The Long Range Acoustical Device (LRAD), is shown here mounted on an NYPD vehicle. The technology, which can direct sound for four blocks, will be used to communicate with protesters at the RNC.
American Technology Corp.

Outside the convention hall, New York City police plan to control protesters using a device that directs sound for up to 1,500 feet in a spotlight-like beam. Meanwhile, a display of former Republican presidents inside the hall will feature campaign speeches that are funneled to listeners through highly focused audio beams.

"These are totally different from the way an ordinary speaker emits sound," said Elwood (Woody) Norris, founder and head of American Technology Corp. of San Diego. "It's like it's inside your head."

Sound as a Weapon

In fact, LRAD, which is 33 inches in diameter and looks like a giant spotlight, has been used by the U.S. military in Iraq and at sea as a non-lethal force. In these settings, operators can use the device not only to convey orders, but also as a weapon.

When in weapon mode, LRAD blasts a tightly controlled stream of caustic sound that can be turned up to high enough levels to trigger nausea or possibly fainting. The operators themselves remain unaffected since the noise is contained in its focused beam.

"We've devised a system with a multiplicity of individual speakers that are phased so sound that would normally go off to the side or up or down, cancels out, while sound directly in front is reinforced," Norris explained. "It's kind of like the way a lens magnifies a beam of light."

Anarchist beware

I WANT ONE!

Must. Have. Video.

I want to see granola-eatin', sandal-wearin', patchoulli-smellin', bleary-eyed hippy protestors puking their veggieburgers all over each other.  That would make me a happy man.

Even better if the cops use it to project the "brown note".

Kirk

Good thing all of us on Arfcom have ear protection, right?

Too bad they couldn't tune it to the brown note.  That would teach the protestors.

Quoted: Too bad they couldn't tune it to the brown note.  That would teach the protestors.

Just don't broadcast it worldwide like happened on South Park

Quoted: Quoted: Too bad they couldn't tune it to the brown note.  That would teach the protestors. Just don't broadcast it worldwide like happened on South Park

IIRC, 'brown note' is a very hard to focus frequency...

We wouldn't want Wave & buddies crapping their pants too...

I want one for all of those people that love to drive around "bumping" to their bassy rap songs on their car stereos. Give them a taste of their own medicine!

Attn. Officer Wave: make sure you turn its volume to "11".

GunLvr