What’s an Optical Sound Card?

An optical sound card outputs audio to devices with digital optical input, commonly found on home theater receivers. Sound cards process audio information and can be internal or external, with optical capabilities found on high-end multi-channel audio cards. Optical cables, also called TOSlink, use optical fibers to transmit data with less interference and loss than […]

Air or solid: which is faster for sound waves?

Sound waves travel faster through solids and liquids than through air, with speeds of up to 3.7 miles per second in steel and 0.93 miles per second in seawater. Sound travels slower in air, at about 0.21 miles per second. Sound waves can travel faster through solids than through air, in some cases more than […]

Sound travels better with wind. Why?

Sound is heard better downwind due to refraction caused by the change in viscosity with altitude. Wind speed near the ground is slower, causing sound waves to slope downwards, making them more audible. When moving against the wind, waves are refracted upwards. You may have noticed that you can hear a sound better if it […]

What’s a sound wave?

Sound waves are pressure waves caused by vibrating objects in a conductive medium, such as air. They travel at different speeds through different mediums and can be used for communication, imaging, and surveys. Sound can be described in terms of wavelength, frequency, and amplitude, with higher frequencies producing higher pitches and higher amplitudes producing higher […]

What’s Hypersonic® sound?

Hypersonic® sound uses ultrasonic waves and air to generate audible sounds, with advantages over traditional speakers such as no distortion and the ability to target a specific area. However, commercial success has been limited for the technology. Hypersonic® sound (HSS®) is an audio technology that uses the interaction of ultrasonic waves and air to generate […]

Pros & cons of multiple sound cards?

Multiple sound cards in a computer can provide versatility, but can also cause problems such as confusion for basic users and difficulty switching audio output sources. However, it allows for playing two audio feeds in different speakers simultaneously. Downsides include crowding and cluttering workstations, and the need to switch between sound cards. Some computers have […]

What’s sound localization?

Sound localization is the ability to locate the source of sound, which is important for predators and prey. The process involves complex filtering and cognitive processes, and errors can cause confusion. Tricks can be used to manipulate sound localization, such as ventriloquism and distorted sound. Sound localization is the ability to pinpoint the source and […]

What’s a sound card?

A sound card processes audio files for high-quality playback through a computer’s speakers. It can handle various audio file formats and has input/output ports, including a line-in port for external devices and a microphone port. Advanced cards have more versatility and software programs for editing and recording. Motherboards may have built-in sound cards, but third-party […]

Speed of sound?

Sound speed varies with altitude, temperature, and medium. Sound waves travel through vibrating molecules, and denser mediums increase speed. Breaking the sound barrier creates a shock wave and a white cloud of vapor. Mach 1 is the initial sound barrier, and military jets travel supersonic. The speed of sound varies according to altitude, temperature and […]

Best sound engineering school selection?

The best sound engineering school offers industry-standard equipment, job-specific training, industry contacts, and on-the-job experience. High school graduation and excellent academic credentials are required. Look for a school with the latest technology and multiple sound studios. An internship is critical for success and industry contacts are valuable. The best sound engineering school provides access to […]

Does sound travel equally through different materials?

Sound travels at different speeds through different materials due to the varying amounts of space between molecules. For example, sound travels faster through metal than air. The stiffness of a material affects the speed of sound. The first attempt to measure the speed of sound was in 1635. Sound is the result of molecules interacting […]

What’s a sound engineer?

Sound engineers operate and maintain sound equipment for various events. There are different types of sound engineers, and most complete vocational programs or hold an associate’s degree. Good hearing, technical knowledge, and people skills are important for this profession. A sound engineer operates and maintains sound equipment used for television, film, theater and concerts. Sound […]

What’s sound masking?

Sound masking is a technique used to make unwanted sound inaudible, providing privacy and comfort. It can be achieved through integrated systems or self-contained loudspeakers, using natural or artificial sounds. It is used in various settings, including offices and bedrooms, and can be adjusted to meet specific needs. Sound masking is a technique used to […]

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