Browse > Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.7776/ASK.2021.40.6.626

Variable Acoustics in performance venues- A review  

Hyon, Jinoh (J Acoustic Team)
Jeong, Daeup (Jeonbuk National University)
Abstract
Domestically, demands for multi-purpose performance venues which accommodate various performance genres have increased. However, those venues have limited capability and confined to a primary performance. The present work investigated various methods for controlling the acoustics of room for required performance genres by reviewing aurally presented and published materials. The method of varying the acoustics of a space is called Variable Acoustics, and adjusted in either passive and active ways. Passive control encompasses variable absorption, variable volume, coupled volume, and canopy reflectors, where the acoustics of a room is controlled in an architectural way. Active control includes In-line, Regenerative, and Hybrid systems where the acoustics of a room is manipulated electronically. The mechanism and application of each passive control system in existing venues are reviewed and their pros and cons are discussed. Also, the concept of each active systems and product applications are looked at through literature reviews. Lastly, some considerations that need to be taken into in the planning and design stage of a multi-purpose hall using Variable Acoustics are suggested.
Keywords
Variable acoustics; Passive acoustic; Active acoustic; Multipurpose hall;
Citations & Related Records
연도 인용수 순위
  • Reference
1 M. R. Schroeder, "Improved quasi-stereophony and "colorless" artificial reverberation," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 33, 1061-1064 (1961).   DOI
2 M. R. Schroeder, "Natural-sounding artificial reverberation," J. Audio Eng. Soc. 10, 219-223 (1962).
3 M. Cairoli, "Architectural customized design for variable acoustics in a multipurpose auditorium," Applied Acoustics, 140, 167-177 (2018).   DOI
4 M. Ikeda, S. Kishinaga, and F. Kawakami. "Two acoustical solutions for multipurpose halls-active field control and physical control," Proc. Int. Symp. on Room Acoustics, 1-8 (2004).
5 M. A. Poletti, "A comparison of passive and active coupled rooms for acoustic control," Proc. Internoise, 93-96 (1998).
6 M. A. Poletti, "On controlling the apparent absorption and volume in assisted reverberation systems," Acustica, 78, 61-73 (1993).
7 H. Moller, A. Ruusuvuori, O. Salmensaari, and O. Lindfors "Designing halls with variable acoustics," Proc. Joint Baltic-Nordic Acoustics Meeting, 1-7 (2008).
8 M. Ermann and M. Johnson, "Pilot study: Exposure and materiality of the secondary room and its impact on the impulse response of coupled-volume concert halls," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 111, 2331A (2002).
9 F. Kawakami and Y. Shimizu, "Active field control in auditoria," Appl. Acoust. 31, 47-75 (1990).   DOI
10 D. T. Bradley, Analysis of parameter effects on sound energy decay in coupled volume systems, (Ph.D. thesis, University of Nebraska, 2006).
11 Pro Audio Encyclopedia, http://proaudioencyclopedia.com/an-assessment-of-the-importance-of-the-earlyto-reverberant-sound-energy-ratio-in-concert-hall-acoustics/ (Last viewed August 21, 2021).
12 Voith & Mactavish Architects,https://voithandmactavish.com/projects/the-kimmel-center-verizon-hall/, (Last viewed Nov. 26, 2021).
13 M. R. Schroeder, "Digital simulation of sound transmission in reverberant spaces," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 47, 424-431 (1970).   DOI
14 M. A. Poletti, "The analysis of a general assisted reverberation system," Acustica with Acta Acustica, 84, 766-775 (1998).
15 M. A. Poletti, "The control of early and late energy using the variable room acoustics system," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 114, 2341-2341 (2003).   DOI
16 H. Miyazaki, T. Watanabe, S. Kishinaga and F. Kawakami, "Active Field Control (AFC): Reverberation enhancement system using acoustical feedback control," Proc, AES 115th Convention, paper no. 5861 (2003).
17 A. J. Jones, "The History and application of 'Assisted resonace," AIRO Res. Summary, (1982).
18 J. S. Bradley, "In-channel response of an electroacoustic feedback channel," Acustica 32, 1-12 (1975).
19 J. S. Bradley, "The response of an electroacoustic feedback channel with a remote source or a remote receiver," Acustica, 32, 3-22 (1975).
20 Berkshire Fine Arts, https://www.berkshirefinearts.com/06-25-2017_the-bso-season-at-tanglewood.htm, (Last viewed August 21, 2021).
