AES San Francisco 2008
Live Sound Event M3
Friday, October 3, 2:30 pm — 4:15 pmM3 - Sonic Methodology and Mythology
Presenter:
Keith O. Johnson - Pacifica, CA, USA
Abstract:
Do extravagant designs and superlative specifications satisfy sonic expectations? Can power cords, interconnects, marker dyes and other components in a controversial lineup improve staging, clarity, and other features? Intelligent measurements and neural feedback studies support these sonic issues as well as predict misdirected methodology from speculative thought. Sonic changes and perceptual feats to hear them are possible and we'll explore recorders, LPs, amplifiers, conversion, wire, circuits and loudspeakers to observe how they create artifacts and interact in systems. Hearing models help create and interpret tests intended to excite predictive behaviors of components. Time domain, tone cluster and fast sweep signals along with simple test devices reveal small complex artifacts. Background knowledge of halls, recording techniques, and cognitive perception becomes helpful to interpret results, which can reveal simple explanations to otherwise remarkable physics. Other topics include power amplifiers that can ruin a recording session, noise propagation from regulators, singing wire, coherent noise, eigensonics, and speakers prejudicial to key signatures. Waveform perception, tempo shifting, and learned object sounds will be demonstrated.