A Java-based simulation that produces audio interference by manipulating the output of your speakers. This generates a unique and dynamic pattern of sound distortion, utilizing the principles of wave interference.
Sound Wave Interference is a simulation software available in Java that depicts the interference between two sources of sound waves. To begin with, all you need is two speakers or one speaker and a wall, along with a sound card, preferably stereo. After setting the Speaker Separation slider accurately by measuring or estimating the distance between the speakers and unchecking the Metric Units checkbox, turn on the Sound checkbox. When you turn the checkbox on, the two speakers start playing a sine wave, and an interference pattern is created.
The applet displays the blue dots to represent the speakers. Plug one ear and move your head around the room while keeping it on speaker level to detect the changes in sound intensity. This intensity roughly matches the interference pattern; however, it may differ due to reflections off walls and objects. Keep in mind that Sound Wave Interference uses a simplistic point source model for the speakers which may not replicate reality accurately.
If you have a stereo sound card, you can check the Stereo checkbox, and you can use the Balance slider to test the stereo effect. In this mode, you can adjust the relative phase of the two speakers. As the default phase configuration is 180 degrees out of phase, the sound intensity is low between the two speakers. Bear in mind that if you have a subwoofer, low-frequency sound waves will come from the subwoofer rather than the main speakers, leading to a mismatch in the interference pattern.
With the help of the mouse, you can measure distances by clicking and dragging, and you can view the interference pattern between a single speaker and a wall by doubling the distance and unticking the Stereo checkbox or setting the Phase Difference to zero. If you put the speakers together and set the phase difference to 180 degrees, it's intriguing to see the pattern change.
The applet displays the blue dots to represent the speakers. Plug one ear and move your head around the room while keeping it on speaker level to detect the changes in sound intensity. This intensity roughly matches the interference pattern; however, it may differ due to reflections off walls and objects. Keep in mind that Sound Wave Interference uses a simplistic point source model for the speakers which may not replicate reality accurately.
If you have a stereo sound card, you can check the Stereo checkbox, and you can use the Balance slider to test the stereo effect. In this mode, you can adjust the relative phase of the two speakers. As the default phase configuration is 180 degrees out of phase, the sound intensity is low between the two speakers. Bear in mind that if you have a subwoofer, low-frequency sound waves will come from the subwoofer rather than the main speakers, leading to a mismatch in the interference pattern.
With the help of the mouse, you can measure distances by clicking and dragging, and you can view the interference pattern between a single speaker and a wall by doubling the distance and unticking the Stereo checkbox or setting the Phase Difference to zero. If you put the speakers together and set the phase difference to 180 degrees, it's intriguing to see the pattern change.
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