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Sound System Simulates the Roar of a Rocket Launch

Posted by samzenpus on from the can-you-hear-anything-now? dept.

retroworks writes "Located in Noordwijk, Netherlands, and part of ESA's ESTEDC Test Center, is the Large European Acoustic Facility (LEAF), a sound amplification system 'powerful enough to kill a human being.' LEAF is capable of generating more than 154 decibels, the sound equivalent to standing next to several jets taking off. It is used to blast satellites and spacecraft with sound. Large horns are housed in a sound-proofed room that is 16.4meters tall. One wall of horns stands 11 m wide by 9 m deep and 16.4 m high. LEAF requires all the doors to be closed, operating in steel-reinforced concrete walls to contain the noise. The walls are coated with an epoxy resin to reflect noise, producing a uniform sound field within the chamber."

12 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. the real question is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    can it go to 11?

    1. Re:the real question is by Ellis+D.+Tripp · · Score: 3, Funny

      Sounds like this one might go up to 12 or more...and is large enough that it won't be trod on by a dwarf.

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    2. Re:the real question is by binarylarry · · Score: 3, Funny

      Since it's sound proof (and hopefully sealed air tight) lets just lock them inside and call it a day.

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    3. Re:the real question is by Demonoid-Penguin · · Score: 3, Funny

      can it go to 11?

      (sigh) bloody Slashdot posters.... If you bothered to read the referenced article you'd see it starts at 11. [mutter, mutter].

  2. Questions not addressed in the summary by pushing-robot · · Score: 4, Funny

    1. Can it play Van Halen?

    2. How can I have one installed in my living room?

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    How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
    1. Re:Questions not addressed in the summary by 140Mandak262Jamuna · · Score: 1, Funny

      Of course I wish you could install it in your living room. Given that the volume can kill a person, it is going to be more like dying room. But, please be my guest. Once all these noise obsessed people have knocked themselves out of the genepool, real music might emerge someday.

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    2. Re:Questions not addressed in the summary by pushing-robot · · Score: 5, Funny

      They don't call it Death Metal for nothing, you know.

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      How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
    3. Re: Questions not addressed in the summary by jd2112 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Death metal? This thing has Disaster Area written all over it. They must be scheduled for a gig on Earth soon!

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  3. It's only a matter of time... by narcc · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...before this is stolen and installed in a '94 honda civic.

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  4. One of the first customers by rossdee · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hotblack Desiato and his band Disaster Area

  5. Missed headline opportunity by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 4, Funny

    Sound system simulates strident sonics of soaring space ships

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  6. powerful enough to kill a human?? mythbusters by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 3, Funny

    powerful enough to kill a human?? sounds like the mythbusters need to test this!!