H4-SuperMINI User Guide
Rising Sun Productions Ltd. page 5
Our real head performs in a similar way, shielding each ear from
sound waves that are picked up by the other. Small differences in
timing are interpreted as position. This phenomenon is known as
binary localization. The output from all the speakers arrives at our
ears with the same small differences in timing, and we hear as we
would if our own head was in the same position as the Holophone
when it recorded the sounds.
This simple principle governs the recording process, and
determines where to position the Holophone. Recording is very
subjective. Different positions produce different effects for
different purposes. The best guide is simply to ask yourself "where
does it sound best?" and put the Holophone there.
The primary advantage of the Holophone system over all other
existing approaches is that no signal manipulation is required.
The output of the Holophone itself can be used directly, and in
most situations this will produce the best results.
The initial design was completed and a patent application filed for
the new system in 1994. When it became apparent in late1996 that
the patent would issue, the first prototype was built. The Canadian
government’s National Research Council became interested in the
technology and joined in a collaborative research agreement to
fine-tune the system and build a prototype that was compatible
with industry requirements.
The Holophone surround system is now available for professionals
wishing to optimize their surround sound recording projects.
The top-of-the-line Holophone model is the H2-PRO, with eight
microphone elements: center, left, right, left surround, right
surround, overhead, center rear, low frequency (inside the Head).
Compatible with all consumer formats, including 7.1 systems, the
H2-PRO can be readily connected with industry-standard
preamplifiers and sound recording devices. The H2-PRO is now
recognized as setting the standard for professional surround sound
recording.
However, there are many recording situations that do not require
the full capabilities of the H2-PRO. With that in mind, the H4
SuperMINI has been designed to provide all the functionality
needed for 5.1 recording in a package that can be integrated with
ENG-style videography. Lightweight, versatile, and affordable, the
H4 SuperMINI does not compromise on quality.
