AES Los Angeles 2016
Tutorial T9
Saturday, October 1, 5:00 pm — 6:30 pm (Rm 406AB)
T9 - The Physics of Auditory Proximity and its Effects on Intelligibility and Recall
Presenter:David Griesinger, David Griesinger Acoustics - Cambridge, MA, USA
Abstract:
This tutorial will detail and demonstrate the many ways ears and speech have evolved to utilize the phase relationships of vocal harmonics to separate sonic information from complex and noisy environments. Early reflections randomize these phases, and in most rooms at some distance the ability to detect these phases is lost. Speech becomes difficult to localize, intelligibility decreases, and information is difficult to recall. We call this the Limit of Localization Distance, or LLD. We believe the number of seats within the LLD is one of the most important determinants of acoustic quality. The tutorial participants will be able to hear for themselves how the LLD can be easily determined by simply walking around with eyes closed during a lecture, a rehearsal or a performance.