|
| | European Music Shops Save on USB Microphones, Studio Microphones, Wireless systems and other PRO audio Gear!
Europe Gear Shop
USUSA
| Sound Brown
| Buy Used/Cheap/new
|
|
|
Meyer Sound to test the Brown Note (shit yourself thread) in MythBusters
The "Brown Noise To Make U Shit Yourself" has been the most popular thread on the message board here over the last year and now it seems it has been put through the test.
Meyer Sound products and personnel were central to a new episode of MythBusters, the popular weekly television show appearing on the Discovery Channel. The quirky series, produced by Australia’s Beyond Productions, combines hard science and wacky humor as its two hosts, seasoned special effects wizards and all-around gadgetry freaks Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, debunk or, occasionally, confirm various urban legends. Topics investigated by MythBusters have ranged from getting stuck on a flushing airplane toilet to removing bloodstains with Coca-Cola.
During the show’s premiere season, MythBusters called on Meyer Sound Staff Scientist Dr. Roger Schwenke to confront the legend that a duck’s quack doesn’t echo. To debunk this myth, live duck quacks were recorded and analyzed in a meadow at a duck farm, in Meyer Sound’s anechoic chamber, and in a large, empty warehouse. The question turned out to be rather more complicated than one would think.
The MythBusters team returned to Meyer Sound recently to again enlist Schwenke, along with a custom-modified battery of Meyer Sound equipment, to test a myth rather less suited to squeamish viewers: the so-called “Brown Note.” It was a scientific investigation into a decidedly delicate subject.
The story of the Brown Note, also known as the “Disco Dump,” asserts the existence of a low frequency vibration which, when reproduced at sufficient volume, resonates with the depths of the human digestive tract to cause what medical personnel call “involuntary gastrointestinal motility.” Put in less technical terms, the Brown Note reputedly precipitates a loss of sphincter control, giving rise to immediate defecation. Different versions of the myth place the frequency between 5 and 20 Hz, and recent variations claim that the effect has been produced at loud rock concerts.
The Meyer Sound team, under the direction of Schwenke and John Meyer, devised a special test and measurement system in order to test the theory at levels far beyond that experienced at any concert, and at far lower frequencies. Twelve 700-HP ultrahigh-power subwoofers had their input cards modified to allow deep subsonic frequencies, and their ports plugged to prevent a loss of efficiency at frequencies below their normal operating range. The modified cabinets were then stacked three high and faced inward in an open ring configuration. Test signals were generated by a SIM 3 audio analyzer, with software modified to produce tones down to 5 Hz. A precision B&K sound level analyzer fed by a model 4189 microphone and ZF 0023 attenuator measured levels.
Perrin Meyer, Meyer Sound’s software R&D manager, generated computer models of the subwoofer stacks’ behavior and animations of the effect their output would have on a human-sized cylinder.
The test sessions were conducted in a large parking lot at Golden Gate Fields racetrack, on the shores of San Francisco Bay. Savage stood in the middle of the subwoofer ring, where he experienced the effect of very low frequency sounds (down to 5 Hz) at extremely high levels (120 dB SPL with a 9 Hz sine wave, up to 153 dB peak with narrow-band noise), though the higher levels were possible only above 20Hz. Safety was a prime consideration: tests were limited to about five minutes in each frequency range, and industrial-grade hearing protection was used above 120 dB. Savage was wired to medical monitoring machinery and watched closely by paramedics during the tests, while additional protection for those working in close proximity to the subwoofer stack was provided by a box of extra-large Depends.
“I had anticipated very pronounced physiological effects,” says Roger Schwenke, who supervised the investigation. “As predicted, Adam felt vibration in the chest, and experienced blurring of vision from vibration of the eyeballs. We also heard distinct modulation of his voice when he was speaking.”
But could the Brown Note produce its infamously distasteful response at a loud rock concert? The answer to that question will be revealed when the episode airs during the show’s second season. MythBusters will air on the Discovery Channel on Wednesdays from 8-9PM (ET/PT) throughout the fall, beginning September 29.
The MythBuster’s challenge offered a refreshing change of routine for Schwenke, whose PhD in acoustics from Penn State University garnered him a position on Meyer Sound’s R&D staff three years ago. Currently, Schwenke heads the SIM 3 development team. “It was pretty amazing to be there,” he recounts. “I was a good 20 feet away, but I was feeling the effects as well – though less so than Adam, certainly.” Clearly, this MythBusters episode represents the ultimate embodiment of the old adage stating “It’s a dirty job but somebody has to do it.”
