We incorporate the client into the design process through realistic auralizations in our lab

HOW WE DO IT

When working on a difficult project, acoustical consultants face a double challenge: solving the problem at hand is one of them, the other being how to effectively communicate the design and execution process to the client. Acousticians use words and ideas drawn from physics and engineering, but to the client and the general public these terms may be meaningless. However, these terms are often difficult for the customer or the general public to grasp.

New technologies have become available that help in reducing this idiomatic gap. Visualization tools can help the client “see” how the sound is distributed in a space. But being able to listen to how a space will actually sound, even before it’s built, is a powerful tool that can empower the client at the time of taking decisions about their project. This process is called “auralization” and it’s accomplished with software.

Our AmbiNEAS laboratory hosts a 6-channel, 2D-Ambisonics auralization room with neutral acoustics (complying with the ITU-R BS.1116-1 Recommendation) equipped with Dynaudio BM5 loudspeakers. Complemented with a 2 by 1-meter video screen, this facility allows the client to both “see” and “listen” to their project, even before it was built.

Our 6-channel auralization room

Besides auralizations, Patagon Acoustics uses other computational techniques for solving difficult engineering problems, such as Finite Element Modeling (FEM) and Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA).

A selection of premium measurement and computational tools

We pride ourselves in using an outstanding set of tools for each of our projects, which are top of the class in each of their categories. This selection of measurement instruments and software allow us to predict and validate our designs, in line with the client’s vision and expectations.

Brüel & Kjaer 2250 G4 Sound Level Meter

This advanced sound level meter is at the top of its class. Hosting an octave and 1/3-octave band frequency analyzer and a reverberation time measurement application (compliant with ISO 3382) this Class 1 measuring device is a precise and reliable tool for acoustical consulting.

Odeon Auditorium Edition

This highly acclaimed acoustic modeling software is an indispensable tool for predicting the acoustics of a room before it’s built or to assess the outcome of a renovation in the space.

Actran

Finite Element Modeling (FEM) is used to analyze complex vibro-acoustics problems in machinery and the radiation of sound sources with a complex geometry. MSC Actran software excels in these applications. The low-frequency response of small rooms can also be analyzed with this technique, allowing precise evaluation of room modes and a thoughtful placement of sound absorption in the room.

Bedrock SM50 and TalkBox

Developed by the inventors of the Speech Transmission Index (STI), this STIPA analyzer allows precise measurement of speech intelligibility in a room, a football stadium or a mall, with or without sound reinforcement. The system is compliant with the latest IEC standard (IEC-60268-16 rev. 4 & rev.5)

Core Sound “Tetramic”

This first-order soundfield microphone, allows the determination of the direction-of-arrival of reflections in a room, such as a concert hall. This analysis helps the acoustician identify the origin of problematic reflections. All ISO 3382-1 metrics can be evaluated with this microphone.

MOTU 4Pre

The MOTU 4Pre interface is used in conjunction with the Tetramic to obtain the data from the 4 channels of the microphone. The Impulse Responses (IRs) obtained from each channel are later analyzed with software to determine directionality of individual reflections.

Omnidirectional sound source

Our custom-built, three-way omnidirectional sound source, is composed by a subwoofer, a medium dodecahedron and a mini “baby” dodecahedron, guaranteeing omnidirectional response up to 5000 Hz. Normal dodecahedrons start showing lack of perfect omnidirectionality above 1000 Hz. These sources can be used to determine with a high level of precision the acoustic characteristics of a performance space, such as a concert hall.

Odeon Omni

The Odeon Omni is a portable, lightweight, omnidirectional sound source, which allows taking measurements in rooms of any type, in a simple and effortless manner. The Odeon Omni is battery-powered and can be connected wirelessly using Bluetooth. The source complies with the requirements of the ISO 3382-1 standard and offers a practical alternative to the use of traditional omnidirectional sound sources, whose transportation to the measurement site is sometimes cumbersome.