A simple evaluating method of a reproduced sound field by a measurement of sound intensities using Virtual Source Visualizer

Recently, many kinds of technologies for restoring/reproducing 3D sound fields are proposed. However, it is little opportunity to compare these acoustic performances under a common condition. Though a subjective evaluation is one of the most effective methods for evaluating reproduced sound fields, it requires careful effort. Therefore, the authors propose an alternative method which requires only a physical measurement of sound intensities. Because the method is based on the intensity analysis, “sound images” are assumed to be “amplitude-based phantom sound sources” here. In order to verify effectiveness of the method, various types of reproduced fields were measured and analyzed. As a result, it is ascertained that the method can evaluate proper features of reproduced sound fields, regardless of their restoring techniques.