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JVC Looks at Binaural Hearing ![]() Apparently dissatisfied with the extent to which word of its technological research was reaching the public, JVC America invited us and other members of the press to its New York headquarters and showed us some of the things it has been working on. This gave us a rare opportunity to peep over the shoulders of some research engineers, and one of the subjects that really struck our fancy was JVC's investigation of binaural hearing. It has been known for some time that material recorded through microphones positioned so as to act as the "ears" of a dummy head can, when played back via headphones, create an uncannily realistic representation of the original sound field. What is not understood, however, is why this effect does not always work quite properly and how and why it varies from one person to another. JVC, it appears, would like to perfect binaural localization via headphones and also via loudspeakers, if that is indeed possible. One of the shortcomings of conventional binaural listening is that some subjects find it difficult to distinguish sounds occurring directly in front from those that occur directly in back. This is not easy to do in all real situations, but most of us can accomplish it fairly well. On the hypo thesis that sound waves impinging on the skin of one's face might constitute one directional clue, the JVC engineers have designed a headset that projects sounds above 500 Hz from outboard transducers located several inches forward of the listener's face and those at lower frequencies from drivers set above (but not on) the ears. For us, the effect of this prototype-which is not scheduled to be introduced as a product--was astounding: We could al most have sworn that we were where we were not. It was disappointing to learn that the system still does not work as well for everyone. What astonished us even more is that binaural listening can be synthesized without headphones-that is, using loudspeakers. The conditions under which this can be done are rather special, requiring a fairly "dead" room, controlled directional characteristics in the loudspeakers, electronically processed program material, and careful positioning of the listener in the room. But it does work. It’s positively unsettling to have a disembodied voice whisper to you from a point just a few inches from your ear, especially when the sensation-not just the sound, but the tingling of the outer ear as well--is so convincing that you are relieved that the "ghost" didn't eat onions for lunch. This bit of conjuring can be done using two or four channels, the major advantage of quad being that localization of sounds coming from the back is more accurate than with two channels. Obviously, this system is still far from the marketplace, so neither we nor JVC can tell you when you can buy one- or even, for sure, what it will be called. But we had a lot of fun seeing and hearing the binaural tricks that can be played in the lab right now. -------------------- Pioneer Supports Live Music ![]() U.S. Pioneer has announced that its program of matching contributions to the New Jersey Symphony has succeeded in raising more than $7,000. According to Bernie Mitchell, president of the company, the program was initiated to assist the financially pressed Symphony and maintain it as a strong cultural force in the state. Mitchell, who had person ally solicited all New Jersey audio dealers, said in acknowledgement of cooperation received from them and others outside the state: "We’re delighted we could provide this support. We owe a great deal to music, and this seemed like the ideal way for Pioneer and its dealers to show that appreciation." Buoyed by this success, Pioneer is planning a nation wide matching-funds program in support of the Metropolitan Opera. ![]() And … • The IM Fried Products Company of Philadelphia and IMF Electronics Ltd. of Great Britain have announced a settlement of their legal tangle regarding the trademarks IMF and IMF International. According to the agreement, the British company may call itself IMF Electronics and use that designation on its loudspeakers. The American company is permitted to use the style Fried Products Company and the mark FRIED on its loudspeakers. Neither will use the initials IMF alone. • Henry E. Kloss has resigned his position as director of research and development for Advent Corporation of Cam bridge. Massachusetts, the company he founded in 1967. • Audio-Technica U.S. recently signed an agreement with Nimbus 9 Productions, Ltd., a Canadian recording company, for exclusive rights to import and distribute its Umbrella label of direct-to-disc record albums in the U.S. Like the celebrated Sheffield direct-cut discs, the Umbrellas bypass tape recording in their manufacture for superior dynamic range and clean transients with reduced noise and distortion. The limited-edition discs, which are individually numbered, will retail for about $12.95. ------------- (High Fidelity, Feb 1977) Also see: The New Releases: Wagner's Masters Get Their Due, David Hamilton; New Life for Louise Conrad, L. Osborne; How Do You Like Your Liszt? by Harris Goldsmith
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