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LO-FI
Electroacoustics / Soundscape Studies

Abbr. for low-FIDELITY, that is, a system which reproduces less than a full frequency SPECTRUM, and which has a poor SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO. The most general use of the term is in ELECTROACOUSTICs, such as when applied to an AMPLIFIER or recording. See SCHIZOPHONIA for sound examples.

In terms of SOUNDSCAPE studies, the lo-fi environment is one in which signals are overcrowded, resulting in MASKing and lack of clarity.

Compare: HI-FI, PRESENCE. See: ACOUSTIC HORIZON, ACOUSTIC SPACE, FEEDBACK, MOOZAK, NOISE POLLUTION, REVERBERATION, REDUNDANCY, SOUND EVENT, SOUND POLLUTION.

Sound Example: Urban traffic ambience.

Sound Example: Outdoor ambience, University of British Columbia, with construction noise.

Sound Example: Competing background music from shops along Carnaby Street, London.


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