International projectionist (Jan 1963-June 1965)

Don Davis of Chicago (standing), Altec Lansing sound specialist, checks out new sound laboratory equipment with Harry Thielvoldt of Northwest Sound Service, Inc., Minneapolis. Sound Laboratory Takes the Guesswork out of Acoustics Northwest Sound Service <>f Minneapolis is now full) equipped to make scientific acoustic analysis and sound system tests. The) recently purchased a $5,000 portable sound laboratory with some of the equipment developed b\ Purdue University only a few months ago. The sound laboratory is the same t\pe of equipment used by the U. S. Bureau of Standards. It take the guesswork out of sound engineering and often saves thousands of dollars by enabling trained sound specialists to make detailed recommendations for improving sound that are based on scientific facts. This equipment turns an auditorium or church into a huge test area. It generates a piercing 1 100-second pulse that checks the "echo" or reverberation time. The initial sound pulse triggers the recording equipment. The "echo" bounces back from the ceiling, walls, windows, balcony, etc.. and the return time and intensity are measured, graphically displayed and automatically photographed all within a few seconds. These tests are repeated across the quality. International Projectionist March, 1964 entire sound spectrum as the automatic equipment records the auditorium's acoustical "personality." By studying the maze of photographs and graphs, the skilled sound technician can pinpoint the source of trouble as accurately as the radar operator, and locate the areas that are dead, too loud or fuzzy. For example, in churches or other multipurpose buildings good music requires long reverberation time at low frequencies to give it rich, full tone quality. But short reverberation time at higher frequencies is required foi speaking to make the voice crisp, clear and easily understood. A sound survey permits a scientific compromise to retain the best characteristics of both speech and music. Northwest Sound Service is a pioneer in acquiring this advanced laboratory equipment. Like a doctor checks a patient, the sound specialist obtains photographic evidence from oscilloscope patterns and strip charts made by the sound itself as it booms and bounces, echoes and re-echoes to smother the original sound's natural iP NY, Eastern Film Making Boosted by Acquisition Florman and Babb, Inc., a leading supplier and servicer of motion picture equipment, has acquired a controlling interest in the Camer^ Equipment Corporation and Ceco Industries. Inc. The motion picture industry's future activities in the New/ York area, specifically, and the entire East Coast, generally, are certain to be affected by the move, according to Arthur Florman. President of Florman and Babb. Florman added. "With the industr\ showing a steady increase in production of theatrical, commercial, industrial, educational and scientific films, it became obvious that if the present rate of growth was to be maintained, more and better facilities would have to be made available to the film producer. The move is a giant step in that direction, and one that will insure continued growth." Florman also pointed out that "The combined knowledge of the enlarged staff of technicians will be made available to all producers — large and small. Their collective know-how, with respect to the tools of the trade, cameras, lighting, grip, sound and editing equipment, for example, will be at the producer's disposal." IP B & L Chairman Retires ROCHESTER, N. Y. — Carl S. Hallauer. board chairman of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, retired from active duty with the company January 31, 1904. He reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 on January 5. At the request of the board, he is remaining as chairman and will serve as a consultant to the company with which he has been associated for over 45 years. Hallauer started with Bausch & Lomb in 1919 as manager of Industrial Relations. iP SMPTE Exhibit, Conference Set For April 13-16 NEW YORK — Motion-picture laboratory equipment will be in the spotlight at the Equipment Exhibit April 13-16, during the 95th Technical Conference of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). The semi annual conference will be held at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. iP