21 J. G. Charles, J. Miller, and H. Gwatkin, " Assisting the assisted resonance at the central hall. York, UK," Applied Acoustics, 21, 199-223 (1987).   DOI
22 A. Krokstad, "Electroacoustic means of controlling auditorium acoustics," Appl. Acoust. 24, 275-288 (1988).   DOI
23 P. H. Parkin and K. Morgan, "'Assisted resonance' in the Royal Festival Hall, London, 1965-1969," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 48, 1025-1035 (1970).   DOI
24 P. H. Parkin, "Assisted resonace at the Central Hall, York University," archit. J. 297-300 (1974).
25 A. Krokstad, "Electroacoustic means of controlling auditorium acoustics," Appl. Acoust. 24, 275-288 (1988).   DOI
26 S. Dahlstedt, "Electronic reverberation equipment in the Stockholm concert hall," J. Audio Eng. Soc. 22, 627-631 (1974).
27 S. H. de Koning, "The MCR system-multiple-channel amplification of reverberation," Philips Tech. Review, 41, 12-23 (1983/84).
28 N.W. Adelman-Larsen, "Real case measurements of new variable acoustics technology," Proc. ISRA. 339-344 (2019).
29 Y. Jurkiewicz, E. Kahle, and B. F.G. Katz, "Stavanger Concert Hall, Acoustic design, and measurement results," Proc. of the Institute of Acoustics, 37, 300-307 (2015).
30 D. L. Klepper, R. B. Newman, and B. G. Watters, "Acoustics of the Jesse H. Jones Performing Arts Hall," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 44, 366 (1968).
31 D. Griesinger, "Improving room acoustics through time-variant synthetic reverberation," AES Convention, 90th paper no. 3014 (1990).
32 S.Strom, A. Krokstad, S. Sorsdal, and S. Stensby "Design of room acoustics and a MCR reverberation system for Djergsted Concert Hall in Stavanger". Applied Acoustics, 19, 465-475 (1986).   DOI
33 M. A. Poletti, The performance of multichannel sound systems, (Ph.D. thesis, University of Auckland, 2001).
34 C. Jaffe, "Electronic sound enhancing system," U.S Patent No. 4,061,876, 1977.
35 D. Griesinger, "Improving room acoustics through time-variant synthetic reverberation," AES 90th Convention, paper no, 3014 (1991).
36 D. Grisinger, "Electroacoustic system," U.S. Patent No. 5,109,419, 1992.
37 S. Barbar, "Further development in the design, implementation, and performance of time variant acoustic enhancement systems," Proc. IOA. 1-9 (1994).
38 D. Griesinger. "Recent experiences with electronic acoustic enhancement in Concert Halls and Opera Houses," Sixth Int. Cong. Sound and Vib. 1-9 (1999).
39 R. Johnson and E. Kahle, "The new Konzertsaal of the KKL Center, Lucerne, Switzerland. I. Acoustic design," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 105, 928(1999).   DOI
40 X. Zha, H. Fuchs, H. Drotleff, and X. Zhou, "Room acoustics for 4 uses- Grosses Haus Staatstheater Mainz," CFA/DAGA '04, Strasbourg, 03, 523-527 (2004).
41 D. Griesinger, "Progress in electronically variable acoustics," Proc. W. C. Sabine Cent. Symp. Acoust. Soc. Am. 57-60 (1994).
42 W. C. J. M. Prinssen, and M. Holden, "System for improved acoustic performance," Proc. Inst. of Acoust. 14, 93-101 (1992).
43 W. C. J. M. Prinssen and B. H. M. Kok, "Technical innovations in the field of electronic modification of acoustic spaces," Proc. Inst. of Acoust. 343-364 (1994).
44 P. H. Parkin and K. Morgan, "A special report on the experimental 'Assisted Resonance' system in the Royal Festival Hall," J. Sound Vib. 1, 335-342 (1964).   DOI
45 M. A. Poletti, "The performance of a new assisted reverberation system," Acta Acustica, 2, 511-524, (1994).
46 M. A. Poletti and R. Schwenke, "Prediction and verification of powered loudspeaker requirements for an assisted reverberation system," AES 121st AES Convention, paper no.6866 (2006).
47 M. A. Poletti, "An assisted reverberation system for controlling apparent room absorption and volume," AES 101st Convention, paper no. 4365 (1996).
48 M. A. Poletti, "The control of early and late energy using the variable room acoustics system," Proc. Acoustics, 215-218 (2006).
