PubMed · 8730084
Wind-instrument reflection function measurements in the time domain.
Abstract
Theoretical and computational analyses of wind-instrument sound production in the time domain have emerged as useful tools for understanding musical instrument acoustics, yet there exist few experimental measurements of the air-column response directly in the time domain. A new experimental, time-domain technique is proposed to measure the reflection function response of woodwind and brass-instrument air columns. This response is defined at the location of sound regeneration in the mouthpiece or double reed. A probe assembly comprised of an acoustic source and microphone is inserted directly into the air column entryway using a foam plug to ensure a leak-free fit. An initial calibration phase involves measurements on a single cylindrical tube of known dimensions. Measurements are presented on an alto saxophone and euphonium. The technique has promise for testing any musical instrument air columns using a single probe assembly and foam plugs over a range of diameters typical of air-column entryways.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
D H Keefe. 1996. Wind-instrument reflection function measurements in the time domain.. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.415425
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.