Compact Spherical Loudspeaker Array

Spherical beamforming using spherical loudspeaker arrays is a relatively new technique in audio engineering. It can provide variable sound-radiation in all spatial directions. It is for example used to achieve a more adequate reproduction of complex instrument sounds, in room acoustics and also in musical and artistical performances. In his book, the author Michael Kerscher first describes a new possibility of constructing such an array. The implemented array is not based on the Platonic solids - as most other systems are - but uses 16 loudspeakers. Subsequently he demonstrates how the radiation properties of the array can be pre-estimated with an appropriate simulation. The two final chapters deal with an over-all system control. The author therefore explains necessary acoustical measurements and how to obtain a suitable algorithm. Finally he shows how to stabilize the dynamics of the filters with a filterbank. The book contains the complete implementation of a spherical beamforming system including its construction, simulation and control. Thus it is suitable for both beginners and experts.

Autorentext

Audio Engineer, graduated at Graz University of Technology and at University of Music and Perfoming Arts, Graz, Austria; currently working freelance in Berlin.