Prediction of Sound Levels in Offices and Corridors
The Genser Paper by Ernest Genser
The design of sound systems for small spaces requires the estimation of reflected field sound levels. The classical Hopkins-Stryker equation for LD and LR assumes a mixing reverberant field. Such a field seldom exists in small spaces with significant, non-uniformly distributed absorption. Ray tracing can produce a much better estimate, but requires the creation of a room model. Ted Schultz produced an equation that is a sort of hybrid of the two, combining simple implementation without the assumption of a statistical reverberant field. Ernst Genser has written a paper on the various approaches to the small space, with examples of each. He has generously offered to share it with our readers.