49 M. A. Poletti, "Active Acoustic Systems for the Control of Room Acoustics," Building Acoustics, 18, 237-258 (2011).   DOI
50 R. Schwenke, S. Ellison, and M. Poletti, "Prediction and measurement of reverberation increase from electroacoustic architecture systems," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 2545 ( 2009).
51 M. A. Poletti, "A unitary reverberator for reduced colouration in assisted reverberation systems," Proc. Int. Symp. on Active Control of Sound and Vib. 1223-1232 (1995).
52 J. Riionheimo, H. Moller, and A. Ruusuvuori, "The LOGOMO HAll" Proc. BNAM. 1-7 (2012).
53 N. W. Adelman-Larsen, E. R. Thompson, and A. C. Gade, "Suitable reverberation times for halls for rock and pop music," J. Acoust. Soc Am. 127, 247-255 (2010).   DOI
54 Y. Toyota, M. Komoda, D. Beckmann, M. Quiquerez, and E. Bergal, Concert Hall by Nagata Acoustics-Thirty Years of Acoustical Design for Music Venues and Vineyard-Style Auditoria- (Springer Nature, Cham Switzerland, 2020), pp. 329.
55 B. Kok and W. Prinssen, "Electroacoustic correction of auditoria which have poorly coupled spaces using a SIAP system, a case study," Proceeding of the Institute of Acoustics. 17, Part 1 (1995).
56 G. Davis and R. Jones, The Sound Reinforcement Handbook 2nd Ed (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, New York, 1990), pp. 243-270.
57 S. Barbar, "Inside out - Time variant electronic acoustic enhancement provides the missing link for acoustic music outdoors," Proc. AES 127th Convention, paper no. 7831 (2009).
58 I. Allen, Technical Guidelines for Dolby Stereo Theatres (Dolby Laboratories Incorporated, Sanfrancisco, 1994), pp. 67.
59 W. C. J. M. Prinssen and B. H. M. Kok, "Active and passive acoustics: Comparison of performance characteristics and practical application possibilities, presentation of a case study," Proc. Inst. of Acoust. 17, (1995).
60 W. Anhert and T. Behrens, "Experiences with an electronic enhancement system in a mid-size theatre," Proc. 19th ICA. 1-6 (2007).
61 W. C. J. M. Prinssen and B. H. M. Kok, "Active and passive orchestra shells and stage acoustic," J. Acoust. Soc. 97, part 1 (1995).
62 D. Guicking, K. Karcher, and M. Rollwage: "Coherentactive methods for applications in room acoustics," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 78, 1426-1434 (1995)   DOI
63 M. Barron, Auditorium Acoustics and Architectural Design, 2nd ed. (Spon Press, London, 2009), pp. 386.
64 Y. J. Park, "Cultural & art center, as a cultural stronghold for creating local culture", Korean culture & Arts J. 26-32 (2005).
65 Korea Arts Management Service, Survey on the performing art-National statistics (Ministry of Culture, Seoul, 2020), chapter 2 and 4.
66 Statistics KOREA Government Official Work Conference, http://www.index.go.kr/potal/main/EachDtlPageDetail.do?idx_cd=1641¶m=002, (Last viewed August 13, 2021).
67 D. Jeong and H. Jeong, "Investigation of preferred acoustics of a room for traditional Korean music," Proc. INTER-NOISE and NOISE-CON Congress and Conf. 1056-1060 (2003).
68 I. Schmich and J-P. Vian, "CARMEN: A physical approach for Room Acoustic Enhancement System," Proc. 7th CFA DAGA. 517-518 (2004).
69 C. Rougier, I. Schmich, P. Chervin, and P. Gillieron, "CARMEN in the Norwich Theatre Royal, UK," Proc. Acoustics, 2499-2504 (2008).
70 X. Meynial and F. Nicol, "Influence of intercorrelation between channels in regenerative reverberation enhancement systems," Proc. 17th ICA. 3 (2001).
71 VIVACE, Muller-BBM, https://vivace.mbbm-aso.com/vivace, (Last viewed August 24, 2021).
72 VIVACE, Muller-BBM-Project, https://vivace.mbbm-aso.com/projects, (Last viewed August 24, 2021).
73 P. Z. Kozlowski, "Effectiveness of acoustic banners depending on their arrangement in the concert hall-case study," Vibrations in Physical Systems, 30, 1-8 (2019).
74 Entertainment Technology News on Web, http://www.etnow.com/news/2011/4/j-and-c-joel-at-the-apex-centre, (Last viewed November 28, 2021).
