficult to from an adjacent recorded tape layer. Many recorders intro-
achieve a true reproduction of the original sound duce some hum in addition to a small amount of broadband
because a poor signal -to -noise ratio limits the available noise. Stereo machines also suffer from a certain amount of
dynamic range of the input signals. If the recording level is crosstalk between the two channels.
not properly adjusted, loud program segments may be dis- A good tape recorder has low distortion at moderate signal
torted or quiet segments may be buried in background noise. levels. Large signal peaks, present in nearly all sounds, can
This problem becomes emphasized when tapes are dubbed. cause serious distortion if they reach the over-record level. As
The cumulative effect of distortion and noise can be quiet these signal peaks cannot always be accurately predicted
objectionable on a second- or third -generation tape. much less seen on indicating meters, the recording level is set
The recording process adds background noise to the input lower than it need be to accommodate the highest input sig-
signal. Most of this unwanted signal comes from the tape, nal. Although this practice reduces distortion, it simultaneous-
ly accentuates the noise problem.
INCREASED DYNAMICS
Max R. Cannon is an engineer with International Business An ideal tape recorder would accept input signals with a wide
Machines Corp. in Boulder, Colorado. As a nineteen -year vet- dynamic range, record these signals without critical operator
eran of the company he has worked extensively in customer en- adjustments, and faithfully reproduce the original dynamic
gineering and product development, including magnetic tape for range of the input signal without added noise or distortion.
computer systems. He is a member of the SMPTE and an affili- There are a number of known techniques for increasing the
ate of the NAB. dynamic range capability of tape recorders. Many of these
www.americanradiohistory.com
techniques are used only in professional studio equipment, background noise. Radio broadcasters use them to maintain
because of the high cost involved. A few of these systems will a high modulation level without overmodulation. A number
be described briefly. of technical papers describe the operating principles and
An obvious way to improve dynamic -range capability is to unique characteristics of such devices."4 An automatic com-
increase the signal-to -noise ratio (s /n) of the tape recording pressor of this type eliminates the need for the operator to
system. Increasing the track width will improve the s/n continuously monitor the recording level. It can be used with
somewhat. But a double -width track improves the s/n by a pilot tone or with a complementary automatic expander to
only 3 dB. (S /n is proportional to the square root of the track restore the original dynamic range.
width.) Higher tape speed will also improve the s /n. Although An automatic expander is a signal -controlled a.g.c. ampli-
beneficial, these hardware modifications involve a high tape fier similar to the compressor. The control signal which oper-
cost. Master duplicating machines used in the recording in- ates the expander, however, differs from the control signal
dustry operate with wide tracks and high tape speed (15 or which operates the compressor. The expander does not exactly
even 30 in./sec.). Their low -noise electronics improve s/n 6 compensate for the volume changes made by the compressor.
to 10 dB over a high -quality, four -track home recorder. But This characteristic often causes a noticeable distortion when
even this ratio is not sufficient to produce the desired record- the signal amplitude changes suddenly. Overshoots, under-
ing quality. The use of low -noise tape can improve s/n by shoots, breathing, swishing, pumping, ducking, and thumps
several more dB on any type of recorder. Other techniques are descriptive names frequently applied to the peculiar
must be used, however, if additional noise improvements are sounds which result from poor compression and expansion.
desired.
The simplest method of keeping the input signal at an
NOISE REDUCTION
acceptable level is to continuously monitor and adjust the A noise-reduction system overcomes most of the objections
recording level. The signal is manually decreased during loud to signal -controlled compression and expansion. The incoming
periods and increased during quiet periods, thus compressing signal is divided into four separate frequency bands for com-
the dynamic range of the recorded signal. It is impractical to pression and expansion. This device does not alter high -level
manually expand the signal to its original dynamic range on signals, but does increase the low -level signals by 10 to 15
playback. However, the compressed signal is satisfactory or dB."-10 This equipment has gained wide acceptance in the
even desirable for many applications, but it must be recog- recording industry but is limited by cost mostly to the more
nized that it is not a true reproduction of the original signal. sophisticated professional applications.
