Smyth Research
Company profile[edit]
Smyth Research, founded in 2004, specializes in research and development in the field of three-dimensional sound perception and reproduction. Currently, Smyth Research focuses on the virtual reproduction of real sound fields. The potential of headphones for these applications has not yet been fully exploited. Dr. Stephen Smyth worked at DTS for many years and is considered the spiritual father of the DTS sound format.
Developed by Smyth Research, SVS is a revolutionary audio signal processing technique that provides a completely convincing emulation of real loudspeaker reproduction in up to eight-channel surround over stereo headphones. The emulation includes a precise localization of all loudspeakers in the monitoring room, the entire room acoustics as well as all sound-influencing signal processing in the signal path of the monitoring system.
Products[edit]
Smyth Research Realiser A8 HDMI - the perfect speaker simulation on any headphone in mono, stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 surround.
SVS is a revolutionary audio signal processing technique that provides completely convincing emulation of real speaker reproduction in up to eight-channel surround over stereo headphones. The emulation includes a precise localization of all loudspeakers in the monitoring room, the entire room acoustics as well as all sound-influencing signal processing in the signal path of the monitoring system. The process works so perfectly that the listener can usually perceive no differences whatsoever in the direct A/B comparison of the virtual headphone sound with the real monitoring situation.
This breakthrough offers far-reaching benefits that are just beginning to be recognized by audio professionals, home users and gamers. The relationships between the listener, the listening room and the playback system are fundamentally changing.
The Realiser A8 is the first off-the-shelf hardware system to incorporate Smyth Research's revolutionary SVS process. The stand-alone audio processor can be connected to virtually any professional or consumer audio system for playback of music, movies and games. The system emulates up to eight speakers at any position. The complete Realiser package includes all necessary accessories and a pair of Stax electrostatic headphones.
The Realiser is a compact, self-contained audio processor. The front panel features a four-line display for setup and operation; status indicators for active channels, overloads, and system status; a slot for memory cards; connectors for headphones, microphones, and an optional wired head tracker; and a USB port for charging the wireless head tracker. The rear panel provides eight inputs for up to eight discrete audio channels, eight outputs for the channels used in the setup, headphone outputs, and an output for low-frequency signal components to drive a shaker.
In addition to the processor, the complete Realiser package also includes all of the accessories listed below:
Head Tracker TU-1' The Head Tracker is a small and lightweight device that attaches to the earpiece of a pair of headphones. It works wirelessly and is charged by plugging it into the USB socket on the front panel of the Realiser.
Head Tracker Reference Unit TR-1' The Head Tracker reference unit is a small device that is installed centrally in front of the listener. It communicates with the head tracker and identifies the listener's head position every five milliseconds. Status indicators on the unit show that tracking is active.
Miniature Microphone HTM-1' Small microphones are included for in-ear measurements. Also included are matching ear pads to position the microphones precisely and comfortably in the listener's ears. Several ear pads in three different sizes are included so that many listeners and environments can be measured.
Remote Control RC-1 The Realiser is menu-driven; the remote control allows easy access to the menus. The remote control also allows convenient operation of the system from the listening position.
Weblinks[edit]
http://www.audio-import-hifi.de/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=58&lang=de