Loudspeaker directivity as a function of frequency, and the importance thereof to sound system performance in large and reverberant spaces
James Long · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2000
Control of a loudspeaker’s directivity, or coverage pattern, at high frequencies can be readily achieved with devices of modest dimensions. Extending directivity control into the vocal midrange and below requires devices of significantly larger size and possibly greater complexity. However, directivity control at lower frequencies can significantly increase musical clarity and vocal intelligibility in large and typically reverberant spaces such as stadiums and arenas. The basic physics behind achieving extended frequency directivity control, including the use of signal processing, will be outlined. Typical existing, practical examples will be presented. A two-channel computer auralization comparing transducers in a reverberant space with and without extended frequency directivity control will be demonstrated.