Relationship between room shape and acoustics of rectangular concert halls

Abstract

Extensive acoustics computer simulations have been made using Odeon computer simulation software. In 24 rectangular rooms representing "shoe-box" type concert halls with volumes of 8 000 m3, 12 000 m3 and 16 000 m3 from 300 to 850 measurements positions have been analysed. Only room averaged objective measures are considered here, in particular Clarity (C80), Strength (G) and Early Lateral Energy Fraction (LF80). Results from simulations have been compared with regression models created based on real hall measurements. In general, simulated results of C80 and G are found to be in good agreement with regression models. Divergences are found in LF80 behaviour; these have been associated with influence of proportions of rectangular halls. Updated formula for predicting of LF80 in rectangular halls has been proposed, which takes into the account both width and length of hall.