The product, which can also be used to enhance bass output from small loudspeakers, is the creation of XLNT Advanced Technologies, the Dutch DSP research and development company that was also responsible for one of PLASA 2004's biggest hits, the Innovation Award-winning CyberHoist / InMotion 3D Motion Control System.
Basscreator is a 1U rackmount noise control device based on the principle of the missing fundamental. It gives acousticians and other audio experts a tool for situations where noise emission from music is a serious problem - as it is in Holland, where noise spill complaints against clubs and bars from nearby residents can result in their summary closure.
XLNT claims the economic argument for the unit is overwhelming, quoting figures from the Dutch Society for Building Research (SBR) of a typical cost of around 6,000 per dB to soundproof a bar or club, amounting to a potential saving of up to 60,000 for a single venue. The company says the unit can also effectively be deployed in stadiums and open-air event applications.
Performance figures are quoted as 6-10dB (A) of noise reduction with little loss of sound quality - particularly when compared to a conventional limiter system. 8 advanced parametric filters allow an acoustician to configure the LF output to remove any problem areas, while special adaptive algorithms restore the bass and musical performance. An overall secure SPL limit can be put in place using the dual limiter function, which can be sealed by, for example, a local authority environmental official.
The second application of Basscreator is bass enhancement - hence its name. It can be used to extend the frequency range of smaller loudspeaker by 1 to 1.5 octaves below the speaker's resonant frequency without overloading it. A 10 inch speaker, says XLNT, can be made to sound like a 15 inch sub, and the effect is fully adjustable, creating a clear, deep bass even in small rooms and extending the potential of creating a true club sound in spaces where it would not normally be feasible.
Distribution in various countries is currently being negotiated by XLNT.
(Mike Lethby)
