Acoustic Sensing for Musical Instrument Study and Vocal Analysis

Dear Colleagues,

Physical sensors used for detecting displacement, speed, acceleration, and vibration have played a crucial role in studying the characteristics of musical instruments and vocal analysis. Laser, MEMS-based, and acoustic sensors, like microphones, have commonly been employed for single-point detection. Through the utilization of sensor arrays, scanning techniques, or optical holographic measurements, two-dimensional vibration profiles of musical instruments can be captured and visualized.

With advancements in sensing technology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence, the sampling frequency, resolution, stability, and repeatability of sensors have improved significantly. Additionally, sensor sizes have been minimized, and the signal/noise ratio has been reduced. This progress opens avenues for re-exploring the physical properties of musical instruments and vocal analysis, such as timbre and acoustic coupling between instrument components.

Artificial intelligence can process the acoustic data gathered from these advanced sensors. Moreover, new structures and materials, such as carbon fibers or novel musical instruments, have been developed. Advanced sensors facilitate the exploration of the properties of new instruments and materials, and they can enhance the instrument quality during fabrication. These sensing techniques not only deepen our understanding of instrument physics, but also have practical applications in improving instrument craftsmanship.

This Special Issue seeks to compile scientific findings related to advanced sensors used for analyzing musical instruments and vocals, as well as the exploration of the physical properties of musical instruments featuring new structures or innovative designs. We encourage novel research focusing on acoustic studies of musical instruments which employ sensors. Additionally, contributions examining results derived from sensor data analysis aided by artificial intelligence are highly encouraged. We invite research papers covering a broad range of topics, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Laser applications for acoustics study;
• MEMS-based sensors for acoustic studies;
• Vibration profiles of musical instruments;
• Timbre analysis of musical instruments or vocals using sensors;
• New sensors for acoustic studies in musical instruments and vocal analysis;
• Acoustic analysis employing artificial intelligence in sensor-based studies;
• Quality control during the fabrication process of musical instruments using sensors;
• Impulse-response characteristics of musical instruments using novel sensors;
• Measurements of the properties of materials for musical instruments.

Prof. Dr. Chii-Chang Chen
Guest Editor

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• acoustics
• musical instruments
• vocal
• holography
• acoustic materials
• vocals