According to a recent article in The Hearing Review, acoustics researchers at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland have come up with an improved method for measuring room acoustics. The new method, called the Rule of Two (no relation to Star Wars), takes multiple measurements using a short-duration sine wave frequency sweep (rather than a longer sweep, which could add uncertainty to the measurements). When two test runs pass the “cleanliness” criterion and correlate strongly, the results are considered valid. The article notes that the new approach will make it easier and faster to design for spaces where speech, announcements, or music have to be clearly audible; for example, concert halls, movie theaters and train stations.
In this issue: Ken Kessler continues his reel-to-reel odyssey, and some of it is messy. Anne E. Johnson sings the praises of Handel’s Semele, and country music superstar Marty Stuart. Alón Sagee thinks audiophile societies are a good idea. J.I. Agnew keeps his tales of record-cutting lathes spinning. Tom Gibbs finds that the Beatles have generational appeal. I cover the two newest releases from Octave Records: the swing music of Jeremy Mohney’s Dreams of You, and the vinyl LP release of Audiophile Masters, Volume I. B. Jan Montana’s epic journey continues. Ray Chelstowski gets really enthusiastic about rock band The Handcuffs. Ken Sander talks about the eye-opening early days of public-access TV.
Rudy Radelic begins a series on A&M Records, one of the biggest independent-label success stories of all time. Tom Methans has one last encounter with Frank Sinatra. Andrew Daly talks with Maiah Wynne and Andy Curran of Envy of None, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson’s new band. Reader Craig Burgess has some thoughts about musical realism and hearing loss. John Seetoo reviews books by legendary recording engineers Al Schmitt and Bill Schnee. Russ Welton discovers an extremely useful speaker setup resource. We conclude the issue with some second thoughts, bird song, tube experts, and a license to boast.
Staff Writers:
J.I. Agnew, Ray Chelstowski, Cliff Chenfeld, Jay Jay French, Tom Gibbs, Roy Hall, Rich Isaacs, Anne E. Johnson, Don Kaplan, Ken Kessler, Don Lindich, Stuart Marvin, Tom Methans, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Tim Riley, Wayne Robins, Alón Sagee, Ken Sander, John Seetoo, Dan Schwartz, Russ Welton, WL Woodward, Adrian Wu
Contributing Editors:
Ivan Berger, Steven Bryan Bieler, Andrew Daly, Jack Flory, Harris Fogel, Robert Heiblim, Steve Kindig, Ed Kwok, David Snyder, Bob Wood
Cover:
“Cartoon Bob” D’Amico
Cartoons:
James Whitworth, Peter Xeni
Parting Shots:
James Schrimpf, B. Jan Montana, Rich Isaacs (and others)
Audio Anthropology Photos:
Howard Kneller, Steve Rowell
Editor:
Frank Doris
Publisher:
Paul McGowan
Advertising Sales:
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– FD
