A natural starting point for the study of any physical system is linearisation–leading to great simplification is terms of analysis, and also, in the computer age, to design flexibility and algorithmic simplification in simulation. The acoustics of musical instruments is no exception. One question, then, is: how much of the behaviour of a given instrument … Read more
Malcolm Moore has done extensive research into guitar pickups. SOURCE The high-bandwidth requirement of guitar amplifiers is a crucial aspect that impacts their performance and the overall sound quality they deliver. In the context of guitar amplification, “bandwidth” refers to the range of frequencies the amplifier can accurately reproduce. For electric guitars, this encompasses … Read more
The possibly unexpected importance of extreme detail in musical excellence. Research paper from Menno van der Veen, 122nd AES in Vienna, Austria, May 2007 ( PDF, archive ) — Summarily paraphrased: Failing to accurately transfer fine details at low levels, traditional audio output transformers nonlinearly mask the naturalness and purity of music played through them. SOURCE … Read more
A major cause of audible, non-linear distortions in capacitors By Menno ven der Veen: “We have discovered a major cause of nonlinear distortion in capacitors and we have shown that this effect can create significant -and thus audible- distortions in sound signals…this effect can introduce high levels of intermodulation distortion and thus lead to audible … Read more
Information on ground loops and mains hum. SOURCE Mains hum and ground loops are two common issues in electrical systems, particularly audio and video setups, that can cause unwanted noise and interference. 1. **Mains Hum**: Mains hum, also known as AC hum or power line hum, is a low-frequency noise typically heard in audio … Read more
Over 90 tube amp topologies examined, further evidence of how audio output transformers inescapably present limitations and compromises. Menno Van der Veen presented at 118th AES a paper detailing a universal audio output transformer system that “includes all possible variations in topologies. The system contains 90 variations (at least) and some of them have never … Read more
Abstract Absolute pitch (AP) is the rare ability to identify the pitch of a tone without the aid of a reference tone. Understanding both the nature and genesis of AP can provide insights into neuroplasticity in the auditory system. We explored factors that may influence the accuracy of pitch perception in AP subjects both … Read more
section 10 of article — Referring to the complex impedance of a loudspeaker, Vance Dickason states [2] that, “Phase angles in excess of 40° at low frequencies, and the same at frequencies about 1-2 kHz, can be considered as a somewhat difficult load for an amplifier to drive.” Also on p.129 of the same book … Read more