Comparison of reverberation measurements using Schroeder's impulse method and a decay-curve averaging method

Abstract

Utilizing a digital acquisition system and minicomputer, two promising techniques for accurate determination of reverberation times have been studied in detail from the viewpoint of standard reverberation room tests. The first is Schroeder's “integrated impulse method”; special attention was given to the question of repeatability and the influence of signal-to-noise ratio on the successful application of the method. The second technique involves taking an ensemble average of a large number of the logarithmic decay curves. It was found that even for nonuniform decays, the averaged decay curves obtained by the second method compared well with those determined by the “integrated impulse method.” Some of the advantages and disadvantages of both methods will be discussed.