Signal -controlled volume expanders are available to ex- A completely different approach to the problem involves
pand large signals and compress small signals. Although they the use of double- channel recording.' One channel is recorded
expand the dynamic range, they cannot exactly compensate at a level 15 dB higher than the other. On playback, an elec-
for a manual compression. If a constant- amplitude, high - tronic switch selects the best channel. A machine using this
frequency pilot tone is added to the input signal, its amplitude technique is available for professional use. It uses frequency -
during playback indicates the amount of compression. An selective and amplitude -selective track switching on 70 -mil-
automatic gain control circuit (a.g.c.) can then automatically wide tracks.
increase or decrease the playback signal to maintain the pilot Other techniques are available for achieving better s/n and
tone at constant amplitude.' This simultaneously restores the dynamic range characteristics. For example, the biased, di-
input signal to its original dynamic range. Noise and distor- rect- recording technique normally used for audio recording
tion can be minimized by a skilled recorder operator. can be replaced by another method, such as frequency modu-
lation. Some improvement in s/n can be obtained at higher
AGC AMPLIFIERS tape speeds by deviating from the standard NAB equalization
It is not necessary to manually control the recording level. characteristics."
Signal -controlled a.g.c. amplifiers which automatically moni- Signal compression followed by complementary expansion
tor and adjust signal level are available from a number of after transmission through all noise sources can significantly
sources. These devices are widely used in communications improve s/n and available dynamic range. To avoid unde-
systems to maintain a high information signal relative to sirable side effects, truly complementary (or identical) de-
MULTIPLEXED MULTIPLEXED
COMPRESSED SIGNALS SIGNALS COMPRESSED
AUDIO AUDIO
AUDIO TAPE LOW -PASS AUDIO SIGNAL
SIGNAL
SIGNAL MIXER
COMPRESSOR RECORDER FILTER EXPANDER OUTPL-
INPUT
CONTROL CONTROL
SIGNAL SIGNAL
VOLTAGE
BANDPASS FM
CONTROLLED DEMODULATOR
FILTER FM
OSCILLATOR CONTROL SIGNAL
FM SUBCARRIER SUBCARRIER
ro
Figure 1. A block diagram of a tape -noise reduction system.
www.americanradiohistory.com
+n
vices must be supplied with identical (or complementary) follows the compressor, no new sounds are added. Of course,
control signals. This is generally not the case with signal- if the compressor adds undesirable sounds to the input signal,
controlled a.g.c. units. If the control signal is multiplexed the expander will not remove them. Therefore, good com-
with the compressed input signal, it is available for controlling pressor design is of utmost importance. The design of audio
a complementary expander at the final point of use. Band- signal compressors is rather complicated and will not be dis-
width of the control signal is relatively narrow, but its fre- cussed here. Several good compressors are available now.
quency spectrum extends down to d.c. Some of these can be modified to obtain the control signal
A number of a.g.c. circuits have been tested in this type of during compression and permit insertion of an external con-
system with varying degrees of success. A 15 dB improvement trol signal for expansion.
in tape recorder s/n has been achieved with negligible side
effects. Additional apparent improvement can be obtained OTHER APPLICATIONS
with a squelch circuit which operates when the input falls This technique is not limited to tape recorder use. One inter-
below a predetermined low signal threshold. This circuit over- esting possibility is its use in f.m. broadcasting. The control
rides the normal control signal to decrease the gain of both signals for two stereo channels can be easily accommodated
the compressor and expander during program lulls. Thus, the by the Subsidiary Communications Authorization (s.c.a.)
compressor and expander have complementary character- band which has been allocated by the FCC. Any f.m. station
istics except during squelch periods when both amplifiers which is not using the s.c.a. band for other purposes could
have low gain. broadcast a multiplexed control signal for operation of ex-
An f.m. subcarrier for the control signal gives good results panders at the receiver. Most radio stations compress their
in this type of operation. The control signal can be recorded signals, and this would give the listener the ability to recover
above the normal upper frequency limit of the tape recorder. the original dynamic range and improve s/n. Of course, such
For example, a 20-kHz subcarrier has been used with an a step would require a set of standards and the use of an
18-kHz tape recorder. The control signal carrier is of fairly expander- adapter at the receiver. The problem is no more
low amplitude in the playback signal; it can be easily filtered difficult than the switch from the old to the new f.m. band or
out, if it is audible. FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of such a the introduction of stereo -f.m. broadcasting. FIGURE 2 shows
system. the essentials of an f.m. multiplex system.
