Subwoofer array design for optimal acoustic performance and minimal noise pollution in the Roman theatre of Italica, Spain

Claus Köpplin Orrán, Luis Gomez-Agustina, Alvaro Grilo Bensusan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Subwoofer arrays are widely used in live sound events. However, the performance of sound systems and the generated environmental noise pollution in the vicinity of Roman theatres is not well researched and documented. The investigation aimed to determine the most suitable subwoofer array configuration for an outdoor Roman theatre according to their low frequency coverage across the audience area and overspill on nearby residential areas. Performance suitability was determined by measuring the overall sound pressure (dBA) and spectrum levels of the arrays within the audience area at several locations representative of nearby residential areas. The Array Performance Rating (APR) was calculated for each array configuration to complement performance assessments. Results showed a notorious difference between coupled and uncoupled arrays, as well as between ground-based and flown subwoofer configurations. It was proven that the flown point source array offered overall less sound pressure levels and spectral variability in the audience plane and it caused the least environmental noise pollution. The conclusions drawn from this study can provide valuable guidance applicable to future sound system deployments and reconstruction projects of ancient outdoor theatres of similar architectural and environmental characteristics.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternoise 2022 - 51st International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering
PublisherThe Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA, Inc.
Pages2331-2341
ISBN (Electronic)9781906913427
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2023
Event51st International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering, Internoise 2022 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Duration: 21 Aug 202224 Aug 2022

Publication series

NameInternoise 2022 - 51st International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering

Conference

Conference51st International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering, Internoise 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityGlasgow
Period21/08/2224/08/22

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Internoise 2022 - 51st International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • amphitheatre, roman, subwoofer array, outdoor sound system,

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