HyperSound HSS 3000 – hyper directional sound speaker set, with amp

HyperSound HSS 3000

Up for grabs is a stereo / 2 channel set with the original HSS amplifier.

The HSS 3000 speaker system is a loudspeaker design that allows for an extremely focused, beam-like projection of a sound source across space. They use 'Hyper' for a reason. This is achieved by modulation of a (ultra) high frequency carrier wave, with the actual audio being 'decoded' upon contact with a surface – like your ears. This enables a few scenarios:

• project audio as a beam across space. The energy stays very consistent for quite surprising ranges, i.e. the listening level isn't much different exactly in front of the speaker or meters away.
• project sound onto a surface, such as a wall, and hear the *reflection* as if it were the primary source – that is, if the speakers are mounted in a location and at an angle that listeners cannot wander into the beam, they will hear the reflected sound first which creates the illusion of it coming from the object it is reflected off.

The frequency range is given as 300 Hz to 18 kHz (there is a dedicated subwoofer output on the amp) and up to 100 dB at 1.5 kHz. However, be aware that in practice the achievable projection levels are very limited both in frequency range and power. With the crucial range of 100 to 300 Hz missing, there is a strong 'telephone line' effect when playing voices or full range audio. The perception of level is also rather limited (I'll do some more tests with stronger preamplification and report back on this). In any case it is important to remember the concept: A seated audience can't be addressed with it in any other way than one person at a time, since any person in the beam will effectively mask / block it completely to those behind. Sideways it's also near completely silent, to a degree that a few people chatting silently will mask any residual bleed.

Applications would primarily be:

• #1: Sound art installations and performances – within the described limits of level and frequency range this is easily more impressive than most spatialization / special projection techniques I have witnessed (at a multiple of the cost). It's a miracle this is not a thing encountered all the time in avant-garde sound art work.
• Museum / gallery audio guides, or any sound-based information that needs delivery at one specific point / trajectory only.
• 'voice of God' talk back: whisper instructions to one musician, mid-session, when headphones are not an option.
• Pranks and security applications. Just kidding.

The system is very compact, and comes with the optional (plastic) wallmount adaptors & original amplifier. The speakers are connected with standard cabling for passive speakers (not included). The speakers themselves do NOT need additional powering. A switchable PSU is included.

New, these cost €450 per speaker, and €700 for the amp – i.e. €1600 for the set (based on avmat.ch pricing, who have these available).

Shipping worldwide w/ tracking & insurance.