Under some conditions, such as background music, the A similar system could even be used with phonograph
compressed signal is more desirable than the original full- records. The control signals could be multiplexed above the
range sound. The control signal gain can be easily adjusted audio signals at about 20 kHz on each channel.
to provide any degree of expansion from none to more than
normal. The result of varying the expansion is comparable to
varying the amount of compression. Because the expander
REFERENCES
1 John T. Mullin, Advanced Tape Mastering System:
CHANNEL AUDIO
LEFT
EXPANDER
RESTORED LEFT
l
CHANNEL AUDIO RIGHT
EXPANDER
RESTORED RIGHT
CHANNEL SIGNAL
ing Society, Vol. 16, No. 3, July 1968, pp. 314-320.
8 Ray M. Dolby, An Audio Noise Reduction System.
RIGHT CHANNEL AGC 4
Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, Vol. 15,
No. 4, October 1967, pp. 383 -388.
SUPPRESSED
9 Ray M. Dolby, Audio Noise Reduction: Some Prac-
(C) PILOT CARRIER CARRIER
100 tical Aspects, Part I. Audio, Vol. 52, No. 6, June 1968,
L +R L-R SIDE
AUDIO BANDS pp. 19 -22.
50
1 SCA OR AGC 10 Ray M. Dolby, Audio Noise Reduction, Part II.
CONTROL SIGNAL
Audio, Vol. 52, No. 7, July 1968, pp. 26 -30.
o
11 J. G. McKnight, Signal-To -Noise Problems and a
15 19 23 38 53 59.5 745
FREQUENCY (KHz)
New Equalization for Magnetic Recording of Music.
Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, Vol. -.
Figure 2. This block diagram indicates a possible system for noise No. 1, January 1959, pp. 5 -12.
04 reduction with f.m. multiplex.
MIRA
I N A D V A N C E D T E C H N O L O G Y
www.americanradiohistory.com
Thcory anc Practic
NORMAN H. CROWHURST
HIGH -PASS
8 -OHM 8 -OHM
16' SECTION
TWEETER TWEETER
80 8 -OHMS
AMPLIFIER 4o
16 -OHM AMPLIFIER 8
16
.111
WOOFER 40
LOW-PASS
16 -OHM
SECTION
WOOFER
16 -OHMS
HarveyRadio
A/Vivision,
Professional
7o., Inc.
2 West 45th St., New York, N.Y. 10036.(212) JU 2-1500.
Circle 27 on Reader Service Card
constant the impedance reflected through
the filters is, due to the fact that the
HI HI
speaker units do not possess impedance
characteristics that are of constant
IN IN
resistance.
The behavior of crossover filters in
LO
o
T I
LO
o this regard can be divided into two
(A) 6dB/OCT ULT. 3dB/OCT CROSSOVER (B) parts, by frequency: the pass range,
which consists of frequencies where the
filter doesn't do anything but make a
.707 707 HI
connection, and may be thought of as
IN being those frequencies beyond about
an octave from crossover; and the cross-
.707 707 LO over range, which can be regarded as ex-
o tending about an octave each side of
15
(C)
0.75
o
12dB /OCT ULT. 6dB /OCT CROSSOVER
0.5 HI
(D)
the actual crossover frequency.
In the pass range, each filter con-
nects the unit at its output, virtually
directly to the input. So the impedance
IN IN
seen at the input is the same as that
1.5 0.5
LO 2 LO connected to the output. The complete
0 75
impedance characteristics will be re-
(E)
18 dB /OCT ULT. 9dB /OCT CROSSOVER
(F) flected through, in these ranges: the
woofer impedance characteristic will be
the input impedance in the woofer pass
654
1.58 .382
924
HI range, and the tweeter impedance char-
IN IN acteristic will be the input impedance
924 in tweeter pass range.
