Dave Rat's 120,000 Watt Relaxation Chair

Summary

In this fascinating tour of Rat Sound headquarters in Camarillo, California, Dave Rat showcases his extensive collection of sound-related technology spanning over a century, including vintage equipment like a 1940s wire recorder and 1950s radios. He gives insight into the innovative setup used for testing and maintaining speakers, amplifiers, and other audio gear. A highlight is the experimental 'relaxation chair' featuring an immersive 120,000-watt sound system. Dave reveals how he uses cutting-edge audio setups to create powerful, sensory experiences while emphasizing the importance of hands-on exploration in audio technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dave Rat's passion for sound is evident, with a focus on how sound has evolved over time. His collection includes various sound reproduction devices from different decades, including a 1940s wire recorder and 1950s Telefunken radios.
• 😀 One of the interesting items in Dave's collection is a radio from the 1930s, which was used by a family listening to 'War of the Worlds'—a historical moment when people believed an alien invasion was happening.
• 😀 Dave has a personal project involving small 3D-printed Pico wedges for a desktop PA system, demonstrating a blend of technology and creativity in sound equipment design.
• 😀 The Rat Sound headquarters is not only an office but a fully operational sound facility, with sections dedicated to rigging, speaker maintenance, and speaker testing after every show.
• 😀 Rat Sound is known for its work with L Acoustics speakers, but they also use other brands like BSB and Powersoft amps to drive their equipment, showcasing versatility in their setup.
• 😀 One of the oldest items in Rat Sound’s inventory are the original rats built by Dave in 1988, which are still in use today for some shows, highlighting the longevity of quality design.
• 😀 Dave Rat's R&D lab is where he works on sound-related projects, such as problem-solving, repairs, and innovations. It's a hands-on, experimental space.
• 😀 One of Dave's exciting innovations is the 'relaxation chair,' a high-tech setup designed for a zen-like experience, using multiple high-powered subwoofers and speakers to deliver intense, immersive sound sensations.
• 😀 The 'relaxation chair' features 6 super subs (10,000 watts each) with 30-inch cones and multiple micro wedges for sound that vibrates in sync with the user's body, providing a highly tactile, surround-sound experience.
• 😀 The sound system in the 'relaxation chair' is powered by a total of approximately 120,000 watts, with careful safety measures in place to ensure it is safe for human use, as confirmed by Dave.
• 😀 The system is routed through a sophisticated audio setup with a 5.1 extractor and an X32 console, which allows precise control of sound distribution across multiple channels, including various subs and speakers placed strategically for immersive experiences.

Q & A

What is Dave Rat's primary focus when it comes to sound?

Dave Rat is interested in all kinds of sound and how it has evolved over time. He has various sound reproducing equipment from different decades to explore the progression of sound technology.

What is the significance of the wire recorder and the telefunking radios that Dave owns?

The wire recorder from the 40s and the telefunking radios from the 50s are examples of vintage sound technology. The wire recorder was used to record sound on wire, and the radios are a representation of the audio technology in the 50s. These artifacts are part of Dave's collection to showcase the evolution of sound reproduction.

What is the story behind the radio Dave owns that was used during 'War of the Worlds'?

The radio Dave owns was used by a family during the famous 'War of the Worlds' broadcast, where listeners believed that aliens were actually invading Earth. This piece is a part of Dave's collection of historical sound devices.

What are Pico wedges, and what is their purpose?

Pico wedges are small 3D printed objects that Dave created. They are designed to be part of a small desktop PA system or monitor rig, allowing users to create multiple mixes on their desks.

What is the primary goal of Dave Rat's channel?

Dave Rat's channel aims to be both educational and experimental. He explains how things work while demonstrating his ideas through small setups and experiments, often displaying his hands-on approach to sound technology.

What is the purpose of the taped-off areas in the Rat Sound warehouse?

The taped-off areas are used to map out the dimensions of various trucks for loading purposes. By marking the space that a semi-truck occupies, they can optimize the process of loading equipment into the trucks.

What equipment is being used in the speaker and sound systems at Rat Sound headquarters?

The equipment includes L Acoustics speakers, DMV speakers, BSB speakers, and power amplifiers from brands like Power Soft. Dave’s company also does maintenance, testing, and upgrading of speakers and sound equipment.

What is the 'relaxation chair' that Dave Rat is working on?

The relaxation chair is a project designed to create a zen-like experience using powerful sound systems. It uses six super subs (10,000 watts each), super wedges, and various other speakers to provide an immersive, physical sound experience.

How does the sound system in the relaxation chair work?

The system includes six super subs (30-inch cones, 10,000 watts each), a series of super wedges for mids and highs, micro wedges, and force motors that create vibrations. These components work together to produce an intense sound experience with up to 120,000 watts of power.

How is the signal routed for the relaxation chair's sound system?

The signal is routed through a laptop using HDMI out to a 5.1 extractor, which splits the audio into channels for left, right, center, and rear speakers, as well as various subs and vibrating plates. The system allows for flexible routing of the signals to different speakers for a highly customizable audio experience.