ACOUSTICS OF REPRODUCED SOUND IN LARGE SPACES

This paper presents some thoughts on the acoustics of reproduced sound in large spaces, focusing mainly on the physical acoustic requirements of the room, and follows a presentation to the Institute London branch in 2015 on large sound systems [1]. The focus of the previous presentation was on sound system design and this paper follows up on a comment in that presentation that it is easier to design a large sound system design in a space with a good acoustics. This paper will consider some of the challenges and opportunities of creating a “good” acoustic space for reproduced sound based on practical examples. For this paper, “large spaces” refers to closed spaces where a large number of people will be addressed by a reproduced sound system, such as atriums, concourses, arenas, and large galleries. Large concert halls intended at least in part for unamplified performances have been excluded from this discussion because of their requirements have been extensively discussed by other papers and conferences (e.g. IoA Auditorium Conference Series) and open amphitheatres and sports venues are also excluded as they are not closed spaces, but music arenas, where amplified music events may be the primary activity are included. Tunnels and concourses where one dimension is large but other dimensions are not are also excluded.