Recent experiences with electronic acoustical enhancement in concert halls, opera houses, and outdoor venues

Abstract

This paper gives a brief summary of acoustical theory based on human perception. It then uses this theory to discuss the design criteria and performance data of electronic acoustic-enhancement systems installed in a number of venues. The installations include the Deutches Staatsoper in Berlin, the Hummingbird Centre in Toronto, the Circle Theatre in Indianapolis, the Adelaide Festival Centre Theater in Adelaide, Australia, and Morbisch FestSpiele in Austria. Solutions to the problems of maintaining optimum clarity while providing optimum envelopment are given.