Wireless Loudspeaker Technology for More Efficient Sound Transmission Testing

Authors

  • Jeremy Thorbahn Thorbahn Acoustics Inc.

Abstract

In architectural acoustics consulting, sound transmission tests are often conducted between "source" and "receiver" rooms in a building by using powered loudspeakers connected to a sound source, such as a dedicated signal generator, smartphone or laptop computer. When the sound source uses a wired cable connection to the loudspeaker, the user is required to physically travel back and forth between source and receiver rooms to turn on and off sound the source, since ambient/background noise levels must also be measured. The logistics of this type of setup increase the time required to complete tests, and also introduce the need for hearing protection in many cases, to allow the user to enter the source room while sound pressure levels in excess of 90-100 dBA are present. We reviewed available options to overcome these limitations and to be able to complete sound transmission tests more quickly by allowing wireless control of the sound source from the receiver room, including power amplifiers with remote control, loudspeakers with bluetooth audio streaming capability, and loudspeakers with built-in wireless control via smartphone or tablet. Advantages and drawbacks of each approach are discussed, including costs.

Author Biography

Jeremy Thorbahn, Thorbahn Acoustics Inc.

Jeremy Thorbahn is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Thorbahn Acoustics Inc. Jeremy is an acoustical consultant and physicist and over the past decade has consulted on dozens of high-profile projects across Canada and around the world. He has worked in consulting organizations in Ottawa, the Greater Toronto Area and in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jeremy has led the acoustic design for many of the most significant developments in the Atlantic region over the past several years and is a member of the Canadian Acoustical Association.

Additional Files

Published

2022-07-05

How to Cite

1.
Thorbahn J. Wireless Loudspeaker Technology for More Efficient Sound Transmission Testing. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2022 Jul. 5 [cited 2024 May 2];50(3):42-3. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/3834

Issue

Vol. 50 No. 3 (2022)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

License

Author Licensing Addendum

This Licensing Addendum ("Addendum") is entered into between the undersigned Author(s) and Canadian Acoustics journal published by the Canadian Acoustical Association (hereinafter referred to as the "Publisher"). The Author(s) and the Publisher agree as follows:

  1. Retained Rights: The Author(s) retain(s) the following rights:

    • The right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the Work on the Author's personal website or the website of the Author's institution.
    • The right to use the Work in the Author's teaching activities and presentations.
    • The right to include the Work in a compilation for the Author's personal use, not for sale.

  2. Grant of License: The Author(s) grant(s) to the Publisher a worldwide exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the Work in Canadian Acoustics and any other formats and media deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

  3. Attribution: The Publisher agrees to include proper attribution to the Author(s) in all publications and reproductions of the Work.

  4. No Conflict: This Addendum is intended to be in harmony with, and not in conflict with, the terms and conditions of the original agreement entered into between the Author(s) and the Publisher.

  5. Copyright Clause: Copyright on articles is held by the Author(s). The corresponding Author has the right to grant on behalf of all Authors and does grant on behalf of all Authors, a worldwide exclusive license to the Publisher and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats, and media (whether known now or created in the future), including but not limited to the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, store, translate, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections, and create summaries, extracts, and/or abstracts of the Contribution.