9:00 am

L-1 Modal Improved Condenser Microphone

Richard Barnert, AKG Acoustics GmbH, Vienna, Austria

Techniques are shown which make it possible to alter the frequency response and therefore the sound of a condenser microphone by using the nature of diaphragm modal shapes. The modal behaviour can further be influenced by stretching the diaphragm at certain points, which leads to increased sensitivity. By applying these low cost methods, it is possible to modify specific frequency responses and to improve the signal-to-noise ratio in an easy way.

Convention Paper 5466

9:30 am

L-2 Benefits of a Digitally Interfaced Studio Microphone

Stephan Peus and Otmar Kern, Georg Neumann GmbH, Berlin, Germany

With the introduction of a new technique of analog to digital conversion a digitally interfaced microphone could be developed retaining the full dynamic range and quality of analog microphones. Similar to known gain-ranging procedures, two separate conversion circuits are employed. But in opposite, that critical signal switching processes are completely prevented, resulting in a very high dynamic range and proper signal processing up to maximum signal levels. Advantages and possibilities of using the new technique are shown based on an example which contains remote controllable functions, which were so far available only in the following signal processing, e.g. in a mixing console.

Convention Paper 5467

10:00 am

L-3 What Happens to My Recording When It's Played on the Radio?

Robert Orban, Orban, San Leandro, CA, USA
Frank Foti, Omnia Audio, Cleveland, OH, USA

Few people in the record industry really know how a radio station processes its material before it hits the FM airwaves. This article's purpose is to remove the many myths and misconceptions surrounding this arcane art. Every radio station uses a transmission audio processor in front of its transmitter. The processor's most important function is to control the peak modulation of the transmitter to the legal requirements of the regulatory body in each station's nation. However, very few stations use a simple peak limiter for this function. Instead, they use more complex audio chains. These can accurately constrain peak modulation while significantly decreasing the peak-to-average ratio of the audio. This makes the station sound louder within the allowable peak modulation.

Convention Paper 5469