Pro Performance Perfecting Sound Design Through Simulation

With over 20 years of experience, the experts at Pro Performance are well-versed in incorporating acoustic solutions into sound concepts, an essential part of this specific project. SciEngineer’s team members simulated multiple positions, angles, and distances between our two bass arrays, while also considering how the room would change in terms of acoustics and thus positioning our FRPA wideband absorbers accordingly.   

Challenge 

Vienna is well-known for its architecture and beauty. However, the space under the city railway system, known as the Stadtbahnbögen, with its arched ceilings and non-uniform structure, makes it very difficult to achieve quality sound reproduction for the many locations found there. Furthermore, the whole structure, which spans the entire city, is a listed historical building, so making significant structural changes is not an option. 

Thus, for this concept we had to consider the limitations of the building design limitation and chose to utilize the arched vaulted ceilings as an integral part of it. For this double-bass array solution, our custom-built bass arrays (consisting of eight 18” drivers) must be positioned into an arch in such a way that the time lag between reflected and direct sound is as short as possible – so, in the end, they are perceived as a single acoustic signal. 

Solution 

Simulations remove the necessity for trial and error, making for a significant reduction of time and thus costs associated with designing, building, and implementing such a system and obtaining the best-case results. The simulation findings are also necessary to calculate the correct positioning of the FRPAs, which will be used to absorb bass reflections. 

Simulation and thus precision are necessary for this sound solution and for providing the best possible audio experience to an audience. Acoustic treatment in the form of wideband FRPA absorbers (rated from 20/25/35-200Hz) is essential for the concept, to eliminate interference with the initial bass signal. 

Results 

Satisfying legal/cultural requirements: The structure’s arched ceilings were integrated into our concept while remaining aware of our duty to protect the building’s historical heritage.  

Transforming the acoustic environment: This involves combating the difficult acoustics by using the room structure as part of the solution, thus working with the laws of physics not against them.  

Visualization of the situation: Through preliminary simulation of how a sound wave will act in a space, so-called “trial without error” is possible, minimizing mistakes and saving time in the concept development. 

Enhancement of results: This allows for greater certainty and a higher level of accuracy when it comes to the placement of the bass arrays and acoustics elements used in the project. 

Summary

Challenge: Pro Performance faced acoustic challenges in the historic Stadtbahnbögen of Vienna, where the unique architectural features and legal restrictions limited structural modifications, complicating the achievement of quality sound reproduction.

Solution: By collaborating with SciEngineer, Pro Performance utilized COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to optimize the positioning of custom-built bass arrays and wideband absorbers, enhancing sound quality without having to make any retrofits to the railway system’s structures.

Result: The project successfully integrated sound design with historic architecture, transforming an acoustic environment while maintaining the integrity of the original structures and meeting legal requirements. Simulations enabled precise implementation, enhancing sound accuracy and reducing the time and costs associated with traditional trial-and-error methods. 

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