AES Fall Online Convention

Electronic recording and reproduction of sound is roughly 100 years old. Historical milestones include magnetic tape recording, the transition from vacuum tubes to transistors, the introduction of the digital compact disc, and modern digital signal processing. The full impact of digital technology has taken hold since the turn of the century, and its influence on loudspeaker design is evident in at least two applications: directional control of loudspeaker arrays, and squeezing low frequency output from very small devices. Although the two technologies are quite different, they are combined in some smart speaker designs. This informal review highlights some notable achievements, common misconceptions, and practical guidelines.