Virtual Acoustic Modelling

The term "Virtual Acoustic Modeling" refers to the computerized reconstruction of the acoustics of a space. In practice, an acoustic model of a space is created that allows sounds to be processed and listened to with the reverberation and frequency response of that space.

If the space exists and is accessible, this is relatively simple because it is possible to detect the impulse response of that space. A convolution of any non-reverberant sound (typically recorded in an anechoic chamber) and the impulse response is then performed to immerse the sound in that space (for a more detailed explanation, see Graziani, Riverbero mediante Convoluzione).

The difficulty arises when the environment under consideration is no longer accessible, for example, it has been destroyed or has changed radically over the years, as in the case of St. Mary's Abbey in York, of which only ruins remain (enlargeable image at right). In this case, it is necessary to estimate the impulse response of the original building, taking into account its architecture in terms of volumes and materials, using simulation software to calculate reflections and absorption at various frequencies.

This project is being carried out by a team from the University of York. The project is described in detail, with some examples, in this page.

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