AMERICAN INDIA FOUNDATION DIGITAL EQUALIZER PROGRAM

DE center: Govt. Sec. School Bahadurgarh Patiala

CONTEST-2006
STUDENTS PROFILE TEACHERS PROFILE

What is sound amplification system?

To explain this question, let us learn about different terms used in sound
amplification system i.e. Sound, Amplification, and System.
Sound: Sound waves exist as variations of pressure in a medium such as air. They
are created by the vibration of an object, which causes the air surrounding it to vibrate.
The vibrating air then causes the human eardrum to vibrate, which the brain interprets
as sound. Sound waves travel through air in much the same way as water waves travel
through water.
Variations in Air Pressure and Corresponding Waveform

Amplification: To increase the power of signal and the device which used to
increase the power of signal is called amplifier.
Electronic Amplifier

System: System, any collection of component elements that work together to

perform a task
So, Sound Amplification System is works with audio frequencies (generally 20 hertz to
20,000 hertz (the range of frequencies detectable by the human ear). It is the final stage in

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the audio playback chain and its purpose is to amplify the electrical audio signal from its
preceding stage to a level that can drive the loudspeaker(s).

How sound amplification system works?

Working with audio means working with sound systems. Naturally, the range of systems
available for different applications is enormous. However, all electronic audio systems
are based around one very simple concept: To take sound waves, convert them into an
electric current and manipulate them as desired, then convert them back into sound
waves.

A very simple sound system is shown in the diagram below. It is made up of two types
of component:

• Transducer - A device which converts energy from one form into another. The
two types of transducers we will deal with are microphones (which convert
acoustical energy into electrical energy) and speakers (which convert electrical
energy into acoustical energy).
• Amplifier - A device which takes a signal and increases its power (i.e. it
increases the amplitude).

1. The process begins with a sound source (such as a human voice), which creates
waves of sound (acoustical energy).
2. These waves are detected by a transducer (microphone), which converts them to
electrical energy.
3. The electrical signal from the microphone is very weak, and must be fed to an
amplifier before anything serious can be done with it.
4. The loudspeaker converts the electrical signal back into sound waves, which are
heard by human ears.
5. In Amplifier there are mainly three circuits:
1. Input circuit: current/voltage represents sound
2. Output circuit: amplified “sound” current/voltage
3. Power circuit: provides power for amplification
Amplifier main components are Resistors – provide voltage drops, limit current
Capacitors – store charge, shift voltages, Diodes – one-way devices for current
Transistors – control current flow.

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References: Microsoft Encarta,
Class 9th Science book.
Internet: www.howstuffworks.com