Stage acoustics as affected by an array of apertures incorporated into the orchestra shell of a stagehouse coupled auditorium

Abstract

A number of performance halls incorporate into their design a volume (or ‘‘chamber’’) surrounding the stage platform and coupled to the stage platform through the orchestra shell. Bass Performance Hall utilizes this design concept, while incorporating into the orchestra shell an array of apertures backed by adjustable doors. Measurements have been made to assess the impact of the adjustability of these doors on the soundfield of the stage platform. Consideration was given to both the early and late portions of the soundfield. Variations in impulse response derived measures, in the spectra of early reflections, and in the coupling behavior are presented. These are examined in view of existing models for the reflection and transmission properties of apertures and for the decay of coupled spaces. [Research supported by the Bass Foundation.]