Synergistic Research FEQ Carbon Acoustic Field Generator

Synergistic Research FEQ Carbon Acoustic Field Generator

Imagine listening to Charlie Parker at Birdland, then walk into Carnegie Hall and getting seated in the best seats in the house. This is possible when you add Atmosphere to your listening room. No other technology allows you to tailor the size and scale of your soundstage with stunning realism, to portray the music and venue you are experiencing accurately. The Synergistic Research FEQ Carbon is a third-generation, two-channel acoustic field generator. New to the FEQ Carbon is a wholly redesigned PCB with dual RF generators. The first function of the redesign was to provide the ability to create different wave shapes, and the second was the addition of a 2nd, independently controlled ULF generator channel. This is similar to what has been used in the SR Atmosphere Infinity but is the first FEQ to have this ability, which meant 100’s of hours in the listening room finding the perfect combination of options and settings. Next was the new carbon fiber chassis. Not only cosmetically beautiful, but the carbon fibre chassis also improves the broadcast of ULF frequencies through its conductive weave. As a result, layering, three-dimensionality, and holographic realism are much improved over all single frequency FEQ’s of the past decade. In some aspects, the FEQ Carbon even outperforms the much larger and more complex Synergistic Research Atmosphere Infinity as we have isolated two different frequency combinations that represent a near-perfect yin and yang with focus and clarity on acoustic recordings and a more holographic soundstage on recordings mastered to convey a large and enveloping sound field.

Two frequency bias, one perfect sound.

Red Frequency: voiced for acoustic instruments, vocals, and smaller-scale performances

Purple Frequency: convincingly portrays large-scale performances and electronic music.

Atmosphere and FEQ began when our lead designer Ted Denney contemplated why systems seem to sound better late at night and worse mid-day. As a pioneering designer of the first high-performance power cord, the original AC Master Coupler of 1994, and his later work in 2007 to develop the world’s first patented non-current limiting AC filter found in our PowerCell AC line conditioners, he knew there must be more to the mystery of what we hear late at night vs. mid-day than just the state of AC coming out of the wall. After all, if it were only AC than power conditioning and high-performance power cords would have solved this problem long ago.

So we began researching variables that could contribute to the mystery of midnight vs. mid-day system performance and came to the conclusion that man-made and solar RF must play a significant role. This led us to research of factors that contribute to fluctuations in the Earth’s ambient RF environment. Ted reasoned that if differences in RF can degrade the sound, then RF can be modeled and shaped to improve the sound.

The Sun and RF Propagation on Earth

There are three major disturbances on the Sun that affect radio propagation here on Earth. Solar Flares, Coronal Holes, and Sudden Disappearing Filament (SDF). Each disturbance causes both electromagnetic radiation and ejection of material from the Sun that alters RF on Earth. What we looked at was how each of these disturbances affects our RF environment during the day vs. late at night with the intention to mimic late-night conditions to improve sound mid-day.

Solar Flares

Solar flares release huge amounts of energy, including sustained, high-energy bursts of radiation from VLF to X-ray frequencies and vast amounts of solar material. Most solar flares occur around the peak of the 11-year solar cycle. The first earthly indication of a huge flare is often a visible brightness near a sunspot group, along with increases in UV and X-ray radiation and VHF radio noise.

The sudden increase in X-ray energy from a large flare can immediately increase RF absorption in the Earth’s lowest ionospheric layers, sometimes causing a phenomenon known as a Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance (SID). An SID affects all HF communication on the sunlit side of the Earth and signals in the 2 to the 30-MHz range may disappear entirely. Even background noise may cease in extreme cases. When you experience a big SID, your first inclination may be to look outside to see if your antenna fell down! SIDs may last up to an hour before ionospheric conditions temporarily return to normal.

Typically, several hours after a flare erupts at the Sun, particles begin to arrive at the Earth in the form of a plasma, a highly ionized gas made up of electrons, protons and neutral particles, traveling at speeds up to 300 miles per second. Really high-energy protons may even disable satellites orbiting high above the atmosphere and seem to have a negative effect on the way our audio systems sound.

Coronal Hole

A second major solar disturbance is a so-called “coronal hole”. Matter ejected through this “hole” becomes part of the solar wind and can affect the Earth’s magnetic field.

