Abstract
Auralisation, the audio equivalent of digital visualisation, enables us to listen to virtual acoustic environments that are yet to be built. Tt is now also finding its place in environmental acoustic design and assessment. Acoustic modelling is generally used in auralisation to predict the sound propagation paths in a space that does not as yet exist, and so is a key design process in the development of new performing arts venues, where acoustic quality is critical. It is also used to predict the acoustic consequences for refurbishments planned in existing venues. Traditionally, the model might in fact be a reduced scale construction of the actual building, complete with miniature loudspeakers (for sound sources) and microphones (for the listener's ears), with the audio signals scaled up in frequency accordingly to compensate for the change in physical dimensions. Computer-based acoustic modelling is therefore much more established, based on 3D computer aided design techniques, and makes it possible to use a computer-based visualisation and from this generate an auralisation. Furthermore, auralisation is designed to simulate a specific sound played back in the measured space and the most commonly used acoustic signals. Once an impulse response has been obtained from either a measurement or a model, it can be used to process any audio signal or sound recording.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 39-42 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Acoustics Bulletin |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2016 |