Electroacoustics

Electroacoustics is the part of acoustics that deals with the study, analysis, and design of devices that convert electrical energy into acoustics and vice versa, as well as their associated components. These include microphones, accelerometers, loudspeakers, compression drivers, headphones, acoustic calibrators, and vibrators.

The microphones and speakers are its maximum representatives. These are generically called transducers: devices that transform sound into electricity and vice-versa. This conversion of entities of a completely different nature is carried out using electromechanical and electromagnetic principles that will be discussed when the microphones and later the loudspeakers are being analysed.

Audio processing elements are devices that alter or modify in some way characteristics of sound, when it is represented by an electrical variable. The characteristics that they modify are of a varied nature such as: amplitude, dynamic range, frequency response, time response, timbre, etc. Processing is carried out electronically, using semiconductor technology and digital technology.

Devices

The microphones and speakers are its maximum representatives. These are generically called electroacoustic transducers: devices that transform electricity into sound and vice versa. This conversion of energies of a completely different nature is done by resorting to physical principles such as electromagnetism and mechanics.

Audio processing elements are devices that alter or modify in some way the characteristics of sound, when it is represented by an electrical variable. The characteristics to be modified are of a varied nature such as: amplitude, dynamic range, frequency response, time response, timbre, etc. The processing is carried out electronically, using, among others, semiconductor technology and digital technology in general.

History

Electroacoustic music has its origins in the fusion of the two tendencies of technological music of classical tradition, in the fifties: electronic music (with electronically generated sounds) and concrete music (generated from the manipulation of specific sounds recorded on magnetic tape).

Several research centers, universities and private studios around the world have been decisive for the development of this music, since they have experimented with new technologies and made music from them.