A review of sound reinforcement system design and applications as continually changing over the years through the introduction of new design techniques, equipment, and commissioning

Abstract

Since the author's first commercial sound system design in 1960 and the first use of this system in 1962 system design techniques, audio equipment, and methods used for system test, adjustment, and equalization have been continually changing. Most of these changes have been good and have resulted in better performing sound reinforcement systems. However, a few of the changes have not contributed to improved system performance. This presentation will review the following changes: in design methods such as techniques for determining loudspeaker sound distribution in a particular venue, in audio equipment including the use of digital signal processing and audio signal transmission, in loudspeaker directivity both better and worse, in the introduction of new microphone types and the disappearance of several useful microphone types, and in system commissioning including equalization from the days of passive filters to digitally produced filters. The presentation will include several microphone and equalization demonstrations.