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I N F I N I T Y S Y S T E M S I N T E R L U D E I L 1 2 0 S

PHOTOS © 2001 CORDERO STUDIOS

but, as work by Floyd Toole and his associ- ates at the National Research Council in Ottawa has shown, the bandwidth of the sort of peak you’re likely to encounter with subwoofers is often narrower than the tra- ditional third-octave Real Time Analyzer (RTA) measurement can detect, and cor- recting it requires attenuation with a corre- spondingly narrow bandwidth. (I recently attended a talk given by Toole at a meeting of the Toronto chapter of the Audio Engi- neering Society, where he exhorted the assembled AES members—most of whom work in pro audio—to throw away their third-octave RTAs.)

R.A.B.O.S.

Floyd Toole—now vice president of engineer- ing at Harman International Industries, Inc., of which Infinity Systems is a division— acknowledges that optimizing subwoofer performance starts with positioning the sub-

woofer in the room, and that this typically involves some practical constraints. Howev- er, while rejecting the use of conventional RTA-based equalization, he suggests that a subwoofer’s performance can be improved considerably using what he and Allan Devantier, Harman’s director of engineering and another National Research Council alumnus, call R.A.B.O.S.: Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System. This is a dedicat- ed low-frequency measurement and equal- ization system incorporated into Infinity’s current line of subwoofers and full-range speakers that include a subwoofer (including the Prelude MTS, reviewed by Joel Brinkley in the July/August 2000 issue of the Guide).

R.A.B.O.S. is supplied as an optional Test

&Measurement Kit that contains a special- ized sound-level meter, test CD, measure- ment templates, bandwidth selector, and an adjustment “key.” (An adjustment key is included with the IL120S even if you don’t

get the Test & Measurement Kit. In that case, you can try adjusting the controls by ear, listening to music of appropriate bass content.) The frequency bands on the test CD that form the basis of the measurement cover the bass range with much greater res- olution than a third-octave RTA: there are 23 test frequencies from 20Hz to 100Hz .

R.A.B.O.S. employs a type of parametric equalizer, and differs in several important respects from conventional RTA-based approaches. The parameters that can be adjusted are level, bandwidth, and frequen- cy. The controls for level (attenuation only, from 0dB to –14dB) and bandwidth (from 5% to 50% of an octave) each have 21 steps. The frequency control has 19 steps from 20Hz to 80Hz, each corresponding to fre- quencies on the test CD.

The setup procedure requires that you first plot the subwoofer’s response using the test frequencies and the sound-level meter,

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3D Connexion IL120s specifications F I N I T Y S Y S T E M S I N T E R L U D E I L 1 2 0 S, B.O.S

IL120s specifications

The 3D Connexion IL120s is a specialized input device designed for professionals in fields such as engineering, architecture, and design. As a prominent tool in the realm of 3D modeling and navigation, the IL120s enhances productivity and offers a distinct method for interacting with digital environments.

One of the standout features of the IL120s is its ergonomic design, which allows for comfortable extended use without causing strain on the user's hands or wrists. Unlike traditional mice, the IL120s is designed to facilitate a more natural form of interaction, where users can pan, zoom, and rotate 3D models with simple hand movements. Its intuitive manipulation components make it a favorite among CAD professionals who require high precision and efficiency in their workflow.

The IL120s employs 3D motion sensing technology, which tracks the user's movements in multiple dimensions. This technology allows users to control their virtual environment fluidly and intuitively. The inclusion of enhanced haptic feedback ensures that users receive tactile responses as they interact with their models, further enriching the user experience. This level of interactivity makes it easier for designers to visualize changes in real-time and adapt their work dynamically.

Another notable characteristic of the IL120s is its customizable controls. Users can program various buttons on the device to execute specific commands or shortcuts, thereby streamlining their workflow. This flexibility lets professionals tailor their experience according to the software they use, making it a versatile tool compatible with a broad range of applications, from 3D rendering to complex simulations.

The IL120s features a robust build quality that can withstand the rigors of everyday use in busy studio environments. The non-slip base ensures stability during operation, preventing accidental slips that could disrupt workflows. Additionally, the compact size of the IL120s makes it easy to transport, allowing users to maintain productivity whether at their desk or on the go.

In summary, the 3D Connexion IL120s stands out for its ergonomic design, advanced motion-sensing technology, customizable controls, and durable build. It is a powerful tool that aids professionals in navigating intricate 3D environments seamlessly, boosting both efficiency and creativity in various design processes.