Differences between measured and simulated room impulse responses

Abstract

Simulation models based on geometrical acoustics mostly do not immediately deliver a simulated room impulse response, but intermediate results such as an energy histogram or an energy decay curve. At this point, further models are required to generate a room impulse response of the simulated environment, which are essential for the process of auralization. While for various simulated scenarios, the application of a reflection model based on a basic theory is sufficient, detailed comparisons of simulated and measured room impulse responses reveal differences which are attributed to the lack of diffuse reflections in the applied reflection model. These deviations can also substantially affect derived room acoustic parameters. This work presents and explains the shortcomings and discusses potential improvements to be considered in the simulation process.