Scaled Model Techniques for Measurement and Acoustic Treatment Design in Small Rooms

Chojnacki B. Scaled Model Techniques for Measurement and Acoustic Treatment Design in Small Rooms. In: Express Paper. Audio Engineering Society; 2025. Paper 388. Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23062

@inproceedings{Chojnacki2025_23062,
  author = {Chojnacki, Bartlomiej},
  title = {{Scaled Model Techniques for Measurement and Acoustic Treatment Design in Small Rooms}},
  note = {Paper 388},
  year = {2025},
  month = oct,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  url = {https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23062}
}

TY  - CPAPER
TI  - Scaled Model Techniques for Measurement and Acoustic Treatment Design in Small Rooms
AU  - Chojnacki, Bartlomiej
M1  - Paper 388
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/10/14
UR  - https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23062
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - The acoustics of small interior spaces pose unique challenges due to strong room modes, flutter echoes, and uneven frequency responses that affect sound quality. Traditional evaluation methodsfull-scale measurements and computer simulationsface limitations such as accessibility, cost, and simplified modeling assumptions. This study explores the use of scaled acoustic models as an effective alternative for analyzing and planning acoustic adaptations in small rooms. A 1:8 scale acrylic model replicating an actual rooms geometry and key structural elements was constructed, with materials carefully selected to match scaled acoustic properties. Innovative sound sources were developed to ensure frequency compatibility at this scale. Comparative measurements between the full-scale room and the reduction model demonstrated close agreement in resonance frequencies, reverberation characteristics, and the impact of acoustic treatments such as bass traps and diffusers. The results confirm that scaled models can reliably reproduce critical acoustic parameters and serve as cost-effective tools for testing adaptation strategies before real-world implementation. Limitations include challenges in replicating very low-frequency behavior and precise material properties at reduced scale. Overall, this research highlights the potential of scaled acoustic models to enhance the study and design of small room acoustics, offering a practical and insightful approach to improving sound quality in confined spaces.
ER  -