d&b audiotechnik has added Soundscape Simulation, SPL and localisation mapping within an object based workflow to its ArrayCalc simulation software toolkit.
The En-Scene simulation tool enables d&b users to evaluate how spatialisation created with a Soundscape system will be experienced by the audience, enabling them to optimise the system design early in the planning of a production. The En-Scene simulator also demonstrates Soundscape’s ability to improve the overall production and listening experience through object-based processing.
En-Scene simulation models sound pressure level distribution and perceived object localisation for object positions. It creates a simulation of the entire system configuration – the acoustic performance of the loudspeaker system, combined with the En-Scene processing of the DS100 system processor, including all parameters set by the user.
En-Scene simulation predicts how effective the perceived localisation of the sound object is for each listener in the audience area(s). This psychoacoustic calculation is performed by two different models in parallel – Precedence is an empiric model based on precedence effect and ‘law of the first wavefront’, while Binaural is an analysis of the inter-aural transfer functions and resulting binaural cues using the impulse responses of all sources and a generic set of binaural HRTFs.
As localisation is a parameter of the listening process and human perception – which is to a certain extent individual, and is also influenced by external parameters – users can switch between the visualisation of the two models at any time according to their preferences and other requirements.
Direct sound SPL mapping of an En-Scene simulation will show maximum level and level distribution over listening areas depending on the sound object’s position. This allows the user to objectively verify the signal distribution over listening areas for different sound object positions. This simulation also allows them to optimize the efficiency of the system design including number, type and positioning of loudspeaker cabinets. Importantly, this means that a Soundscape system can now be planned and evaluated as efficiently and accurately as conventional d&b system designs within the same d&b workflow.
The integration of Soundscape Simulation into the established d&b workflow and alongside conventional system planning tools, makes it easier for d&b users to integrate Soundscape into their d&b systems.
‘Every user in the production chain can now work with the simulation tool and experiment with Soundscape for nearly every application type,’ says Product Manager for Advanced Systems, Georg Stummer. ‘The simulations that are now possible answer the questions about distributed systems that we couldn’t before. We have entered a new era of science, from measuring to modelling, where there is an accurate and easy way to show first-hand how a Soundscape system can improve overall production and the listening experience.’
The Soundscape simulation is part of the d&b ArrayCalc software available to download free of charge.
More: www.dbaudio.com
