Sound level distribution and scatter in proportionate spaces

Abstract

Measurements have been conducted in two scale models of proportionate spaces each containing measures to promote a diffuse sound field. Contrary to classical statistical theory, it was found that reflected sound levels decrease with the distance from the source. Measured levels follow behavior predicted by a revised theory previously proposed for concert halls. The scatter of the measured reflected sound levels is shown consistently to exceed values predicted by Lubman/Schroeder’s theory. However, it is demonstrated that this theory does accurately predict scatter of late sound levels when the early reflections are omitted. Investigation into the scatter of reverberation times shows that it is generally well predicted by Davy’s theory.