Variable Acoustics in performance venues- A review

Domestically, demands for multi-purpose performance venues which accommodate various performance genres have increased. However, those venues have limited capability and confined to a primary performance. The present work investigated various methods for controlling the acoustics of room for required performance genres by reviewing aurally presented and published materials. The method of varying the acoustics of a space is called Variable Acoustics, and adjusted in either passive and active ways. Passive control encompasses variable absorption, variable volume, coupled volume, and canopy reflectors, where the acoustics of a room is controlled in an architectural way. Active control includes In-line, Regenerative, and Hybrid systems where the acoustics of a room is manipulated electronically. The mechanism and application of each passive control system in existing venues are reviewed and their pros and cons are discussed. Also, the concept of each active systems and product applications are looked at through literature reviews. Lastly, some considerations that need to be taken into in the planning and design stage of a multi-purpose hall using Variable Acoustics are suggested.