{"id":14716,"date":"2022-01-28T14:01:40","date_gmt":"2022-01-28T13:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/waves-system.com\/?p=14716"},"modified":"2024-01-26T12:27:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T11:27:02","slug":"directional-sound-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/waves-system.com\/en\/actualites\/directional-sound-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Directional sound system and other directional speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Directional sound<\/strong>, one of the latest innovations of recent years<\/strong>, is making the world of audiovisual media shine. There are a variety of brands that are taking on the adventure, each with its own formula<\/strong>. Among them is Waves System with its Hypersound directional sound system<\/strong>. This article will help you understand directional sound and its benefits<\/strong>, and the background of this technology<\/strong> that is and will be a source of new sensory experiences<\/strong>.<\/p>

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What is Directional Sound?<\/h2>

Directional sound refers to the technology<\/strong> of using various devices to create sound patterns that spread out<\/strong> less than most<\/strong> conventional speakers. There are several techniques<\/strong> to achieve this, and each has its advantages and disadvantages<\/strong>. Ultimately, the choice of a directional speaker depends largely on the environment <\/strong>in which it will be used, as well as the content <\/strong>to be played or reproduced. Consideration of these factors leads to the best results when evaluating directional sound system<\/strong> technologies<\/strong>.
For all wave-generating sources, the maximum directivity of a source corresponds to the size of the source<\/strong> compared to the wavelengths it generates: the larger the source compared to the wavelength of the sound waves, the more directional the beam. The specific transduction method<\/strong> does not affect the directivity of the resulting sound field, the analysis relies only on the aperture function of the source according to the Huygens-Fresnel principle<\/strong>. We can notice that the ultrasonic loudspeakers<\/strong> achieve high directivity by modulating audible sound to high-frequency ultrasound.<\/strong> The higher frequency sound waves have a shorter wavelength and therefore do not propagate as quickly<\/strong>. For this reason, the resulting directivity of these devices is much higher than is possible with any loudspeaker system. However, they are reported to have limited low frequency reproduction capabilities.<\/strong><\/p>

Discover our directional loudspeaker<\/a><\/div><\/div>
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What are the advantages of a directional sound system?<\/h2>

The directional loudspeakers<\/strong> are used especially where the sound & tone is desired targeted<\/strong> to a listening position without sounding the entire listening area. Prime examples include promotions in retail showrooms<\/strong> or exhibitions<\/strong>, displays in art galleries<\/strong> or museums<\/strong> or even targeted public address<\/strong> and warning systems. Directional speakers have a strong directional characteristic<\/strong> in the entire frequency range and are designed for targeted sound reinforcement<\/strong> in defined listening zones and in rooms with high reverberation time. They provide excellent speech intelligibility<\/strong> and low feedback tendency<\/strong> during microphone operation. They have been used successfully in the USA for years, but have barely gained a foothold in Europe. These directional loudspeakers make it possible to cover only a limited area<\/strong>. To summarize, this technology is particularly relevant for applications around visitor attraction and in public places where there is the requirement for sound to be directed<\/strong> or contained<\/strong>. <\/p>

Ultrasound loudspeaker<\/strong><\/h3>

A bit of history<\/h4>

The man who most likely discovered ultrasound<\/strong> was named Lazzaro Spallanzani<\/strong> (1729-1799). He was a physiologist, teacher, and priest who conducted many experiments<\/strong> that advanced modern biology<\/strong>.
In 1794, Professor Spallanzani conducted several studies on bats<\/strong> that led him to conclude that bats move by sound rather than sight<\/strong>. Bats use almost inaudible sounds<\/strong> to orient themselves.<\/p>

“The first detailed experiments suggesting that inaudible sounds might exist were performed on bats by Lazzaro Spallanzani,” D. Kane, W. Grassi, R. Sturrock, P. V. Balint; A brief history of musculoskeletal ultrasound: ‘From bats and ships to babies and hips,’ Rheumatology, Volume 43, Issue 7, 1 July 2004.<\/p><\/blockquote>

Is ultrasound dangerous for human hearing?<\/h4>

Yes and no<\/strong>, after years of research we can now use ultrasound in various forms. Many devices have been developed for medical use<\/strong>, but also for music<\/strong>. The forms that are used in medicine or even in commerce are harmless <\/strong>forms of ultrasound.
Airborne ultrasound has no measurable effects<\/strong> on hearing and shows no adverse effects <\/strong>in safety studies conducted by recognized specialists<\/strong> in acoustics research. Levels and exposures are much lower<\/strong> than medical applications of ultrasound that are routinely used.<\/p>

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People are routinely exposed<\/strong> to a variety of industrial and commercial ultrasonic sounds<\/strong>, including jet noise, cleaning equipment, drills, welders, emulsifiers, dog repellers, alarms, etc. It is well known that the skin absorbs ultrasound<\/strong> from the air very poorly<\/strong> and typically reflects 99.90% of ultrasound energy.
In a study published in 2002, Martin L. Lenhardt, Ph.D., Au.D., a bioacoustician and health effects specialist examined the risks<\/strong> of exposure to an ultrasonic beam and to low-frequency (20-100 kHz) airborne ultrasound in general. After reviewing the published literature, he concluded that exposure to sound in this range<\/strong> should pose essentially no risk<\/strong> for threshold changes or hearing damage at an OSHA limit for exposure to low-frequency airborne sound of 145 dB <\/strong>(OSHA’s standard for occupational ultrasonic noise) or below. A study of 20 subjects in which hearing thresholds and tympanograms were measured before and after exposure revealed no statistically significant effects on hearing<\/strong>, either temporary or permanent. The absence of any effects on hearing suggests that listening to sound frequencies with this method is comparable to listening through a normal loudspeaker<\/strong>.<\/p>

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