Quality acoustics: technical characteristics and models

Qualitative acoustics today is not only an indicator of financial well-being, but also a convincing sign of intelligibility in technology and the availability of good taste. The music market every year offers more and more new and improved models, and finding something suitable for yourself is sometimes very difficult.

Of course, you can also use the "grandfather's gramophone" to listen to your favorite music, but it is unlikely that he will present the volume, clarity and palette of sound that qualitative acoustics can convey. Which systems are ideal for home, and what for cars?

How it all began

The first apparatus for sound recording and reproduction appeared in the late 19th century. They worked not mechanically but mechanically. A vivid example of this was the Edison phonograph (1877), which recorded the sound with the help of the movement of a needle interfaced with a membrane. Movement took place on a drum covered with wax, or foil. Then the needle moved along the already drawn path. So the sound was reproduced.

The phonograph was replaced by a gramophone. The principle of operation remained the same, but instead of a drum, a varnished disc was used. Gramophones, and then gramophone gradually spread throughout the world.

Breakthrough

The issue of using electricity for sound reproduction remained open. Back in 1824, Ernst Siemens (the creator of the firm of the same name) offered a description of the apparatus where a special coil with winding moves under the influence of an electric current, and its vibrations reproduce the sound. However, the invention remained in theory until 1915. While these developments were not picked up by Bell's engineers (the inventor of the phone). Soon the streets of the cities were decorated with horn loudspeakers. But their range was low.

A real breakthrough in acoustics was the electrodynamic radiator from the American company "General Electric". In it the diaphragm worked in a range significantly higher than its frequency. The device was used for the Radiola Model 104 loudspeakers and Radiola 28 radios. In 1927, the sound quality was improved due to the introduction of a permanent magnet in the head of the loudspeaker. Since that time, a lot of changes have taken place in the acoustic systems, but the principle of operation has remained the same.

Emitter

Modern acoustic systems are designed for sound reproduction and consist of acoustic design and built-in speaker. The number of speakers distinguish between single-band and multi-band devices. Create a radiator, clearly reproducing the sounds of different frequencies, is quite difficult, so single-band systems have not received distribution.

In multiband devices, audio frequencies are divided into several bands, overlapping with each other. For each range is its own dynamic head. This device explains the quality of acoustics.

Classification of acoustic systems

All acoustic systems are divided into active and passive (in connection with the amplifier), shelf and floor (in size), budget, Hi-Fi, High-End-class (at cost).

The device of passive acoustics includes a radiator and a crossover, an external amplifier. The active is supplemented with a built-in power amplifier. A built-in amplifier saves money, because there is no need to purchase a separate installation. However, if the speaker system is installed at a certain height, then the amplifier maintenance is difficult. In powerful acoustics systems, amplifiers are installed in each device, and this requires two power supplies. Accordingly, the cost of the device also increases.

Taking into account all the intricacies of the device, the use of active speakers is advisable for personal computers, in studio monitors and for sounding discos and small concert venues.

In a separate category fall all-weather systems of acoustics. They work under extreme conditions, with sudden temperature changes. And also Lifestyle systems, combining exclusive design and high-quality sound.

Acoustic design

The design of acoustic systems is represented by several options. This can be a closed or an open box. The latter include acoustic screens or shields, as well as the so-called "active housing". Maybe the design of Jensen-Onken, and a horn, and Push-pull, and a system with a maze. In addition, an "acoustic lens" or a Helmholtz resonator can be used.

Material

In choosing a speaker system, in addition to technical characteristics, the material from which the device is made is also important. Because it also affects the sound quality and the cost of the system. The case of columns is usually made of wood, plastic and metal. In other words, the "body" of the column must be rigid to absorb / reflect sound waves of a certain power, frequency.

For budgetary options use plastic. Columns of various forms are quite practical, often used for personal computers. However, plastic has one minus. It rattles from a large sound pressure (loudness). Although there are models of speakers, the body of which is made of multilayer plastic, more resistant to high sound power.

