Sound system

The PAMELA sound system provides ambient noise effects using sophisticated phase array speakers and localised sounds using a set of smaller speakers which can be positioned where required within the 2,400m3 facility. The phase-array system enables the sound to be delivered in the form of a ‘disc’ rather than the more conventional cone which radiates in all directions from a single-point source. This enables us to place the sound very precisely where desired. The figure shows how the sound is being directed in a narrow band (red = high intensity, blue = low intensity) towards the wall in such a way that the concentration is over the platform (the rectangle) – the height above the platform is adjustable – normally it is about 1.3m above the platform surface. The sound is reflected back from the wall underneath the platform thus eliminating the need for costly acoustic treatment of the building. The ambisonic control of the sound enables us to ‘move’ the sound around the building: in this way we can generate effects of moving people, vehicles, trains and aircraft.

Image: Duran Audio’s software allows us to examine how sound is distributed around the Laboratory. This can be controlled from the system PC

Please also see acknowledgements.