Stereophonic Sound with ORTF

slow shutter photo of D.C. metro subway train

Location sound can present a variety of challenging obstacles to capturing hi-fidelity sound. The infrasound that a fast moving train creates can become a problem for directional mics positioned nearby. Using the techniques described in my previous microphone isolation post allowed me to maximize the available headroom in my recording. Below, listen to a stereo recording I made of the Washington D.C. Metro train. You will hear the subway train arriving from a far left tunnel, after it stops the doors open in the center, then the train rumbles as it fades away into the far right tunnel. The distinct panning or movement of sound in this stereo recording was captured using the ORTF stereo mic technique. Try a pair of headphones or stereo speakers for a fully immersed experience.

Higher quality versions of this recording are available, as well as custom sound designs/effects.

DeVore Orangutan Reference Loudspeaker System

Common Wave Hi-Fi in Los Angeles Debuted the Devore Orangutan Speaker System

This past Saturday evening Common Wave Hifi hosted the North American Debut of the Devore Fidelity O/Reference Speaker System. These high sensitivity speakers feature a 2 box design. From the Devore Website:

O/Reference A

10” paper-cone woofer with a cast Bronze chassis and an all new woofer motor, fully optimized with a pure AlNiCo magnet, copper Faraday rings above and below the gap, a titanium former, and a machined bronze phase plug resulting in better magnetic and inductive linearity, increased sensitivity, and an order of magnitude lower distortion throughout most of the frequency range.

1” silk dome tweeter loaded by a cast & machined Bronze horn with an all new tweeter motor utilizing a large rare-earth magnet and an underhung voice-coil for increased linearity at lower treble frequencies and higher sensitivity.

.75” silk dome super-tweeter with a cast & machined bronze horn and rare-earth magnet.

Solid machined Bronze port tubes and machined brass input-plate are de-coupled from the cabinet to reduce vibration.

Solid machined Bronze port tubes

O/Reference B

11-inch reinforced aluminum woofer and all-new motor system capable of a massive 2 1/4 inch excursion.

11-inch reinforced aluminum passive radiator naturally tuned below 20Hz in-cabinet with no equalization.

Rigid two-inch thick birch plywood front baffle and solid machined brass input-plate to reduce vibration.

Dedicated 700 watt amplifier and all analog signal path including fully adjustable low-pass crossover, variable phase, subsonic filter, and equalization at 20Hz and 35Hz to tailor response to different room installations.

If you were able to hear this speaker system, please share your thoughts.