LO 654 58 LO In the crossover range, the elements
382
1
2.614
(G)
of both filters contribute actively to the
24dß /OCT ULT. 12dB /OCT CROSSOVER (H) reflected impedance. If each filter is cor-
Figure 3. The variety of possible constant-resistance crossovers possible. The numbers against
rectly terminated, in this frequency
the elements represent the reactance at crossover, normalized to the working impedance.
range, the impedances reflected through
This means if the working impedance is 16 ohms, and the value indicated in 1.5, the reactance
each are complementary, such that com-
must be 1.5 x 16 or 24 ohms at crossover frequency.
bining them in parallel or series (as
shown in FIGURE 3), results in a con-
stant impedance.
But if the impedance is not a resist-
ance of the correct value within this
frequency range, the value reflected
back will differ from the design value
That's usually the simplest (FIGURE 1). For the 8-ohm tweeter, the filter in more complicated fashion.
There is an alternative (if you can needs capacitors with reactances of 12 For example, in the networks of
make your crossover from components ohms and 4 ohms at 800 Hz, and an FIGURE 3 -C, terminating the outputs
tailored to your needs) when the ampli- inductor with a reactance of 6 ohms. with an impedance that is higher than
fier has more than one output tap. A reactance chart gives these values nominal reflects an impedance that is
Each filter can be designed for the as 16.7 mFd, 50 mFd, and 1.2 mH. The lower than nominal. Note that the
speaker impedance with which it is used, complete circuit is shown at FIGURE 4. values are such that leaving the net-
and then the inputs are connected to So much for what to do, according to works open-circuit at the output leaves
the appropriate amplifier taps (FIGURE the nominal impedances of the speak- the filters as series-resonant -tuned cir-
2). This limits the crossover type to ers. But now comes the question of how cuits across the input, which means the
those whose inputs at parallel con-
nected.
To put this in perspective, FIGURE 3
shows crossovers for all slopes from 6
dB /octave at crossover) to 24 dB /oc-
tave ultimate (12 dB /octave at cross-
over), with element values given in the 16.7mfd 50mfd
reactance normalized to working im-
pedance at crossover frequency.
To apply this information to the ar- 8 -OHM
rangement of FIGURE 2, assume the 1
2m TWEETER
woofer is 16 -ohms and the tweeter is
8 -ohms, with a crossover at 800 Hz. The
woofer filter needs inductors with re-
actances of 24 ohms and 8 ohms at 800 Figure 4. The com-
Hz, and a capacitor with a reactance pleted filter of Fig-
of 12 ohms. ure 2, for a crossover
6-OHM
A reactance chart gives the required frequency of 800 WOOFER
values as 4.8 mH, 1.6 mH and 16.7 Hz, and the divided
om mFd. impedances.
www.americanradiohistory.com
what's
new.
n
recording?
or DC. Taking only 7" of rack 500 Hz crossover monitor /playback
space. the front is hinged for easy speaker.
access. Priced at $360. Model Large enough (cubical volume) to
9477A. provide the ultimate in low bass re-
production and extending through
to an extremely smooth mid -range,
250 Hz crossover dual limiter. on up to 22,000 Hz. Only $398.
Solid state design uses concept of Model 9845.
spectral separation to eliminate These advanced sound products
problems of envelope distortion are from Altec. suppliers to the
and loss of program following a professional broadcast, recording
high energy peak. Has dual band and motion picture industries for
dual release and single band dual over thirty years.
release controls. Stereo operation
is accomplished by using two limit-
ers Only $510 Model 9473A
Name
100 watt amplifier, from 20 Hz to
20,000 Hz. Company
BREAKS THE
COST BARRIER... reflected impedance will be close to zero electronic crossovers. The problems just
at crossover. discussed will be largely avoided if the
If the unit's impedance is higher than frequency separation is performed be-
nominal, the reflected impedance will fore the power amplifiers, so that each
not be zero, but it will be lower than power amplifier has to feed only one
nominal, in the region of crossover. So speaker system, and no crossover inter-
connecting a 16-ohm unit to the output action occurs.
of an Bohm crossover will result in the But there are other factors, which we
16 ohms being transferred directly to
the input through the pass range. But
will take up in the following issue. The
practical one, mentioned in October -
Model A -100
as crossover is approached, the reflected
impedance dips to lower than 8 ohms.
But speaker impedances don't just
sharp cut-off electronic crossover -
that you can't buy a correctly -designed,
is
about the only one in favor of electrical
deviate from nominal value, still being crossovers. Everything else favors the
6 OUTPUTS resistances of these different values. electronic variety. But we'll go into
The deviation occurs with reactive ele- that next time.
