Cathedral acoustics and organ sound reinforcement

Abstract

The acoustic characteristics of 4 UK cathedrals have been investigated. In three of the buildings it is reported that the organ requires additional support or reinforcement to cope with the large volume of the space involved. All 4 buildings were found to exhibit multiple coupled spaces making it difficult to accurately assess the active acoustic volume. In order help to overcome the perceived lack of ’volume’ from the organ, in two of the cathedrals, it is proposed to install a second rank of pipes some distance down the nave from the main organ. The acoustic and psychoacoustic implications if this approach are discussed. An alternative means of providing support for the organ via the installed sound reinforcement system has also been investigated and the electroacoustic and subjective requirements for this are discussed and reviewed.