A loudspeaker-array to control sound image distance

This paper describes the use of a loudspeaker-array to control sound image distance. When every sound wave from the loudspeaker-array focuses at a point in front of the listener, a very near sound image is perceived regardless of the playback level in normal rooms. The auditory distance depends on the arrangement and number of loudspeakers. The number of loudspeakers determines the level of direct sound, whereas the interval between loudspeakers affects the total radiation or power of reflections in the room. As auditory distance of sound depends on the ratio between direct and late parts of the sound, the interval between loudspeakers is a very significant factor for producing near sound images as well as the number of loudspeakers.