Acoustical design of multichannel audio listening environments

Abstract

The acoustical design of spaces for surround sound music production raises issues concerning room size and shape, loudspeaker placement, and placement of sound-absorbing and sound-diffusing finishes that require different solutions than for 2-channel stereo listening environments. Design and construction of a new room for multichannel audio, rather than renovating a room originally conceived for a 2-channel stereo loudspeaker system, presents an opportunity to address the issues from first principles. This paper presents a case study of the design, construction, and commissioning of a new audio control room for multichannel classical music recording, and discusses unique solutions to the critical issues for these listening environments. The use of a computer model as a design tool and in situ measurements in the completed room are also discussed.