Open-source real-time auralizations with Virtual Acoustics

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, vol. 156, pp. A64

Abstract

Auralizations are a valuable tool for demonstrating acoustic phenomena. They can form a basis on which both non-experts and experts can discuss and evaluate acoustic scenarios. However, creating auralizations often demands expert knowledge due to their complexity. The open-source, real-time auralization framework “Virtual Acoustics” (VA) aims to simplify this process. It supports various physically based sound propagation models, from simple free-field scenarios to complex room acoustic and outdoor scenarios. Dynamic changes in the scene, such as moving sources and receivers, are also supported. In addition to the propagation models, different spatialization methods are available, including binaural rendering and Ambisonics. Its user-friendly, modular design abstracts the complexity of underlying models while offering a simple, unified interface. This contribution presents some of the possible applications of the framework based on the examples included. A particular focus will be set on the auralization of a car pass-by that includes diffraction effects.

Authors 4

1. Pascal Palenda Aachen Institute for Hearing Technology and Acoustics

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Inst. for Hearing Technology and Acoustics, RWTH Aachen Univ., Kopernikusstr. 5, Aachen 52074, Germany, pascal.palenda@akustik.rwth-aachen.de

2. Philipp Schäfer
3. Lukas Aspoeck
4. Michael Vorländer Aachen Inst. for Hearing Technol. and Acoust. (IHTA)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Inst. for Hearing Technol. and Acoust., RWTH Aachen Univ., Aachen, Germany