2019SP MP-114-W001: Activity 2.

1 Measurement Exercise 2/2/19, 3(03 PM

2019SP Crit Listng Musicians - Online (MP-114-W001)

My Courses ▸ Courses ▸ 2019SP MP-114-W001 ▸ Lesson 2 ▸ Activity 2.1 Measurement Exercise

Activity 2.1 Measurement Exercise ○○

Charting Modal Distribution

To better understand the modal distribution and sonic characteristics of your listening space, complete the following exercise.

1. Take basic dimensional measurements of your listening room, including length, width, and ceiling height. These measurements should be
expressed in feet.

2. Using the Modal Distribution Chart Template at the bottom of this page, create a chart of reinforced frequencies for each dimension.
Calculate the reinforced frequencies up to 500 Hz for each dimension.

Reminder: ƒ = 565/D for the first mode, and integer multiples of this for subsequent modes. Calculate until you reach 500 Hz per
dimension in order to find the modal overlaps. Here is an example:

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2019SP MP-114-W001: Activity 2.1 Measurement Exercise 2/2/19, 3(03 PM

3. Now plot those frequencies on a linear graph, and identify where the problem areas exist until you reach 500 Hz. ("Problem areas" consist
either of large unsupported gaps in the frequency spectrum, or frequency ranges where multiple reinforcements stack up to create an
exaggerated response.) Here, you can see a graph indicating large gaps in the frequency response (indicated by arrows) and areas of #
overlap (the blue ovals).

Some questions:
Are the modes in your listening environment evenly spaced?

Which frequency areas appear potentially problematic? Are the problems due to to a wide gap in the response, or due to overlap
between the modal response of different dimensions?

Do you have any exact modal overlaps?

EXPERIMENTAL LISTENING:

If you have speakers set in your listening space, try the following exercise:

1. Click the button to download the file: sine wave tones.zip Play back the sine wave tones provided, one at a time, listening carefully
in the listening position in your room. (Note: If your speakers are small and you are not using a subwoofer, your playback system
may not be able to reproduce much below 80 or 100 Hz.)

2. Even though all the tones are recorded at the same level, you will probably notice that certain tones seem louder than others, and
some will be softer. Identify the tones that seem louder or softer.
3. Analyze the findings of your experimental listening. Are your experimental results supported by the predictions of the modal
distribution chart you created? Were you surprised by any of your results?
4. What has this exercise taught you about the acoustical properties of listening environments? How might you apply what you've
learned in a real world situation?

Modal Distribution Chart Template

Note: If you don't own Microsoft Word, you can get a 1-month free trial; after the trial expires, you will have to pay a small fee to continue to use
the application on a monthly basis.

You will submit this activity as part of the lesson's final assignment.

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2019SP MP-114-W001: Activity 2.1 Measurement Exercise 2/2/19, 3(03 PM

Last modified: Monday, January 28, 2019, 9:19 AM

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