75 V. M. A. Peutz, "The variable acoustics of the Espace de Projection of IRCAM (Paris)," AES 59th Convention, paper no. 1310 (1978).
76 N. W. Adelman-Larsen, E. R. Thompson, and A. Gade, "Suitable reverberation times for halls for rock and pop music," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 127, 247-255 (2010).   DOI
77 T. Watanabe and M. ikeda, "Various application of active field control," AES 134th Convention, paper no. 8859 (2013).
78 M. Talbot-Smith, Audio Engineer's Reference Book 2nd Ed (Focal Press, Oxford. 1999), Section 4.1-4.8.
79 F. A. Everest and K. C. Pohlmann, Master Handbook of Acoustics (McGraw Hill, New York, 2009), pp. 280.
80 W. Yang, K. Kwak, S. Yang, B. B. Santika, and C, Seo, "Reverberation times preferred by traditionally trained versus classically trained musicians for overall impression of contemporary gugak orchestras using auralisation techniques," Applied Acoustics, 180, 1-13 (2021).
81 Ermann, Architectural Acoustics Illustrated (Wiley, Hoboken, 2015), pp. 71-73.
82 S. Jouan and A. Randrianoelina, "LG Arts Centre, Seoul, South Korea, conception of a performing art centre in South Korea and cultural differences," Proc. the Institute of Acoustics, 40, 577-584 (2018).
83 N. W. Adelman-Larsen, C. H. Jeong, and B. Stofringsdal, "Investigation on acceptable reverberation times at various octave bands in halls that present amplified music," Applied Acoustics, 129, 104-107 (2018).   DOI
84 N. W. Adelman-Larsen, "On a new, variable broadband absorption product and acceptable tolerances of T30 in halls for amplified music," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 14, 015002 (2011).
85 R. Orlowski, "Multi-purpose halls and variable acoustics," Proc. Forum Acusticum Sevilla, Paper no. RBA-02-010-IP (2002).
86 Waagner Biro Stage System, https://www.waagnerbiro-stage.com/en/portfolio/stavanger-konserthus-en/, (Last viewed August 28, 2021).
87 M. Barron, "The Gulbenkian Great Hall, Lisbon, II: An acoustic study of a concert hall with variable stage," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 59, 481-502 (1978).
88 N. W. Adelman-Larsen, E. R. Thompson, and A. C. Gade, "Suitable reverberation times in halls for rock and pop music," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 127, 247-255 (2010).   DOI
89 O. Vuichard and X. Meynial, "On microphone positioning in electroacoustic reverberation enhancement systems," Acustica, 86, 853-859 (2000).
90 L. Shtrepi, A. Astolfi, G. D'Antonio, and M. Guski, "Objective and perceptual evaluation of distance-dependent scattered sound effects in a small variable- acoustics hall," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 140, 3651-3662 (2016).   DOI
91 K. Jambrosic, H. Domitrovic, and M. Horvat, "The acoustics of a multifunctional concert hall in Zagreb," Proc. EuroRegio, 1-10 (2016).
92 N. W. Adelman-Larsen, "Acoustics for amplified music and a new, variable acoustics technology that includes low frequencies," Proc. ISRA. 1-11 (2016).
93 R. A. Tenenbaum, L. V. Oliveira, and S. Muller, "Acoustical analysis of a variable roof configuration concert hall-The Sao Paulo Hall," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123, 2974 (2008).
94 R. A. Tenenbaum, L. V. Oliveira, and S. Muller, "Roof configurations, room quality parameters and musical performances: An analysis of the Sao Paulo Hall," Building Acoustics, 20, 55-80 (2013).   DOI
95 Y. Jurkiewicz, "Variable acoustics, from design to everyday practice. Can it really work?," Proc. Forum Acusticum, 1203-1204 (2020).
96 J. R. Hyde, "Segerstrom Hall- Evaluation of measurements and design details," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 80, S2, (1986).   DOI
97 R. Johnson and R. Essert, "Broadening the range of variable reverberance," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 90, 4AA1 (1991).
98 M. Ikeda, S. Kishinaga, and F. Kawakami, "Two acoustical solutions for multipurpose halls: Active field control and physical control," Proc. ISRA. 1-8 (2004).
99 M. Ermann, "Coupled volumes: Secondary room reverberance and the double-sloped decay of concert halls," Building Acoustics, 12, 165-174 (2005).   DOI
100 J. C. Jaffe, "Innovative approaches to the design of symphony halls," Acoust. Sci. & Tech. 26, 240-243 (2005).   DOI
101 R Johnson, E Kahle, R Essert, "Variable coupled cubage for music performance," Proc. Music and concert hall acoustics conf. 1-6 (1995).
