Recording and implementing multi-source anechoic material for use in auralizations

Abstract

Live theater or musical performance rarely involves a single performer on stage. Indeed many of the acoustic cues leading to one’s impression of a performance space are the result of hearing multiple performers interacting with one another across a stage. When using an auralization as a design tool, the interplay of different sources can be extremely valuable both for the acoustic designers and building owners. Some multi-source anechoic material is publicly available, but the material is limited both in the quality of performance and the range of genres. The authors sought to improve upon available material by recording professional actors, singers, and instrumentalists for use in auralizations. This paper will report on the recording techniques, strategies for allowing musicians to play in unison (in tempo, tonality, and dynamics), and implementation in computer modeling and ambisonic playback.