14-07-2012, 12:14 PM
Audio Spotlight Sound System Research
[attachment=27633]
The scene shop for our theatres created a special mounting bracket, and the device
is ready for incorporation into our productions.
The Audio Spotlight® does not perform completely as I suspected. As I understood, the
system was capable of transmitting direct sound for several hundred feet. In my initial
tests, it was apparent that this device is useful mainly for short distances. It is my opinion
that for theatrical purposes, it would require a quiet moment in the action for the sound to
be perceived well. It presents a “delicate” sound until pointed directly at you, and then it
seems a bit “telephonic” in quality.
The sound dispersion of the Audio
Spotlight® can be likened to a
directional beam of light, like a
flashlight (see figure 2). Its best use
is for delivering sound to an isolated
area. According to the supplied
manual, the most present sound is at
a distance of around six feet while
listening directly in front of the disc.
At fifteen feet away from the disc,
the sound level drops by about 9
decibels. Based on these
specifications, its best use would be
in a small environment where sound
“bleed” is an issue. Museums utilize similar devices when multiple media kiosks must be
confined to a central area. Occasionally, we may utilize the Audio Spotlight® in our
lobby for similar presentations.
This semester, I have started introducing the Audio Spotlight® into my DRAM 262
(Survey of Sound) class. As an alternate way of projecting sound, it seems to illustrate
why conventional speakers sound as they do. It provides more answers for how
conventional speakers work rather than creating questions within those who hear it about
why it works the way it does. As I learn more about it as a tool for sound, I will be able
to present it as a practical system for sound in the theatre rather than just a device for
comparison.
[attachment=27633]
The scene shop for our theatres created a special mounting bracket, and the device
is ready for incorporation into our productions.
The Audio Spotlight® does not perform completely as I suspected. As I understood, the
system was capable of transmitting direct sound for several hundred feet. In my initial
tests, it was apparent that this device is useful mainly for short distances. It is my opinion
that for theatrical purposes, it would require a quiet moment in the action for the sound to
be perceived well. It presents a “delicate” sound until pointed directly at you, and then it
seems a bit “telephonic” in quality.
The sound dispersion of the Audio
Spotlight® can be likened to a
directional beam of light, like a
flashlight (see figure 2). Its best use
is for delivering sound to an isolated
area. According to the supplied
manual, the most present sound is at
a distance of around six feet while
listening directly in front of the disc.
At fifteen feet away from the disc,
the sound level drops by about 9
decibels. Based on these
specifications, its best use would be
in a small environment where sound
“bleed” is an issue. Museums utilize similar devices when multiple media kiosks must be
confined to a central area. Occasionally, we may utilize the Audio Spotlight® in our
lobby for similar presentations.
This semester, I have started introducing the Audio Spotlight® into my DRAM 262
(Survey of Sound) class. As an alternate way of projecting sound, it seems to illustrate
why conventional speakers sound as they do. It provides more answers for how
conventional speakers work rather than creating questions within those who hear it about
why it works the way it does. As I learn more about it as a tool for sound, I will be able
to present it as a practical system for sound in the theatre rather than just a device for
comparison.