The Speed Of Sound

As a radio guy, I am fascinated by sound—and by the physics of how sound travels.

On my show, my voice travels from the microphone into the studio equipment-from there, it journeys several stories to the top of our building at One City Center in Portland.

From there, it enters a microwave system that sends all of the audio-voice and music on 94.9 WHOM to the summit of Mt. Washington, nearly 80 miles away (as the crow flies)-this, after having broken done the analog signal into a digital stream.

At the summit, the signal is received, converted again and sent to the transmitter, which then feeds an antenna system that allows all of WHOM’s programming to be heard on radios throughout Northern New England. The time between when a word is spoken and can then be heard on the air is virtually INSTANTANEOUS. In fact, the greatest delay results from the analog to digital to analog conversion processes- and not the distance that is traveled.

Of course, many radio stations use a “delay” system on purpose—it allows someone to delete objectionable content before it is broadcast. Here at 94.9 WHOM, we generally don’t have to worry about one of our DJ’s uttering a forbidden word. Callers are recorded, so there is no chance of listeners offending the audience either.

Enjoy the short video about the sound barrier—incredible how a jet breaking that speed of sound not only emits a “sonic boom”—but also a VISIBLE phenomenon that is nothing short of spectacular!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d9A2oq1N38

Some of us DJ’s talk fast, but I don’t think any of us will break the sound barrier anytime soon!

If you’d like my blog to arrive in your box daily (at the speed of light!), just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Have a terrific day!!