Acoustics and Music of British Prehistory Research Network

Acoustic modeling techniques relevant for monuments in Britain’s prehistory

Developments in measuring the acoustic characteristics of concert halls
and opera houses are leading to standardized methods of impulse response
capture for a wide variety of auralization applications based on the use
of multi-microphone, multi-receiver impulse response measurement. These
methods can also be applied to ‘non-standard’ music performance venues
and work well in the field of acoustic archaeology.  Sites have already
been selected and analyzed based on some feature of interest in terms of
their acoustic properties, and include examples such as Maes Howe and
York Minster.  As well as providing insight as to the characteristics
and construction of these spaces, the resulting database of measurements
has a primary use in convolution based reverberation and auralization.
This work also leads to the possibility of using
archaeological/architectural acoustic analysis and spatial sound for the
interpretation of important historical buildings or heritage sites.  For
the researcher such analysis may help to give further insight to the
purpose of a site, its use or construction.  The ability to audition and
experience these sites via auralization will also help in the
development of more rewarding and informative visitor interactives.
Examples of some of the sites completed so far are available here:

http://space-net.org.uk/?q=node/50

Dr. Damian Murphy