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Acoustic Parameters

Numerous subjective experiments have been conducted in real rooms and simulated rooms to understand which objective parameters represent subjective feelings in room acoustics. Consequently, there are a certain number of acoustic parameters that are correlated well with our auditory perception of rooms. These parameters are specified in ISO 3382-1: 2009 and called room acoustic parameters.

📄️ EDC

The starting point for the calculation of most acoustic parameters is the EDC curve. An impulse response (IR), $h(t)$, is a response at a receiver to an impulse generated at a source position. This is equivalent to a sound evolution over time measured/registered at the receiver position, when there is a hand clap (ideally infinitesimally short) at the source position. By analyzing the IRs at sufficiently many locations, we can evaluate the global behavior of the room whether it is suitable for the intended purpose. A concert hall needs a certain reverberation for enjoying music, as too dry conditions are not pleasant both for musician and audience. A classroom with too much reverberation can make listeners suffer in understanding what is being said.