Roland E-09 Arranger Keyboard, Western, Eastern and Asian Sounds Its price might say “low end,” but the E-09’s sounds and styles are nothing but first class. Building on the success of Roland’s popular E-series arranger keyboards, the E-09 ushers in a brand-new loo
Roland SRX-12 Classic Electric Piano Sounds for SRX and Fantom Synthesizers If the current crop of R&B and hip-hop music is any indication, classic electric pianos and Clavs are hotter now than ever — and let’s not forget the many other genres that rely on these essential vin
Mackie M-4000 Stereo Live Sound PA Power Amplifier Mackie introduced its new M-Series line of power amplifiers. Designed to deliver high-efficiency stereo power with stellar audio performance, the M-Series is available in three configurations: the M-2
Lee Roy Parnell distinct Marshall Guitar Sound Lee Roy Parnell has established an impressive career, earning multiple GRAMMY and CMA nominations as well as garnering 11 top 10 singles, including four #1 hits. Recent guest appearances include sessi
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-200 Digital Pianos, Sound of a Grand Piano The Yamaha Corporation of America Piano Division’s recent debut of the CLP-200 Series Clavinovas was met with acclaim from piano distributors and buyers across the nation as soon as they were presente
Korg RADIAS-R Synthesizer Sound Module Korg introduces the RADIAS synthesizer, a new instrument that combines traditional and forward-thinking concepts in both synthesis and physical design. Based on Korg’s proprietary MMT (Multi Modeling
Mackie S410 Live Sound PA System Subwoofer At this year's NAMM show, Mackie showed a new family of passive loudspeakers that utilize design techniques originally developed for large-format touring systems to deliver greater pattern control and
Mackie M-3000 Stereo Live Sound Power Amplifier Mackie introduced its new M-Series line of power amplifiers. Designed to deliver high-efficiency stereo power with stellar audio performance, the M-Series is available in three configurations: the M-2
Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 USB Audio Interface Soundcard With this ultra-compact, bus-powered interface, you can link your Windows and Mac computer with any audio gear. There is no setup or special drivers needed—simply plug the interface in a free USB port
Yamaha TRB1004 Massive Sound Bass Guitar Yamaha's new TRB1004 delivers massive tone through clean-sounding, hum-canceling pickups. As the first four-string in the TRB line, the TRB1004 offers professional features such as premium woods and p
| Similar ProductsZildjian A 14 Mastersound Hi Hat $ 239.95 Roland TD8 VDrum Sound Module $ 795 Danelectro DJ8 Hash Browns Flange $ 24.95 Roland VPZ07 Sound Library $ 49.95 Roland VPZ02 Sound Library $ 49.95 Roland VPZ03 Sound Library $ 49.95 Roland VPZ06 Sound Library $ 49.95 Roland VPZ04 Sound Library $ 49.95 Roland VPZ05 Variphrase Sound Library $ 49.95 Roland VPZ08 Variphrase Sound Library $ 49.95
|
|
4) the Complete Mastering Guide Course 5) the Complete Mastering Guide Course 6) The Complete Mixing Guide 7) Record Producing: Producer Basics 8) MIDI Sequencing Basics and Programming 9) Guitar Ear Training Method for Perfect Pitch and hearing scales chords and more! 10) Advanced Music Theory 11) Easy Singing Method 2: Music Theory Singing Technique and Exercises 12) Advanced Songwriting & Composing course: Music Theory & Lyrics 13) 7 string Guitar Method 14) 7 string Guitar chords PRO: unique online guitar book over a million chords 15) 7 String Guitar Scales: Scale Reference PRO 16) Ear Training Method/Course: Notes, Perfect Pitch Chords and Scales ! 17) The Ultimate Guitar Tuning Guide, Every Tuning, Chords and Scales 18) Guitar Monster Speed/Perfect Technique Training System 19) Guitar Music Theory Basics, Sheet Music, Tabs, Chords and Scales 20) Guitar Songwriting: writing Songs, Riffs and Chord Progressions 21) Mandolin Scales Book PRO and Mandolin Scale Charts 22) Mandolin Chord Book PRO and Mandolin Chord Charts 23) Mandolin Chords + Scales PRO: chord and scale dictionary book 24) Music Theory Made Easy! 25) Piano Keyboard Music Theory 26) Easy Singing Method 1: Learn to Sing! 27) Songwriting Course: How to write songs, writing made easy
|