New Acoustical Parameters and Visualization Techniques to Analyze the Spatial Distribution of Sound in Music Spaces

An important factor in our appreciation of music in a hall is the perception of the spatial distribution of sound, influenced by room shape and form. This paper investigates new techniques for visualizing 3D impulse responses and two new spatial indicators are proposed: LH (ratio of low lateral versus high lateral energy), FR (ratio of front lateral versus rear lateral energy). Different room shape characteristics are illustrated from B-format measurements conducted in a selection of famous music spaces such as old and new recital and concert halls, and sacred music spaces.