Shrinking cylindrical drum while still achieving “large” sound
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Bass drums are designed to have a large air volume which is used to produce a deep, rich bass
sound. The issue is that bass drums are then hard to transport due to their large size. There exists
a method called waveguide technology which can be used to shrink the size of the drum while
maintaining the same sound as the larger drum.
Currently, the best example for products that use waveguide technology are products made by the
audio company, Bose. Bose is able to replicate the sounds that are produced by large speakers
while maintaining a small volume. This project was proposed by Bill Wallace from the Stan
Cassidy Rehabilitation Centre, with the purpose of reducing the size of the drum without
sacrificing sound quality, in order to make transportation easier. To complete this project will
require research into waveguide technology, as well as other potential methods to replicate sound.
The waveguides are chosen to filter out the 40, 85, 140 and 160 Hz frequencies. These frequencies
were selected from the initial tests on the drum for which the sound is being replicated. In order to
filter out these frequencies, the waveguides are to be cut a specific lengths depending on the quarter
wavelengths of the frequencies. To collect and amplify the sound, inlet and outlet horns are used,
respectively. The inlet horn follows a linear profile while the outlet horn follows a tractrix curve
profile.
Currently, the construction phase of the project is in the final stages, with the inlet horn being
completed and the waveguides almost constructed. All that remains is to construct the outlet horn
and assemble the waveguides and horns. Once the construction is completed testing will ensue.
Additional changes may be required after testing has been conducted.