Acoustic calculation using EASE 4.4 software

Acoustic calculation is usually carried out for objects with complex acoustics or increased requirements for sound quality. The purpose of the acoustic calculation is to get an idea of ​​the possible quality of sounding of the object. In this case, in the acoustic modeling program, you can try various options for constructing a sound system, options for different room finishes to achieve the necessary characteristics of natural room acoustics, etc.

The first step of the acoustic calculation is to develop a room model in the EASE 4.4 modeling program

The model of the room or open space itself can be a set of planes with specified characteristics of sound absorption and reflection. The assignments of these characteristics are selected either from the EASE program material library (for example, concrete, plasterboard, glass, carpet, various types of ceilings, etc.), or data provided by the manufacturers of the materials used. In this segment, the leaders are manufacturers of acoustic materials such as Jocavi.

Based on geometric data and plane characteristics, the program produces an estimated reverberation time in the room at different frequencies. If the reverberation time graph does not match, it can always be corrected by selecting other finishing materials.

The acoustic model of the room changes when the geometry and properties of the materials change.

There is an import from convenient graphic editors, which reduces the time for building a three-dimensional model and reduces the number of errors.

After analyzing the acoustic model of the room, you can proceed to the arrangement of acoustic systems. The EASE program contains a very large library of acoustic systems from various world manufacturers. The library has a complete catalog of famous brands: Electro-Voice, Dynacord, Turbosound, JBL, QSC, d&b audiotechnik and many others. The database is updated periodically.

Quite recently, acoustic engineers came to a consensus on the choice of acoustic system simulator files that convey the most accurate characteristics and data on the propagation of sound energy. The library also has different types of acoustic systems, both single and linear array systems.

When installing acoustic systems in a room, the EASE program allows you to set the directionality and tilt angles for better coverage of the sound pressure on the listening area. Parameters such as the delay of the sound signal and frequency response are also subject to change.

The very first calculation parameter that should be checked is the level of direct sound pressure. It can be viewed on different frequency ranges and on a wide full range of reproduced frequencies.

If the direct sound signal is highly uneven, you should change the choice or angle of directionality, or the arrangement of the acoustic systems.

The main indicator of the direct sound signal is at what points the direct sound level comes to the audience seats.

The sound pressure assessment is also supplemented by the reflected level, the calculation of which can be obtained in the next step. The parameter for calculating the direct and reflected sound pressure gives a general picture of the filling of sound levels in the entire area. Here it is necessary to determine whether a lot of reflected sound is created relative to the direct one. This assessment affects the intelligibility of speech. At the same time, the assessment allows you to understand what maximum volume level the sound amplification system will provide.

Using the reverberation time, architectural data of the room and the properties of the loudspeakers, the program calculates the speech intelligibility coefficient. The calculated values ​​\u200b\u200bare used to determine how well and clearly the speech of the announcer or artist will be transmitted. The higher the coefficient, the better the speech intelligibility.

When preparing the acoustic calculation work, the acoustic engineer provides the standard data of the speech intelligibility coefficient in the report. But it should be taken into account that subjectively overestimated calculated values ​​\u200b\u200bcannot be a correct calculation. The acoustic calculation program contains many nuances when working in it.

Also, to evaluate the work of the sound system, other calculation parameters of the EASE 4.4 program are used, for example, the ratio of direct sound to reflected sound, the index of clarity and clarity of sound.

Based on the acoustic calculation values, the selected architecture, room cladding and speaker system can be approved.

The subsequent stages for creating a comfortable sound system in the room are, based on the selected materials, to make changes to the architectural planning solutions, and, based on the selection of acoustic systems, to create a sound reinforcement system project with a choice of additional sound equipment.