102 KKL Luzern, https://www.kkl-luzern.ch/en/your-event/your-congress/concert-hall, (Last viewed August 21, 2021).
103 E. Kahle, R. Johnson, and B. Katz, "The new Konzertsaal of the KKL Center, Lucerne, Switzerland. II. Preliminary acoustical measurements," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 105, 928 (1999).
104 PC Control, "World class concert acoustics with Beckhoff automation technology," PC Control, 04 50-51 (2011).
105 C. Storch, "Acoustics considerations in the construction of Sibelius Hall," Proc. 8th World conf. on timber engineering, 19-26 (2004).
106 J. Valentine and C. Day, "Acoustic design and performance of the Bruce Mason theater," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103, 3024 (1998).
107 L. Maarten, M. Rob, and V. Martijin, "Variable acoustics of theater "De Spiegel" in Zwolle (NL)," Proc. ISRA. 1-6 (2007)
108 M. R. Schroeder, "Computer models for concert hall acoustics," Am. J. Physics, 41, 461-471 (1973).   DOI
109 J. A. Moorer, "About this reverberation business," Comp. Music J. 3, 13-28 (1979).   DOI
110 J. Stautner and M. Puckette, "Designing multi-channel reverberators," Comp. Music J. 6, 569-579 (1982).
111 Z. Su-Gul and M. Caliskan, "Acoustical considerations in the design of Heydar Aliyev Center Auditorium," Proc, ISRA. 1-7 (2010).
112 G. Siebein and M. A. Gold, "Designing the concert hall of the 21st century: Historic precedent and virtual reality," Proc. 85th ACSA Annual Meeting, Architecture: Material and Imagined, 52-59 (1997).
113 ARTEC, http://www.artecconsultants.com/03_projects/performing_arts_venues/tampa_bay_center/images/morsani_hall_photo02.html, (Last viewed August 21, 2021).
114 M. Barron, R. Mackenzie, R. Mackenzie, and R. Orlowski, "Developments in building acoustics 1974 - 2014," Acoustics Bulletin, 39, 1-12 (2014).
115 E. A. Wetherill, "Variable acoustics: A review of several auditoria," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 69, S74 (1981).   DOI
116 L. L. Beranek, Concert Halls and Opera Houses, Music Acoustics and Architecture (Academic Press, New York, 2002), pp. 93-98.
117 T. Lokki, J. Patynen, T. Peltonen, and O. Salmensaari, "A rehearsal hall with virtual acoustics for symphony orchestras," AES 126th AES Convention, paper no. 7695 (2009).
118 P. U. Svensson, "Influence of electroacoustic parameters on the performance of reverberation enhancement systems," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 94, 162-171 (1993).   DOI
119 J. Bliefnick, A. Hulva, and D. Cheenne, "The development and analysis of a large variable acoustics space," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 135, 2237 (2014).
120 Savvy California, https://savvycalifornia.com/segerstrom-center-for-the-arts/, (Last viewed August 21, 2021).
121 A. V. Oppenheim and R. W. Schafer, Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, 1989), pp. 8-70.
122 M. Vorlander, Auralization, Fundamental of Acoustics, Modelling, Simulation, Algorithms and Acoustic Virtual Reality, 2st Ed (Springer, Berlin, 2008), pp. 103-122.
123 P. Svensson, On reverberation enhancement in auditoria, (Ph.D. thesis, Chalmers University Tech. 1994).
124 F. Kaiser, C. Frischmann, and V. Werner, "Room acoustic evaluation of active acoustics systems-results from measurements," Proc. of the ISRA. 177-185 (2019).
125 F. Walter and F. Melchior, "On the measurement of electro acoustic enhanced sound fields," AES 124th Convention, paper no.7468 (2008).
126 H. Miyazaki, T. Watanabe, S. Kishinaga, and F. Kawakami, "Active Field Control (AFC): Reverberation enhancement system using acoustical feedback control," AES 115th Convention, paper no. 5861 (2003).
127 R. Bakker, "Active acoustic enhancement systems - introducing Yamaha AFC3," Proc. the 27th Ton Meister Tagung, 1-8 (2012).
128 L. Beranek, Concert and Opera Hall. Music, Acoustics, and Architecture, 2nd Ed (Springer, New York, 2004), pp. 19-23.