reported
by: Mr. Jibby Jacob
Secretary (Term
1997/98)
The AES Singapore Section gathered
once again on a Monday evening 20th April '98, to attend a talk by Mr
Richard Gainsborough of Tannoy Ltd UK. The talk Properties of a point source
loudspeaker- held at Samuel Hall, Blk 80 Marine Parade Central, Singapore,
was attended by an audience of 6 members & 20 guests. Mr Gainsborough began
his talk with an interesting history of his company, the name Tannoy that is
a hybrid from the words TANtalum & lead allOY. Among its credits is the fact
that it's one of the oldest communication companies in the world with a
70-year-old history. Though a trademarked name, Tannoy has gained popularity
in everyday language that it's now listed as a legitimate common usage word
in the English dictionary.
|
Richard
Gainborough elaborating the theory of a point source loudspeaker -
photograsph by Robert Soo |
Mr Gainsborough then went on to
discuss some basic theory of phase relationship in acoustic terminology
along with the frequency ranges of musical instruments. This led up to the
advantage of using a point source system in loudspeaker design and
configuration. This is incorporated in the Tannoy patented design called
Inductive Coupling Technology (ICT) ™. The main advantage being that the
acoustic wavefront would be in-phase at the crossover point of the high &
low frequency drivers thus making them coincident. This is a major hurdle
for other competitive technology noted Mr Gainsborough.
|
Richard
Gainsborough answering queries from enthusiastic attendees. In the
background are the latest models of Tannoy speakers set-up for listening
evaluation - photograph by Robert Soo |
Another premium
technology developed by Tannoy was the SuperDual ™, Dual Concentric
driver ™design. It's uses massive magnet systems, and a low compression
Tulip Waveguide for the high frequency unit to create a high output
design with extremely low distortion. Uniquely, this results in a
speaker that provides a conical 90 degree dispersion pattern with a flat
frequency response up till 15 kHz within that area of coverage. This
technology is incorporated in all their upper end sound reinforcement
and studio application drivers. |
| To prove the
widespread usage of their products, Mr Gainsborough then elaborated on
the sound reinforcement/public address system set-ups using Tannoy
speakers in the various prestigious theatres and theme pubs in US & UK.
To end the interesting talk he then set up a demonstration system in the
hall for listening. Most of the listeners were highly pleased with the
sound reproduction of the various models of Tannoy speakers notably, the
i8 & the T300 models. A hour and a half later at the close of the
session, the diehards in the audience were still discussing the ideas
presented at the talk. |
Richard
Gainsborough (left) receiving a plaque of apprecation from the Chairman,
Dr Roland Tan - photograph by Robert Soo |
|
Our golden ears
- members ardently listening to the reproduction from the various
loudspeakers - photograph by Robert Soo |
AES Singapore Section would like
to acknowledge Electro Acoustic Systems (EAS) for their support in arranging
the demo session & Touch Ministry for the use of their Lecture room for this
talk.
|
Group photo of AES
members and Guests who attended the talk "Properties of a Point Source
loudspeaker" by Richard Gainsborough (6th from the left, holding plaque)
on Monday, 20th April 1998 at the Samuel hall, Marine Parade Central,
Singapore. |
|
