AES Los Angeles 2016
Engineering Brief EB5
EB5 - Lecture: Acoustics, Psychoacoustics, & Education
Saturday, October 1, 3:15 pm — 4:15 pm (Rm 403A)
Chair:
Matthew Boerum, McGill University - Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT)
EB5-1 Digital Waveguide Network Reverberation in Non-Convex Rectilinear Spaces—Aidan Meacham, Stanford University - Stanford, CA, USA; Lauri Savioja, Aalto University - Aalto, Finland; Sara R. Martin, Norwegian University of Science and Technology - Trondheim, Norway; Julius O. Smith, III, Stanford University - Stanford, CA, USA
We present a method to simulate the late reverberation of a non-convex rectilinear space using digital waveguide networks (DWNs). In many delay-line-based reverberators, diffraction effects and even occlusion are often neglected due to the need for hand-tuned, non-physical mechanisms that complicate the extreme computational economy typical of such systems. We contend that a target space can be decomposed into rectangular solids following a succinct set of geometric rules, each of which correspond to a simple DWN reverberator. By defining the interactions between these systems, an approximation of diffraction and occlusion can be achieved while maintaining structural simplicity. This approach provides a promising engine for real-time synthesis of late reverberation with an arbitrary number of sources and receivers and dynamic geometry.
Engineering Brief 303 (Download now)
EB5-2 Max as an Interactive, Multi-Modal Learning and Teaching Tool for Audio Engineering—Mark Bassett, SAE Institute Byron Bay - Byron Bay, NSW, Australia; University of Sydney - Sydney, NSW, Australia
A solid understanding of fundamental audio engineering concepts, specifically signal flow, is paramount to the successful operation of audio technologies. Failure to fully understand the signal path of a system can lead to students learning audio technology “functions by rote, making them inherently non-transferrable” and may also lead to the development of inaccurate conceptual models. This paper discusses the use of Max software to teach fundamental audio engineering concepts to first-year Bachelor of Audio students. Although not designed as a learning and teaching tool, Max is perfectly suited for this purpose as it is interactive, adaptive and facilitates multiple modes of learning and interaction.
Engineering Brief 304 (Download now)
EB5-3 A Real-Time Simulation Environment for Use in Psychoacoustic Studies of Aircraft Community Noise—Kenneth Faller, II, California State University, Fullerton - Fullerton, CA, USA; Stephen Rizzi, NASA Langley Research Center - Hampton, VA, USA; Aric Aumann, Science Applications International Corporation - Hampton, VA, USA
The Exterior Effects Room (EER) is a psychoacoustic test facility located at the NASA Langley Research Center, with a real-time simulation environment that includes a three-dimensional sound-reproduction system. The main purpose of the EER is to support research investigating human response to aircraft community noise. To compensate for the spectral coloration of the installation and room effects, the system required real-time application of equalization filters. The efforts taken to design, implement, and analyze the equalization filters for use in the real-time sound-reproduction system is described. Acoustic performance of the system was assessed for its crossover performance and stationary and dynamic conditions.
Engineering Brief 305 (Download now)
EB5-4 Blind VST: A Perceptual Testing Tool for Professional Mixing Evaluation—Matthew Boerum, McGill University - Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT)
The Blind VST tool is presented to aid perceptual testing of real time applied digital audio signal processing in professional mixing situations. The software was designed in MaxMSP and runs as a standalone application or MaxMSP external. It hosts any Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plug-in for blind, singular control of any and all accessible VST parameters. Visual biasing from the identification and response of the VST’s graphical user interface (GUI) is removed. All user data is recorded in real time. The author proposes this tool as a freely distributed academic resource. It is best integrated as an add-on module for training and research applications when determining audible signal quality, comparison and the analysis of audio descriptors.
Engineering Brief 306 (Download now)