+20 DBM EACH ments. At the upper end of a units
60 DB ISOLATION range, usually the voice coil inductance
BETWEEN OUTPUTS becomes an appreciable portion of the
impedance, to which may be added
20 DB GAIN FOR some inductive motional impedance.
UNITY ADJUSTMENT At the lower end, if the unit is used Many readers do not realize that they
only above its fundamental resonance, can also be writers for db. We are
MEETS OR EXCEEDS the motional impedance may be capaci-
EVERY PROFESSIONALLY always seeking good, meaningful articles
tive. It may also be inductive. In neither
RECOGNIZED AUDIO of any length. The subject matter can
case is the reactive effect equivalent to
STANDARD a constant value inductor or capacitor. cover almost anything of interest and
But it is possible, with a little extra value to audio professionals.
12 UNITS REQUIRE
care, to offset the reactive effect in the Are you doing something original or
ONLY 51/4" RACK
SPACE
over -all design, so that matching is unusual in your work? Your fellow
more nearly maintained in its correct audio pros might want to know about
relationship. it. (It's easy to tell your story in db.)
PRICE antler 8115.00 For example, by using the network You don't have to be an experienced
of FIGURE 3 -E, the voice -coil inductance writer to be published. But you do need
RACK FRAME of the woofer can be regarded as part the ability to express your idea fully,
Model CF -300 of the output inductor. Often the voice - with adequate detail and information.
(accepts 12 Model A- 100's) coil inductance may usefully be the out-
put inductor, so that no separate corn - Our editors will polish the story for you.
POWER SUPPLY
ponent is needed in that position. At We suggest you first submit an outline
Model PS -600
the same time, by choosing the cross- so that we can work with you in the
ADA -7 PACKAGE over, so the tweeter resonance is below development of the article.
consisting of
12 Model A -100 it, the motional impedance will be ca- You also don't have to be an artist,
1 POWER SUPPLY P -600 pacitive in the region of crossover, so we'll re-do all drawings. This means we
1 RACK FRAME CF -300
the output capacitor isn't needed. do need sufficient detail in your rough
FIGURE 5 shows such an arrangement, drawing or schematic so that our artists
For more details write or call
using a 1,200 Hz crossover. Although will understand what you want.
the configuration looks like FIGURE 3 -C, It can be prestigious to be published
the circuit works like the arrangement
and it can be profitable too. All articles
of FIGURE 3 -E, giving a sharper cross-
TELCOMP over. accepted for publication are purchased.
MANUFACTURING All the foregoing has related to the You won't retire on our scale, but it can
A DIVISION Of If&fVISION ANO COMPUICR CORPORATION
electrical type crossover. In the October make a nice extra sum for that special
20(4 MOWO RAM
S íW1SA1r.
22 R
SCOID KW (701) 111 and November issues, we discussed occasion.
Circle 29 on Reader Service Card
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r
OPTICS
The field of image projection, whether
it be by a device that throws a picture on
a screen (front or rear) or by a unit
which has a scanning beam hitting a
retentive layer on the face of a tube,
can be classified broadly as belonging
to the much larger category of optic
and its applications.
The definition of the extent of the
term optics is not easy to explain if the
over -all range of the electromagnetic
spectrum is considered. The Greeks
had a word for sight and it is from this
word that the term optics is taken.
Thus, we usually consider the field of
optics as being limited to the range of
frequencies which can be detected by
the optic nerves of the eyes. . .visible YOU CAN COUNT ON
light. Within the past 100 years or so,
this definition has been changed radical-
ly. It is even being further broadened
today. The limits presently being used
Tanti bery
are those frequencies which can be con-
trolled by man -made devices through
SERIES 11
reflection, refraction and diffraction, PORTABLE /SOLID STATE
by using mirrors, lenses, and gratings. BATTERY OPERATED /TAPE RECORDER
This means that the previous limits
were in a very small range of wave-
3 Speeds - Full and 1/2 Track Models
lengths between 10-2 and 10-5 centi- Wherever and whenever there is a critical, on-the -spot tape recording to
deliver, Tandberg quality and reliability make it the professionals first
meters (visible light). Now, the much
broader limits are from approximately
choice. For many reasons. The name Tandberg and all it implies
"better, clearer, more natural sound" with these features: 3 separate heads;
plus -
10-'2 all the way to about 10-1 centi- 7" reel capacity (cover off); mixing facilities with separate level controls;
meters. This is still a very small part ±0.5% absolute speed tolerance; automatic limiting control; 200 ohm
of the electromagnetic spectrum which monitor headphone socket; built-in speaker; accepts ten 1.5 D cell batteries;
actually covers the range from the weighs 10 lbs.
