LOUDSPEAKER MATRIX ARRAYS CHALLENGING THE WAY WE CREATE AND CONTROL SOUND

Abstract

Sampling the considerable literature1,2,3,4,5,6 about loudspeaker arrays, it’s noticed that the focus is often narrowed down to one specific technology. In particular, beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis (WFS) are covered in separate studies and seem to be unrelated, or at best only remotely related, topics. Both will be introduced briefly. Beamforming is a spatial filtering technique used to aim sound in a specific direction. There are many benefits, which include enhanced power efficiency, improved uniformity of coverage, increased direct-to-reverberant ratio, and reduced sound spill. Beamforming techniques can be broadly divided into two categories; mechanical and electronic beamforming, used in curved line arrays and steered column speakers, respectively. WFS is a spatial audio rendering method, capable of delivering a physically correct reproduction of the auditory scene. Depending on the practical implementation, the loudspeakers are distributed along a horizontal line or across a (vertical) plane. Admittedly, at first glance these technologies seem to have very little in common, but from a wave perspective, it’s obvious that they are closely intertwined. More importantly, both technologies can benefit from each other. Principles and features which are considered to be unique for one technology can be incorporated into the other, and vice versa. Using Matrix Arrays, 3D sound fields can be reproduced and controlled precisely in every direction. This opens up new ways for creating and controlling sound in functional as well as creative applications.