Statistically, coronal holes tend to occur most often during the declining phase of the 11-year solar cycle and they can last for a number of solar rotations. This means that a coronal hole can be a “recurring coronal hole,” disrupting communications and degrading the subjective performance of our audio systems for several days.

Sudden Disappearing Filament

The Sudden Disappearing Filament (SDF) is the third major category of solar disturbance that can affect RF propagation on Earth. SDFs take their names from the manner in which they suddenly arch upward from the Sun’s surface, spewing huge amounts of matter as plasma out into space in the solar wind.

When the conditions are right, a flare, coronal hole or an SDF can launch a plasma cloud into the solar wind, resulting in an Ionospheric Storm here on Earth. Unlike a hurricane or a Nor’easter in New England, an ionospheric storm is not something we can see with our eyes or feel on our skin. However, we can see the indirect effects of an ionospheric storm on magnetic instruments located on the Earth’s surface because disturbances in the ionosphere are intimately related to disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field.

During a geomagnetic storm (“geo” means Earth, in Greek), we may experience extraordinary radio noise and interference, especially at HF. You may hear solar radio emissions as increases of noise at VHF. A geomagnetic storm generally adds noise and weakens or disrupts ionospheric propagation for several days.

Solar Flares, Coronal Holes, The Sudden Disappearing Filament, and Wi-Fi—Oh my.

In a nutshell, we discovered that during the day ambient RF is stronger while the Earth’s Schumann Resonance is weaker in relation to overpowering solar and man-made radio frequencies. Typically speaking the ambient RF environment is at a higher frequency and is more complex during the day, and at a lower frequency and somewhat less complex late at night as our planet turns away from the sun. While charting Solar Flare, Coronal Hole and SDF activity we learned that the prevailing RF environment is affected by solar activity much more during the day, and less at night and this led to the discovery of specific RF environments conducive to what we perceive as good sound.

About Synergistic Research

Synergistic Research, a well-established innovator in high-end audio, is celebrated worldwide for its pioneering role in delivering state-of-the-art sonic experiences. Established by Ted Denney in 1992, the company stands on a bedrock of continuous research and innovation, striving to push the boundaries of what's possible in audio performance.

With a firm belief that superior sound transforms how we experience music, Synergistic Research is passionate about achieving sonic realism through its diverse range of products. Synergistic Research focuses on a total system approach to create synergy in your system. These include audio and power cables, power conditioners, acoustic treatments, and more, each engineered to facilitate an immersive audio experience.

All aspects of performance are considered because there's more to synergy than just cables. Synergistic Research has developed some of the world's most innovative solutions like PowerCell line conditioners, Acoustic ART room treatments, MiG component resonators, and Galileo Universal Cable Cells.
Of course, audio cables, power cords and audio-grade fuses are significant contributors to system performance second only to room acoustics. They have also pioneered groundbreaking technologies such as Active Shielding with air dielectrics and custom tuneable cables with Enigma Bullets to get closer to the music than ever before. Synergistic Research also looked at one most important parts of any music system the AC wall socket.

The quality, structure, and efficiency of the AC entering your music system play a profound role in the musicality and dimensionality of the music your system can reproduce. This is why looking further than just the audio system is essential. Synergistic Research has many solutions to this age-old problem of AC quality entering your music system, making it the best choice for audiophile-grade fuses.

What sets Synergistic Research apart is its rigorous scientific approach to product development. Their exploration into quantum physics and the science of harmonics is infused into each product, setting them apart in the industry. They commit to implementing cutting-edge technology and proprietary materials in their products, often leading to revolutionary breakthroughs.

Synergistic Research is not merely a manufacturer but a thought leader that sets a high bar in the audio industry, emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship and the scientific method in its product design process. Every product undergoes rigorous, objective and subjective testing before it reaches the consumer, ensuring unparalleled quality and performance.

Moreover, Synergistic Research's commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched. They understand the varied needs of their clients, offering customizable solutions and personal consultations to ensure that their products provide an optimum fit for each unique audio system and listening environment.

With a reputation for innovation and quality, Synergistic Research remains a vanguard in the high-end audio industry. Their dedication to research, precision, and an unrivalled auditory experience have earned them the trust and respect of audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide. For those seeking the pinnacle of audio performance, Synergistic Research stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation.