The Space of the Listener

The Space of the ListenerYew Tze EeReverberationPersistance of sound in a particular space after the original sound is producedCaused by echoes (reflections) in an enclosed space

Reverberation Time and SpeechDry speech, without reverberation

Speech with a 0.8s reverberation time

Speech with a 2.0s reverberation time

Speech with a 5.0s reverberation time

Reverberation Time and MusicDry music, without reverberation

Music with a 0.6s reverberation time

Music with a 1.5s reverberation time

Music with a 2.5s reverberation time

Ideal Reverberation TimeReverberation time (RT60): Amount of time required for the sound field to decay 60bB of its original power.For both speech and music: RT60 < 1s (from Knudsen)

Concert Hall AcousticsSound waves from a stage are deflected by sound panels and distributed throughout an auditorium

Concert Hall AcousticsDirect sound vs Lateral reflectionLateral reflection:Difference in intensity in left/right ear and different arrival timeBrain senses being enveloped by the musicCharacteristics of a good room acoustics

Direct sound:Same signal in both earsFeeling of missing somethingE.g. Listening through headphones

Types of Concert HallsShoe Box ShapeShoe box shaped halls are good for concert halls because of beneficial lateral reflectionsShoe box concert halls are long, tall and narrow

Royal Festival HallSouthbank Center, UKTypes of Concert HallsFan ShapedInfluenced by amphitheatres, theatre and early cinemaLack of lateral reflections

Liverpool Philharmonic HallLiverpool, UK

Types of Concert HallsVineyard TerraceAudience are subdividedMore beneficial reflections from dividing walls

Waterfront HallBelfast, Northern Ireland

Referenceshttp://www.mcsquared.com/problems.htmhttp://www.acoustics.salford.ac.uk/acoustics_info/concert_hall_acoustics/?content=shapehttp://images.yourdictionary.com/acoustics

THE ENDThank You