Also Available "PILOTONE" Model 11-IP
lower limits of X -rays 10.13 to about SPECIFICATIONS
the upper the limits of radio waves 106. Frequency Response: 7% fps
000Hz (s2db 40- 16,000Hz); 334 fps
- 30 -20.
--
For Professional Sound Film
Synchronization and Audio
One of the earliest experiments with 30-43,000Hz ( ±2db 50- 9,000Hz): 1% fps
Engineering. Rugged. CII-
matized construction. Syn-
light was performed about 1800 by 30-7.000Hz (2db 60.4,500Hz). Signal-to- chronizer and power supply
noise Ratio: C 7% ips 61 db. Wow: 7%
placing a source behind a thin surface ips better than .1 %; 33/4 ips better than optional.
with a pinhole in it. This in turn was .15%; 1% ips better than .35%. Erase &
Bias Frequency: 85.5KHz '2KHz; below
placed behind another thin surface 5% distortion. Transistor Complement:
41 transistors. 8 diodes. 2 zener diodes.
with two slots in it arranged to be on $449.50 $699.00
either side of the pinhole. The resulting for better, clearer, more natural sound
light interference pattern of alternate
light and dark bands led to the much
more accurate interferometer. 1";111 her!! of America, Inc. P.O. Na 171, e Third Avenue, Pelham,
914 PE 8 -0772
N. Y.
w
1n
LINE AMPLIFIERS
COMPACT OSCILLATOR
80 dB of attenuation is featured in
this new precision oscillator. Ampli-
tudes from 2.5 V r.m.s. into 600-. down
to less than 250 ftV r.ms. are available.
The frequency range is 5 Hz to 1.2 mHz.
The model 240D offers its attenuation
in 10 dB steps with an accuracy of Model 180 series audio line amplifiers
+3%. This is +10 dB to ±60 dB with are available in 115 V a.c. and 12 V d.c.
the additional ±70 dB range specified versions. All silicon semiconductor cir-
at-5 %. A greater than 10 dB separate cuitry is uses to provide audio power
vernier provides a comfortable overlap into speaker loads. Different models
on any range. Distortion is less than provide 2 to 8 watt outputs into 80
0.1% between 30 and 100,000 Hz, hum loads, at full power distortions of 3.5%
and noise is less than 0.01% of output, or less. A.c. models include an on /off
and output amplitude is stable and switch and a built -in power supply.
flat: within -0.05 dB between 100 Hz Input sensitivity on all models is 100
and 300 kHz and within -1 dB over mV with the a.c. models equipped with
the rest of the range. built -in 500 -k gain controls. All units
Mfr.: Hewlett- Packard are completely enclosed, ready for
Price: $325 a.c. (mercury battery opera- mounting to any flat surface.
tion-$340, rechargeable batteries -$360 Mfr.: Pulse Dynamics Corp.
Circle 77 on Reader Service Card Circle 79 on Reader Service Card
www.americanradiohistory.com
NEW ATTFNIIATOR LINE PHONO AMP CARD
Disc playback applications are the
design goal for this plug -in model 104 MANUFACTURERS
card. It provides pre-preamplification
for Ortofon cartridges without the need
for their transformers and also includes SURPLUS COMPONENTS
precise RIAA equalization. The output
of the card then goes to a standard Large quantity of level controls, single
console microphone input position or a and dual potentiometers, various fixed
linear amplifier. The substitution of the resistors, high -wattage power trans-
card for the standard stepup trans- formers. Also several models of dis-
former not only provides the needed continued Acoustech amplifiers (vari-
ous wattages), f.m. tuner and amplifier
kits. Write for complete listing of
quantities and prices. Koss Electronics,
2227 North 31 Street, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. Telephone: 414- 444 -9442.
Attn Bob Bruecker.
e s
The German -made EAB fader prod-
ucts have been well -known in Europe
for some time. Sennheiser Electronic
Corp. is now distributing the line in this B
country through their regular channels.
