Course detail
Sound System Design and Optimization
FEKT-MPC-SD2Acad. year: 2024/2025
The subject deals with the building blocks of sound systems, the characteristics of subwoofers and sub-bass arrays, methods of horizontal and vertical space coverage, optimization of a sound system in real space and sound design using a separate box, using an array of coupled point sources and using an asymmetric composite array of coupled point sources. The laboratory exercises are aimed at practicing the theoretical knowledge from the lectures, they include work with the prediction software MAPP XT and the measurement software SMAART, practical demonstrations in an anechoic chamber, and the design and implementation of sound systems in real space.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Mode of study
Guarantor
Department
Entry knowledge
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
Hodnocení se řídí Studijním a zkušebním řádem VUT a Směrnicí děkana FEKT doplňující studijní a zkušební řád VUT. Maximum 50 bodů je uděleno za samostatné práce v laboratorních cvičeních. Závěrečná písemná zkouška je hodnocena maximem 50 bodů a pro její úspěšné složení je nutné získat alespoň 25 bodů.
Pro udělení zápočtu je nutné odevzdat všechny samostatné práce z laboratorních cvičení a získat z nich alespoň 25 bodů. Další formy kontrolované výuky stanoví každoročně aktualizovaná vyhláška garanta předmětu.
Aims
On completion of the course, students are able to:
- describe building blocks of sound systems,
- explain methods of shaping directional characteristics of sound systems,
- specify the sound system requirements for a particular space,
- design a field of bound spherical resources for optimal horizontal and vertical coverage of space,
- design a line source for optimal horizontal and vertical coverage.
Study aids
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
EVEREST, F. Alton. Master handbook of acoustics. 4. vyd. McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics. 615 stran. 2001. ISBN 978-0071603324 (CS)
MCCARTHY, Bob. Sound systems: design and optimization. Third edition. New York: Focal press, Taylor & Francis group, 2016, xx, 579 stran. ISBN 978-0-415-73099-0 (CS)
RAICHEL, Daniel R., Science and application of acoustic, second edition. Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 647 stran. 2006. ISBN: 978-0387-26062-4 (CS)
Recommended reading
Elearning
Classification of course in study plans
Type of course unit
Lecture
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
- Objectives of sound system design. Building blocks of sound systems in terms of sound spectrum and in terms of location in space. Phase subtraction, characteristics of subwoofers - frequency range, dimensions, radiation characteristics, polarity. Parallel pyramid. Subbass point source, line source. 1 lambda distance.
- Beam-steering - shaping the directional characteristics. Level tapering, delay tapering, sub-bass field of point sources. Cardioid sub-bass arrays - end-fire configuration, gradient configuration, advanced sub-bass configuration.
- Detailed specification of sound system requirements. Types of audio system channels according to audio content. Classification of sources according to sound pressure level. Ratio of sound pressure levels of the main sound system and subwoofers.
- Horizontal coverage, FAR, beam angle and horizontal direction of speakers, single source vs. compound source, symmetry, asymmetry. Optimizing the sound system in real space.
- Vertical coverage, beginning and end of coverage, types of main fields - the main element of the PA system, advantages and disadvantages, methods of use. Vertical routing, angle change, distance compensation. Sound system design using a separate box, sound system design using an array of connected point sources.
- Vertical asymmetry solution, line source design, line source segment, line source composite element, splay, element directivity, composite element ONAX, composite element crossover types. Sound system design using an asymmetric composite array of coupled point sources. Minimization of spectral variance, directing the radiation beam of low frequencies of the field of bound point sources.
Laboratory exercise
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
- Simulation of the properties of subwoofers, polarity, design and simulation of a subwoofer array. Subwoofer array designer.
- Beam-steering of a sub-bass line source, delay tapering, level tapering. Subbass point source array. Cardioid subwoofer setups - end-fire, gradient.
- Advanced subwoofer setups. Subwoofer array directivity vs main PA. Phase comparison of subwoofers and main PA. Source - reflection interaction.
- Power scaling, horizontal coverage - covering sound systems - "filly". Sound system optimization.
- Vertical coverage, asymmetry. Composite element, ONAX. Sound design using a separate box, sound design using a coupled point source array.
- Design of sound system using coupled point source array.
Elearning