Concert acoustics and architectural acoustics: what is the difference

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The properties of musical and sound acoustics were used by the ancient Greeks. It is known that to ensure uniform audibility, the distance from the sound source to the listener must be less than 20 m. Many modern halls and auditoriums are built with this rule in mind. The location of the audience seats on the principle of an amphitheater allows not only to perfectly see what is happening on the stage, but also to hear the voice of the speaker well.

Three main types of concert venues

According to the purpose and perception of sound, the following categories can be distinguished among auditoriums:

• with natural free acoustics;
• equipped with sound reproducing equipment;
• universal.

The first type includes ancient amphitheatres. The propagation of sound waves took place in a special way, and even a whisper was heard in the very last rows with the same intensity and clarity as in the initial ones. Experts believe that the best concert acoustics, the best reproduction and perception of sound are in auditoriums that use the principles of the architecture of these ancient buildings.

To the second grouppremises for a large number of spectators include various cinemas. In panoramic, conventional and widescreen auditoriums, the transmission and propagation of sounds occur only through special equipment. Movie screening rooms are equipped with single-channel and multi-channel stereo systems.

The third type is universal modern multi-purpose cinema and concert halls designed for a huge number of listeners. To achieve high volume levels in the halls of a modern configuration, the latest equipment and the best concert acoustics are installed.

Architecture and Sound Science

For the first time in 1701, the physicist J. Sauveur called the term "acoustics" the science of studying the movements and beats of sound. On the basis of his methods for analyzing the vibrations of plates, strings, membranes, air columns, a basis for the development of several scientific directions subsequently arose. Among them is the doctrine of the special sound of musical instruments.

Contribution to the development and study of movements, the behavior of sound waves in different years was made by such significant personalities in science as:

• Leonardo da Vinci;
• F. Lagrange;
• Heinrich Hertz;
• F. Savar;

Continuing the work of his father, Vincenzo Galilei (music theorist, composer, one of the founders of the "opera" genre), Galileo Galilei for the first time gave a clear explanation of how the human ear perceives the tones and frequency of sound waves.

In ancient buildings (cathedrals, amphitheaters) goodaudibility, acoustics of concert halls was created exclusively by the architectural features of the buildings. Knowledge of these laws helps architects design sports facilities and congress halls, theater and music halls, clubs and discos to accommodate several thousand spectators.

What is the difference between concert acoustics and any other

Already in the 20th century, cardinal changes took place in the development of the science of the propagation of sound waves. The advent of the phonograph and the telephone, radio and television, the microphone and multimedia aids are still contributing to the colossal development of amplifying equipment.

Active, concert, passive acoustics is a generalized name for music broadcasting complexes, consisting of dynamic speakers and microphones, monitors and front speakers, subwoofers and sound projectors.

Live show equipment

In modern realities, concert acoustics is provided not only by the internal structure and volume of the room for performances, but also by technological means. When equipping clubs, large halls, large variety venues and premises, specialists complete sets of special powerful equipment. Concert acoustics must meet the requirements of the listeners for whom the performance is arranged, therefore the package must include:

• front main speakers (loudspeakers) producing a dense sound stream;
• satellites - small speakers that reproduce the sounds of high and mediumfrequencies;
• center speakers for vocals, speech, dialogue;
• monitors - devices that transmit all sound nuances as much as possible;
• sound projector (active acoustics) - a concert system consisting of several speakers and amplifiers built into one housing to simulate a six-channel stereo transmission;
• subwoofers are bass speakers that enrich and fill any music.

Is it possible to improve the acoustic properties of the auditorium

According to international standards, different genres of music require rooms with different acoustic characteristics. Only a few of the best concert halls in the world are able to provide the required parameters. Most of the sound quality requirements can be met through architectural and design techniques.

To create a comfortable sound pressure at different points in the room, providing a "natural" sound, use a noise-insulating finish. In some cases, semi-cylindrical gypsum or plywood deflectors are placed along the walls. Acoustics, concert equipment will create a wonderful impression from variety performances and shows with this approach.

In halls with too high ceilings above the stage and sections of walls adjacent to the stage, special sound reflectors are suspended. Such plywood fixtures help distribute sound energy evenly throughout the room.