Lightness, good density and rigidity are possessed by metal cases of acoustic columns, or rather, they are made of aluminum alloys. Aluminum itself reduces resonance and improves transmission of audio frequencies. From the oxidation of "volatile metal" protects a special colorless film. Such devices can be used as all-weather.

But the best quality acoustics has a wooden case. Ideally, the tree is chosen before felling, then stand the time until it dries naturally. The very manufacture and processing is almost completely manual. The material is not always available, therefore, multilayer plywood, MDF, particle board is more often used. The material has excellent characteristics: it does not carry sound, absorbs sound vibrations, has mechanical rigidity, etc. Stratification and absorption of moisture prevent painting or veneering.

Some manufacturers use non-standard materials. For example, the company Waterfall creates shells of columns of glass.

Speakers for home

The choice of the speaker system can enter into the stupor of each. And it's not even in quality and price, but in the diversity of manufacturers and models. Quality acoustics for the house is selected according to the following algorithm:

• First, it is necessary to determine what kind of appearance and size should have an acoustics system. Appearance depends on personal taste, and the dimensions must match the room where the device will be located.
• Remembering the dimensions of the speakers, one should also take into account their acoustic properties and dynamics. Sometimes medium-sized systems are very powerful, which is not suitable for a small room.
• Quality acoustics has a wooden case, but you should give a chance to other materials. Their properties can also "enrich" the sound.
• The technical passport also has a value . It details important indicators: sensitivity of the loudspeaker (ideally from 90 dB), frequency range (20 Hz-20 kHz), number of bands (two to three), resistance of speakers (4.6-8 ohms) and electric power (for home 50-100 W).
• And finally, checking the selected system. In this case, the amplifier should not have a multi-band equalizer, but only a tone control. Sometimes sellers-consultants cunning in the use of the amplifier.
• The music for high-quality acoustics is also important. The sound source should be a CD / DVD-player, and the disc is branded (CD-format). Quality music to test the acoustics should sound equally good at different levels of loudness.

Car speakers

Quality acoustics in the car - no less sensitive issue. There are many manufacturers and advertising, but how to choose the right one? Of course, it's right to rely on your own musical preferences: natural sound power or bass dominance. But nevertheless there are general technical parameters.

• It is worth paying attention to the dynamics. Preferably a rubber coating, not a cloth coating.
• Installation. A diluted acoustics with snipers (tweeters) is installed in front of the car in the car. They will provide a soft, even sound. Behind in the cabin is also installed acoustics (17-20 cm). The front acoustics reproduces high and medium frequencies, the rear one - low frequencies.
• Columns require a podium, and on the door - noise isolators.
• The last moment is quality music for testing acoustics. A high bitrate has a CD-format. Therefore, it is preferable for testing the system. In the formats MP3 and MPEG compression is applied, as a result, quality is lost.

About manufacturers

Among the companies engaged in the creation of acoustic systems, there are several conscientious and time-tested. Yamaha, Microlab, Cabasse, JMLab, Piega. The German company Bell-Audio is known for the use of two-layer monolithic plastic in the manufacture of casings. In terms of density and rigidity, they exceed even wooden ones. Another first-class manufacturer of speakers is Gemme Audio. For its models, it uses chipboard and powerful emitters.

Quality automotive acoustics are produced by firms: Focal, Infinity, hertz, Morel, Magnat, as well as "coryphaees" of Panasonic, Pioneer, Kenwood.

Do it yourself

If the budget options do not suit the quality, and costly acoustics does not have enough money, you can try to design and assemble the device yourself. How to make high-quality acoustics?

Pretty hard. It takes not only time and wit, but knowledge of certain programs. For example, the calculation of acoustic design, the position of the speakers on the front panel of the case and their combination for a two-, three-way system. The production of one column can take months.