“…the perception of musical pitch at high frequencies is not constrained by temporal phase locking in the auditory nerve but may instead stem from higher-level constraints shaped by prior exposure to harmonic sounds.” Humans’ ability to recognize musical melodies is generally limited to pure-tone frequencies below 4 or 5 kHz. This limit coincides with the … Read more
Claudia Fritz, Joseph Curtin, Jacques Poitevineau, Hugues Borsarello, Indiana Wollman, Fan-Chia Tao, and Thierry Ghasarossian PNAS 2014 111 (20) 7224-7229; published ahead of print April 7, 2014, http://www.pnas.org/content/111/20/7224.full.pdf+html “Soloist evaluations of six Old Italian and six new violins” conducted by Claudia Fritz, Joseph Curtin, Jacques Poitevineau, and Fan-Chia Tao. This research was published in the … Read more
In general, with other variables held steady, as the power rating goes up dramatically (10x), the perception of loudness only doubles. 3,000 Watts sounds only “four-times louder” than 30 Watts. It seems unlikely, but measurements and anecdotal evidence have consistently shown it is generally true. People often ask, how does the Milbert BaM-235ab compare, in … Read more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9ywORU5EUs Setting up and intonating an acoustic guitar properly is crucial for ensuring that the instrument plays in tune across the entire fretboard. While intonation adjustments on acoustic guitars can be more challenging than on electric guitars due to their fixed bridge systems, there are several steps you can take to improve intonation and overall … Read more
Random paint splashed on a canvas is much less appalling than random notes plunked down on a piano. Research, from Dr. Dmitri Tymoczko. youtube presentation on the geometry of music: “Random paint splashed on a canvas is much less appalling than random notes plunked down on a piano.” http://dmitri.tymoczko.com/publications.html What makes music sound good is a … Read more
Music evolves as composers, performers, and consumers favor some musical variants over others. To investigate the role of consumer selection, we constructed a Darwinian music engine consisting of a population of short audio loops that sexually reproduce and mutate. This population evolved for 2,513 generations under the selective influence of 6,931 consumers who rated the … Read more
Sound quality (“SQ”) concerns the subjective psycho-acoustic perception of sounds and music. It’s something we all hear and enjoy differently. Join the journey. Sound quality refers to the perceived audio characteristics of a sound source, encompassing how clear, pleasing, accurate, or faithful the sound is to the original source or recording. It’s a … Read more
What is “sound quality”? Measurement Mania Not long ago, and presently in many circles, sound quality (“SQ”) was said to be best represented by audio systems amplifying with the lowest Total Harmonic Distortion (“THD”) measurement. Overlapping the THD focus was realization and consideration of Transient Intermodulation Distortion (“TIM”, AKA Slew-Induced Distortion “SID”), also a quantitative measurement said to … 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
Content Malcolm Moore explains why limitations are not preferable “For a guitar, the audio spectrum needs are wide. …The lower open E string has a fundamental of about 128 Hz, and significant harmonics are the second, fourth, sixth and eighth meaning the spectrum here extends to 1024 Hz. On the twelfth fret on the upper … Read more
Here are some possible reasons. There are differing theories, thoughts; apparently, some people honestly can not hear the difference. But, some can. The purpose and goal of semiconductors was always primarily cheapness (to make and operate) and also high-frequency operation — sound quality was never a goal or purpose. If but at a microscopic level, … Read more
A tantalum capacitor is made of a tantalum powder core surrounded by tantalum pentoxide shell that is coated with with manganese dioxide, graphite, silver coating, solder resin. A tantalum wire extends axially into the core. Since 1960, tantalum caps have been shrinking due to higher-charge tantalum powders. Advantages: 1. SMALLER – tantalum caps have a … Read more
Spot-on, I think, Comment from the video — “It’s funny that it starts out mentioning that the engineer knew and made (or at least serviced) all the equipment, and the sound quality was great. But then, technology moved in, and the engineer became disconnected, and there hasn’t been “that sound” or any true hit ever … Read more
Abstract Recently I wanted to join the ranks of those who play their effects signal separately from their main signal, the benefits include a better control of the volume of the two signals as well as a huge sound stage… Content GAGA is an excellent front end for a Wet Dry Wet rig. Here … Read more
We currently offer two models of mobile tube amp — the more expensive BaM235, and the less expensive Liquid. Both are class A input and driver stages, with push-pull, class AB1 output stage. — Milbert, the Most Musical Amplifiers “Continuing engineering” generally seems to try to get more (or at least the same) for less, … Read more
“If musical accuracy is what you are seeking, the Milbert is most certainly the Holy Grail of auto sound.” Content Jeff Dorgay 06 / 01 / 2005 Milbert BaM-235 Car Amplifier Many of today’s mobile audio magazines feature rock stars and athletes who have invested the equivalent of a sizable down payment for a … Read more
Metal and wire is just metal and wire. The real sonic magic comes from the tubes. GAGA gets all that metal out of their way. An examination into the esoterica shrouding audio output transformers, tubes and “tone”, or the various unpleasant effects of bulky metal on faithful, musical amplification. Whereas traditional output transformers – homogenizing … Read more