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Josh Henvey

BSc [Hons] Creative Media Technologies

My name is Josh Henvey and I have completed a BSc in Creative Media Technologies. Throughout my four years of studying at IADT, I have picked up a keen interest in analogue audio electronics as shown in my final year project. I have also found an interest in web design in my time in IADT which I have used to build my own website with graphics that I have created with my skills that I have developed in the Adobe Suite programs. I would be described as a highly energetic person with a strong work drive and excellent leadership skills.

The modular Hi-Fi sound system is a concept that gets rid of the bulky traditional Hi-Fi sound system and allows an affordable premium listening experience for everyone. Instead of having an all in one system that may incorporate technologies that are worthless to the user, the modular Hi-Fi sound system contains modules that allow the user to build a sound system that suits their listening needs. There are multiple modules that serve different purposes in the audio signal chain. The modules that were created in this project are an input buffer, a preamp and an equaliser. Each module contains a VU meter which allows the user to view the signal strength from each of the modules.

This video showcases the functionality of the project and gives an insight into how the modules work.

The I/O used in each of the modules was a mono audio jack. Each module had an input and an output allowing the signal input to the module and outputting the processed signal.

The equaliser is used to boost or attenuate specific frequency bands. This can be used to correct or adjust the response from an audio signal. This specific equaliser can boost or attenuate the low and high-frequency ranges.

The input buffer is used to match impedances in the audio signal chain. Impedance is the effective resistance of an electric circuit, arising from the combined effects of ohmic resistance and reactance. The input buffer has a high input impedance and a low output impedance which allows the buffer to match the impedance from the input audio signal. If the impedance isn't matched in an audio signal it can lead to degradation of the signal.

The Preamp is used to bring a low-level input signal up to line level. Line level is the standard for operating levels of recording equipment. In the final presentation of the project, the preamp was used to amplify the signal coming from a vinyl player as the PHONO signal is very low. Line level can be 50 to 1500 times greater than a PHONO signal.

Project Description

The modular Hi-Fi sound system is a concept that gets rid of the bulky traditional Hi-Fi sound system and allows an affordable premium listening experience for everyone.

Instead of having an all in one system that may incorporate technologies that are worthless to the user, the modular Hi-Fi sound system contains modules that allow the user to build a sound system that suits their listening needs.

Thesis Download PDF

DL835 Y4 Final Project: Modular Hi-Fi Sound System

This thesis has outlined the development of the modular Hi-Fi sound system which was concluded in the 2020/21 college year in the Creative Media Technologies course in the Institute of Arts, Design + Technology, Dún Laoghaire.

The modular sound system is capable of matching the impedance from one device to another which results in the full audio signal being transferred from one another without added noise or distortion.

It also provides a preamp that brings a low-level signal from a device such as a record player to line level, which is the standard operating level of recording gear.

Lastly, it is now capable of boosting or attenuating low frequencies (bass) and high frequencies (treble) through the use of an equaliser.

The first step followed to produce the end product was to research the area of Hi-Fi sound systems and to research and test high-quality audio circuits.

The second step was to design each module carefully, taking in different considerations such as how the user will interact with each module and the quality of each of the modules outputs.

The third step was implementation. This stage covered building prototypes and finding solutions to problems that arose along the way. Once this was completed the final product could be then manufactured and tested.

Finally, the last stage could then be executed which was to test each of the end products and ensure they were up to the high standards which were an important aspect of this work.

Thesis Download PDF