Reactive Silent Speaker for Loudspeaker Harmonic Nonlinearity Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loudspeakers introduce harmonic nonlinearities when converting signals to sound, making it impractical for musicians to record these nonlinearities outside a sound-proof studio without using a studio-quality microphone, as the existing methods require high sound pressure levels and are impractical for field recordings.
Innovation Solution
A reactive silent speaker (RSS) device that replicates loudspeaker harmonic nonlinearities by simulating the electrical and magnetic interactions within a loudspeaker, allowing the modified signal to be directly recorded or monitored without outputting sound, using a combination of resistive and inductive elements to emulate the voice-coil and permanent magnet interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a studio-quality microphone is used to capture loudspeaker output, then accurate reproduction of harmonic nonlinearities is achieved, but the method becomes impractical for field recordings outside sound-proof studios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an electrical copy of the loudspeaker's harmonic nonlinearities by processing the input signal through circuitry that replicates the nonlinear characteristics, eliminating the need to physically capture acoustic output with microphones in field environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic system (loudspeaker + microphone) with an electrical signal processing system that directly generates the harmonic nonlinearities through circuit elements, avoiding the need for physical sound reproduction and acoustic measurement
2Reliability
If high sound pressure levels are used to create desired harmonic nonlinearities, then the characteristic loudspeaker sound is achieved, but the method becomes impractical for musicians recording outside sound-proof studios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the harmonic nonlinearities that would result from high SPL operation by processing the signal through nonlinear circuit elements, allowing musicians to achieve the desired character without actually playing at high volumes in field environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by generating harmonic nonlinearities electrically through circuit elements rather than requiring high acoustic power, enabling the effect to be produced at low signal levels suitable for field recording equipment
3Measurement precision
If a physical loudspeaker is used to generate harmonic nonlinearities, then accurate loudspeaker characteristics are reproduced, but the method requires sound-proof studios and high amplification levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical loudspeaker system with an electrical signal processing system that directly generates the same harmonic nonlinearities through circuit elements, eliminating the need for acoustic enclosures and sound-proof environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential nonlinear characteristic from the loudspeaker system and replicates it through simplified circuit elements, removing the need for the complete physical loudspeaker assembly and its associated environmental requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the capture and reproduction of loudspeaker harmonic nonlinearities across different amplification levels without the need for a physical loudspeaker, allowing for accurate recording and monitoring of sound characteristics in any environment, improving the practicality of capturing desired sound characteristics for musicians.
Implementation Method 1
The inductive element may receive the amplified signal from the amplifier as an input signal and may create a fluctuating magnetic field based on the amplified signal
Implementation Method 2
The resistive element may be wound in a first direction (e.g., clockwise winding)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for introducing loudspeaker harmonic nonlinearities to a signal without outputting the signal as audio or sound through a loudspeaker and recording the output audio or sound. The device includes a resistive element and an inductive element. The resistive element includes a hollow core and a first wire wound around the hollow core in a first direction. The inductive element is inserted within the hollow core of the resistive element, and includes a metal-based core and a second wire wound around the metal-based core in an opposite second direction. A signal or current is first passed through the inductive element, creating electromagnetic distortion between the resistive element and the inductive element that simulates inductance of the loudspeaker voice-coil. The electromagnetic distortion alters the signal by introducing harmonic nonlinearities into the signal.