d&b audiotechnik has announced the latest addition to its software toolkit - Soundscape Simulation, SPL and localisation mapping within an object based workflow.
As part of d&b’s ArrayCalc simulation software, this visualisation tool accurately models a Soundscape system’s real and perceived acoustical performance within a space.
The En-Scene simulation tool enables d&b users of all types to evaluate how the spatialisation created with a Soundscape system will be experienced by the audience, enabling them to optimise the system design early in the planning phase 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 already 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: An empiric model based on precedence effect and "law of the first wavefront".
Binaural: An analysis of the interaural transfer functions and resulting binaural cues using the impulse responses of all sources and a generic set of binaural HRTFs.
Since 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 optimise 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 launch of Soundscape Simulation delivers a tool that accurately demonstrates how performances will actually sound to an audience. The integration of this tool into the established d&b Workflow, and alongside the conventional system planning tools, makes it easier for d&b users to integrate Soundscape into their d&b systems.
The Soundscape simulation is part of the d&b ArrayCalc software available to download for free.