Carbon -track resistance plates are used
as the resistive element to achieve BLOW UP YOUR BUSINESS to poster
continuously variable control with a size. Send any black & white or color
maximum resolution against minimum photo, drawing, print, or promotional
crackle pickup. A moving carbon pin RIAA equalization but reduces the fre material from 2- to 8 x 10 inches.
is the pickup point from the track. quency discrimination, phase shift, 2 foot x 3 foot
We will send you a
Careful design ensures minimum wear ambient pickup, and impedance limita-
poster and return your original un-
while maintaining a constant contact tions of the transformers. In addition,
pressure. Two longitudinal ball bearings the 30 output of the card and the 2n damaged.
provide smooth, even movements; output of the cartridge combine to 2 x 3 feet $ 5.00
changeover contacts at minimum posi- reduce by more than two orders of
tion may be used for switching opera- magnitude, the ambient hum pickup 3 x 4 feet $10.00
tions; and external contacts are by and capactive high -frequency attenua- plus 50c each for postage and handling.
knife contacts. A number of ladder tion of long cable runs. Distortion is Joni Company, P.O. Box 49, Cooper
and potentiometer sliders in mono or less an 0.01% (test residual) and noise
Station, New York, N.Y. 10003
stereo configurations are available. As is significantly below the record surface
potentiometers, the units may be had noise of the finest quality disc record-
in log or linear characteristic. A detailed ings. Power requirements are 24 V d.c.
brochure may be had for the asking. at 20 mA.
Mfr.: Sennheiser Electronic Corp. Mfr.: Spectra Sonics
Circle 75 on Reader Service Card Circle 78 on Reader Service Card
ORGAN KIT
A new organ kit, low in price has
been released specifically for the light
music field. It has the usual two key-
boards, and like more expensive instru-
ments, the pitches available from the RECORDING STUDIO
two are different, to take care of accom-
paniment and melody. There are 14 WANTED
organ voices, all different and distinc-
tive. The 29 key accompaniment key- New York record company
Successful
board goes down to the C below middle
wishes to purchase existing VIII -track
C; the 36 -note solo keyboard goes up
to the third E above middle C. The recording studio. Location midtown
lowest of the 13 pedals produces the Manhattan. All replies confidential.
same 32.7 Hz bass pitch found on larger Please contact giving details of equip-
organs. The console is walnut veneer ment to Mr. I. Schlussel, 545 Madison
and solids. The kit is available directly Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022
from the manufacturer. A special seven -
inch 33% r.p.m. demonstration disc is
also available.
Mfr: Schober Organ Corp.
Price: $599.50 w
Circle 82 on Reader Service Card
www.americanradiohistory.com
How To General Audio
www.americanradiohistory.com
HANDBOOK OF ELECTRONIC TABLES
á FORMULAS, (3rd Edition)
A one -stop source for all charts, tables,
For-
mulas, laws, symbols, and standards used in
electronics. Devotes complete sections to
items of interest to service technicians and to
CbssiFied
circuit design data. Includes a 8 -page, full -
color fold -out chart showing latest FCC allo-
cations for the entire frequency spectrum.
232 pages; 53' x 8%; hardbound Closing date is the fifteenth of the second
$5.50 ($6.60 in Canada) month preceding the date of issue. Send
Circle 8 on Coupon Below
copy to:
Classified Ad Dept.
db
Test and Maintenance THE SOUND ENGINEERING MAGAZINE
980 Old Country Road
INTERMODULATION AND
Plainview, New York 11803
HARMONIC DISTORTION
HANDBOOK Rates are 50c a word for commercial adver-
by Howard M. Tremaine. A complete refer- tisements. Non -commercial and employment
ence guidebook on audio signal intermodu- offered or wanted placements are accepted
lation and harmonic distortion. 172 pages; at 25c per word.
53 x 83; softbound.
