Comparison of room acoustics parameters measured using different techniques

Abstract

ISO Standard 3382 is used around the world to investigate the room acoustics parameters of performing arts spaces. The measured data serves as feedback for new projects; to evaluate the results with design intent, and benchmark exercises with well-known halls. It is not always practical for acoustical consultants to carry out tests using precision techniques that can include omnidirectional sources and other apparatuses that are difficult to transport from one place to another. To investigate the results obtained with different techniques, we measured the room acoustics parameters in six venues. These venues include a multipurpose theatre seating 1500, two small black-box type venues seating 150 each, one chamber music hall seating 200 and two large halls with no seats and capacity for 700 people. It is a broad sample, including halls of different volumes and shapes. At the precision technique sessions, it was used one omnidirectional source, number of samples according to ISO 3382, and swept sine signal. At the simplified technique sessions, we use balloon bursts and handclaps. The data analysis used the same software for both techniques. This article presents the results and the pros and cons of using the simplified technique.