|
Holophonic SoundA 26 year old Italian scientist living in London has invented a new Sound technique that broadcasts a frequency pattern directly to the brain, by-passing the ears altogther.Originally developed in research to help the deaf, holophonic sound is set to be one of the major technological breakthroughs of the '80's that puts stereo, quad or any other conven -tional spatial effect very much in the kiddie's playpen division. "Holophonic Sound" is in the patent process in nine European countries. CBS-U.K. will soon release an album of holophonic sound effects. Major recording artists like Paul McCartney and Peter Gabriel have approached the inventor HUGO ZUCCARELLI and his partner sound engineer, Mike King. Zuccarelli believes the ear/ brain generates its own reference beam. Using a technique analogous to the laser beam in holograms external sounds are recorded with synthesized reference sounds. The brain provides its own second reference beam and "decodes" the holophonic record reproducing the original ambient conditions. Not only does holophonic sound create a third-dimension sound environment, it triggers other sensory modalities as well This extraordinary "synesthesia' could launch a major new direction in brain research and herald that entertainment of the brave new world, The "Feelies". For example, the sound of a match being struck elicts the smell of sulphur. Avoicewhispering close to the ear is accompanied by a sensation of warm breath. The super reality of the perceived sound either triggers off complementary sensations, or other sensory "information" can also be encoded onto the frequen -cy phase waves directed to the brain.- The total effect of a holophonic recording is like a multidimensional "picture" created by phase 'interference patterns or, quite simply, sound. Listeners typically describe the effect as "realer than real". It has a strange penetrating intensity.Holophonic sound is apparently audible to many hearing impaired individuals. Blind listeners report strong visual imagery. People weari ng head-sets in groups together report surprising telepathic effects.
Zuccarelli has approached
sound recording from a thorough
knowledge of brain physiology
rather than..acoustics or
electronic engineering. If Zuccarelli's
biologically-based technology allows for the encoding of more
than sound, we enter a whole
new realm of being able to replay a total experience. A future
holophonic recording played on
digital tape equipment could
create its, own compelling environment. |
[HaBi 2]
Holophonic Sound