$4.45 ($5.45 in Canada)
Circle 9 on Coupon Below
EMPLOYMENT
SCULLY TAPE RECORDERS one to
Circuitry and Components
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NEL SPECIALISTS. A selective service for
PASSIVE AUDIO NETWORK DESIGN
by Howard M. Tremaine. A complete and
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SCULLY LATHES -
many models in stock for immediate delivery.
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assts, etc. Call us today! Smith's Personnel
Service, 1457 Broadway, N.Y.C. 10036.
Alayne Spertell 212 WI 7 -3806.
MIXING CONSOLES -
plete cutting systems with Westrex heads.
Custom designed
using Wiegand Audio Lab modules. From
authoritative text is one of the few written $7,000.00. Wiegand Audio Laboratories,
on the subject, and requires only nominal 3402 Windsor Road, Wall, New Jersey
mathematical background. Written in easy- 07719. Phone: 201 681 -6443.
SOUND SYSTEM ENGINEERS and sound
to- understand language, the content presents
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visual and c.c.t.v. preferred. East Side
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-
system servicemen with experience in audio-
associated with passive networks. 288 pages; All information kept confidential. Send
53 x 8 softbound. resume and salary requirements to Box F1,
EDUCATION
$5.50 ($6.45 in Canada) db Magazine, 980 Old Country Road,
Circle 5 on Coupon Below Plainview, N.Y. 11803
EARN YOUR ELECTRONICS ENGINEER-
TRANSISTORS FOR AUDIO
FREQUENCY (AUDIO- FREQUENCY SALES ENGINEER. Prominent audio equip- ING degree, mostly by correspondence.
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by Guy Fontaine. 1967. This systematic and experience in recording equipment. Should ous training and experience. Free Catalog.
have degree in electronic engineering or Write: Dept. E -3, Grantham School of Elec-
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operation. Involves relocation and travel. California 90027.
how the published transistor characteristics Send resume, in confidence to Box 5, db
are related to the principles of design. To as- Magazine, 980 Old Country Road, Plain-
sure clarity, the figures are rendered in sev- view, N.Y. 11803
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SERVICES
text. Simple equations reinforce the lucid ap-
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FOR SALE - new or used -
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check us first. Trade your
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ACOUSTICAL TESTS model 440K. Price $30.00. Send for free Supply Co., Box 3141, Bristol, Tenn. 37620
AND MEASUREMENTS catalog and 50 operational amplifier appli-
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Vista Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90036.
CUSTOM STYLUS
re- building,
-
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tical, time -saving solutions to actual problems AUDIO AND VIDEO JACK PANELS and Audio Stylus Corp., 111 -D Lake Ave.,
patch cords. 500 -500 ohm repeat coils.
encountered in the field; minimum math is re- New and used. Send for list. Gulf Electro Tuckahoe, New York, 10707 (Telephone:
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Circle 7 on Coupon Below
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Poopo, Paccs, Ha op rings
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Ns is this is the world's
the world's finest headphone
headphone electrostatic
stereophones
model esp -6
Since 1962, the famous Koss PRO -4A has been the most electrostatic
popular stereo headphone in the world. It still is! It has stereophones
also been the finest. The PRO -4A became the most pop- $95.00
complete with fitted,
ular because it was the finest. But excellent though the portable carrying case
and individually
PRO -4A is, Koss engineers have gone it one better. Now measured response curve.
it must bow to the superb ... a professional headphone
employing electrostatic reproduction elements previ-
model pro -4A
ously useable only in very large, high -priced speaker stereophones
systems like the Koss -Acoustech X system. Because of $50.00
this technological breakthrough, the ESP -6 reproduces
9 of a possible 10 octaves the human ear can hear.
What about the PRO -4A? Well, it's almost humorous
to think of it as "second best ". It's still the same precise,
exciting sound. Still the same durable quality. Were it
not for such a dramatic development as Electrostatic
Stereophones, it would still be well ahead of the pack!
KOSS
KOSS ELECTRONICS INC.
2227 N. 31st Street Milwaukee, Wis. 53208
cs!)_ Export: Koss Electronics S.r.l.
Via Bellini 7, 20054 /Nova Milanese, Italia
www.americanradiohistory.com
The industry needs one more module ours!
OATAMIX CLARK
o Ñ
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240
120 12 T
80 .8 5
If you want total control
and the ability to give your clients
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the choice of Components is obvious. HZ KHZ KHZ
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