Achieving convolution-based reverberation through use of geometric acoustic modeling techniques

The following paper describes a work which sought to revive and investigate the soundscape of a 14th century Abbey. Geometric room acoustic modelling methods were employed to realise this aim and particular attention was given to monitoring the influence of the level of geometrical detailing on acoustical characteristics. Three virtual acoustic models, of varying detail, were constructed and simulated in order to obtain room impulse responses which were then harnessed for analysis and the creation of auralizations. The results given in this document were obtained through direct examination of impulse responses gathered and subjective testing. Reverberation times were shown to be more or less consistent at high frequencies in all three models and increasingly dissimilar as frequency decreases. Subjective testing was employed to gain insight into the audibility of the contrast in acoustical qualities possessed by each model. The conclusions drawn from analysis are, in part, supported by the subjective testing results.