Audio signal enhancement and amplification system
OwnerJonathan M. Szenicsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An audio system includes amplifying with distortion via a first amplifier electrical audio signals from a sound source, such as an electric guitar, for example, to obtain a desired tonal quality in the sound produced from a first loudspeaker driver by the amplified electrical audio signals, simultaneous with applying electrical signals from a piezo film transducer attached to the cone of the first loudspeaker to a second amplifier having a flat response over a desired frequency range, and adjustable low and high frequency rolloff, for driving a second loudspeaker to produce desired perceived tonal quality at relatively low sound pressure levels, with the volume of the sound from the first and second loudspeakers being adjusted to match the acoustics of a room in which the audio system is operating.
Claims29
A system for enhancing the amplification and reproduction of audio signals comprising:
- a source of electrical audio signals;
- a first amplifier for receiving and amplifying said electrical audio signals;
- a first loudspeaker for receiving said amplified electrical audio signals and converting the same into first sound signals, said first loudspeaker including a cone, and a rear cone driving portion including a stationary magnet, and a voice coil connected to said cone;
- a piezo film transducer attached to a portion of the cone of said first loudspeaker for producing cone vibration electrical signals corresponding to the waveform of the first sound signals emitted from said cone;
- a second amplifier for receiving and amplifying said cone vibration electrical signals;
- and
- a second loudspeaker for receiving and converting said cone vibration electrical signals into second sound signals;
- said second amplifier including means for both phase inverting said cone vibration electrical signals, and for selectively controlling the high and low frequency rolloff, respectively, for adjusting the sound output of said system to the acoustical characteristics of a room in which said system is operating in accordance to the preference of a listener, said system operating to permit tone generation to be independent of volume levels;
- means for driving said first amplifier and first loudspeaker to a level of distortion for obtaining a desired tonal quality at relatively low ambient sound pressure levels;
- and
- said second amplifier having a flat frequency response over at least a frequency range of signals received from said piezo film transducer.
In an audio system, a method for amplifying electrical audio signals from a sound source in a manner to obtain desired tonal quality at relatively low sound pressure levels with acceptable volume in the reproduced sound to minimize potential hearing loss to a listener, said method comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a source of electrical audio signals;
- amplifying with a first audio amplifier said electrical audio signals;
- applying an audio output from said first audio amplifier to a first loudspeaker including a cone and cone driving mechanism, for producing first sound signals;
- attaching a piezo film transducer to a portion of the cone of said first loudspeaker, for obtaining from said transducer cone vibration electrical signals corresponding to the waveform of said first sound signals;
- amplifying via a second audio amplifier said cone vibration electrical signals;
- applying an output from said second audio amplifier to a second loudspeaker;
- adjusting the high and low frequency rolloff of said second audio amplifier to obtain a desired tonal quality in the sound produced by said first and second loudspeakers;
- and
- adjusting the output level of said first and second audio amplifiers to a desired level matching the acoustics of a room in which said audio system is operating.
In an audio system, a method for amplifying electrical audio signals from a sound source in a manner to obtain desired tonal quality at relatively low sound pressure levels with acceptable volume in the reproduced sound to minimize potential hearing loss to a listener, said method comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a source of electrical audio signals;
- amplifying said electrical audio signals;
- applying said amplified electrical audio signals to a first loudspeaker including a cone and cone driving mechanism, for producing first sound signals;
- attaching a piezo film transducer to a portion of the cone of said first loudspeaker, for obtaining from said transducer cone vibration electrical signals corresponding to the waveform of said first sound signals;
- independently amplifying said cone vibration electrical signals;
- applying said amplified cone vibration electrical signals to a second loudspeaker;
- adjusting the high and low frequency rolloff of said cone vibration electrical signals to obtain a desired tonal quality in the sound produced by said first and second loudspeakers;
- and
- adjusting the amplification levels of said electrical audio signals and said cone vibration electrical signals to a desired level matching the acoustics of a room in which said audio system us operating.
A preamplifier for impedance matching and buffering a piezoelectric transducer pickup of a musical instrument for connection to a main amplifier, comprising:
- a vacuum tube cathode follower circuit having an input terminal connected to an output terminal of said piezoelectric transducer, and an output terminal for connection to an input of said main amplifier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.