DAMO 1147 Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 (edited) I have memories of attending the Myer music bowl as a young boy 4 or 5, I don’t know if my memories are correct but it seemed to me that it was shaped smaller at the back of the stage then seemed to grow up and out – towards the front – thus projecting up on to the hill. It may not be the case, however I am wondering if that type of shape would be good for acoustics in a listening room? That is the back wall of the room might be 4 x 2.4m high and the side walls then grow out (approx. 6m) and up to an open front that may be 6 x 3m or even 6 X 3.3m high. A bit like a horn shape without the curves from the side I guess. The front may have glass sliders that can be open or closed. Edited March 3, 2014 by DAMO 1147
hochopeper Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 In general I guess it wouldn't be bad because the walls aren't parallel. But I'd hesitate to suggest doing anything in a small room based on what you've seen for a very large amphitheater. Your description did remind me of this room though - http://www.burwenaudio.com/Sound_System.html 2
davewantsmoore Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Yes, that sounds alright. Symmetrical (horizontally) Dimensions which are not related Non-parallel surfaces Are the key things.
svenr Posted March 4, 2014 Posted March 4, 2014 Such a shape could be classed as a fan shaped auditorium. Have a good read in some textbooks on architectural acoustics why this shape is a particularly poor choice for a listening environment, why almost every modern auditorium uses this shape, and what the implications on the acoustics design are. You will soon discover why the Melbourne Recital Centre with its box shape is so highly regarded. 2
DAMO 1147 Posted March 4, 2014 Author Posted March 4, 2014 Ok looks like we need some research it is really just a random thought.
svenr Posted March 5, 2014 Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) As it happens, there is a very recent study investigating this very subject: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/02/26/1319976111 Quite frankly, the confirm yet again what might have been considered common sense. Interesting here is that they actually proof that it is the strong lateral reflections and their spectral character that is responsible for this perceptual preference. And this finding transfers directly to listening room design for stereo systems - strong lateral reflections (even electronically enhanced as discussed for example in Toole's "Sound Reproduction") are a necessity. The old lament that you need to hear exclusively what is on the recording is irrelevant for stereo as this reproduction topology is per se incapable of reproducing a perceptually preferred sound field. So people - tear down those rugs, egg cartons, Kandinskys or whatever it is you are covering your sidewall reflection points with! Edit: I will post the above in a separate thread as well. Edited March 5, 2014 by svenr 2
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