Applied Acoustics A Division of B&C Speakers
Via di Compiobbi, 1 50012 Vallina - Bagno a Ripoli (FI) Italy t. +39 055 65721 f. +39 055 6572312 www.architetturasonora.com info@architetturasonora.com
THE AESTHETIC WAY TO APPLIED ACOUSTICS
ARCHITETTURA SONORA
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ARCHITETTURA SONORA/APPLIED ACOUSTICS The new division of B&C Speakers - world’s leading company in the manufacturing of professional audio components. The combination of Applied Acoustics / Architectural Sound Space Design / Industrial Sound Module Design / Soundscape Music Composition allows AS to provide architecture with Revolutionary Sound Experiences. Sensory immersiveness is the ‘experience criterion’ leading our sound space design: urban parks and gardens, public squares, train stations and airports, hospitals, offices, open spaces, shops and shopping malls, hotels and restaurants, lounges and wellness centres, residential and private architecture can become either acoustically highly efficient and sonically extraordinary experiences. To achieve this innovative result Architettura Sonora considers it fundamental to share with architects, designers and technology integrators the acoustic and sonic solutions design, guiding professionals into the innovative steps of an Architettura Sonora Sound System AS’ main product lines: - Unconventionally shaped sonic emitters - the peculiar shape of AS’ architectural sound modules is conceived to be acoustically efficient and capable of focusing sound to direct it into predefined areas–; combining different 5
sound modules and their different directional properties, it is possible to fully redesign the acoustic experience of any architecture. - invisible sound modules – embedded into architectural structures or furniture – ie. sonic walls, sonic ceilings, sonic sofas and chairs, or underground subwoofers (indoor or outdoor). - sonic customization - taking advantage of fast prototyping technologies, suitable for both personalizing the shape of a sound module and for the specific architectural and structural requirements of an invisible, efficient sound solution.
1 An invisible AS acoustic system embedded inside technological furniture
2 The Dolphin, III 3 Linear sound system for plasterboard ceiling
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The AS sound design team produces sound and soundscape compositions characterized by a sophisticated narrative approach. Professional sound and soundscape design can excite and dynamically enrich either the experience of a natural site, an architectural cityscape, a private house, or reduce the environmental disturbance of a mechanical device (HVAC units, household appliances etc.). A.utomatic S.oundscape G.eneration. AS designs and customizes audio software that is able to dynamically and musically inter-react with specific environmental conditions – such as crowded habitats, indoor and outdoor, or high traffic areas. In the specific case of an urban application, the A.S.G. software aims to change the perception of the disturbance of a polluted city-soundscape through the generation of countersoundscapes that are musically oriented: designing an artificial sound oasis to mitigate and redevelop areas that are strongly congested by the city’s mechanical and media noise. The AS’ noise masking approach has been developed with prestigious scientific partners such as CNR (Italian National Research Center). AS starts up a new era in acoustic design for architecture. Sound Space Design, Sound and Soundscape Compositions, all combined with real time sound processing and the scalable directivity of AS visible 7
or invisible sound modules: our goal is to reshape the perception of a human habitat, inducing a dynamic interpretation of the architectural space. Immersiveness becomes a full space design tool. Architettura Sonora/Applied Acoustics aims at communicating special care for the architectural space, supporting the emerging need for multisensory comfort in public and private spaces.
OMNIDIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
The richness of their tones resembles that of a natural sound source, with an omnidirectional sound emission and a smooth and regular increase of sound pressure level as one approaches the module.
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BIG YOYO
TECH SPECS 3 ways full-range floorstanding
OMNIDIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
sound module; Tuscan terracotta
SPECIFICATIONS Speaker Type
(earthenware). Very high SPL capabilities. PECULIAR SPECS
670
1370
Involving sound source with high
Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB)
Three way 10” woofer+ MF/HF 2” Coaxial driver 8£ 38-18000 Hz
tonal accuracy. The accurate
Frequency Range (-6 dB)
reproduction of a hi-end speaker
Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
with the high power handling of a professional system.
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
200 W
AVAILABLE COLORS
Recommended Amplifier Power
400 W
Terracotta traditional colour.
Dimensions Weight
97 dB
Ø 670 x 1370 110 kg
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SPHERE
TECH SPECS 2 ways full-range floorstanding
OMNIDIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
Tuscan terracotta (earthenware). High SPL capabilities.
610
PECULIAR SPECS Involving sound source with full
SPECIFICATIONS Speaker Type Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB)
8£ 50-15000 Hz
Frequency Range (-6 dB) Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
88 dB
and warm tonal balance.
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
100W
AVAILABLE COLORS
Recommended Amplifier Power
200W
Terracotta traditional colour.
Dimensions 470
Two way 6" coaxial
Weight
Ø 470 x 610 mm 22 kg
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SPHERE MARBLE OMNIDIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
TECH SPECS 2 ways full-range floorstanding: marble module. High SPL capabilities. PECULIAR SPECS
490
Involving sound source with full and warm tonal balance. AVAILABLE COLORS Marble.
SPECIFICATIONS Speaker Type Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB)
8£ 55-15000 Hz
Frequency Range (-6 dB) Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
88 dB
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
100W
Recommended Amplifier Power
200W
Dimensions 360
Two way 6" coaxial
Weight
Ø 360 x 490 mm 31 kg
DIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
Directional sound emission, due to the peculiar geometry of the reflecting surfaces, allows these modules to adapt largely to the installation area. This done by varying and adjusting the orientation of the module in order to guide or avoid the attention or movement of the people in certain directions, and to explore or redesign specific architectural features.
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SMALL YOYO DIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
TECH SPECS 1 way satellite sound module: Tuscan Terracotta. Figure 8 sound emission with medium SPL capabilities PECULIAR SPECS
350
A bright sound source with narrow angular coverage, optimal to induce strong warning and surprising messages, due to the abrupt increase of sound pressure inside the sound cone.
210
AVAILABLE COLORS Terracotta traditional colour.
SPECIFICATIONS Speaker Type Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB)
Full range 3" driver 8£ 250-20000 Hz
Frequency Range (-6 dB) Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
94 dB
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
12W
Recommended Amplifier Power
24W
Dimensions Weight
Ø 210 x 350 mm 7 kg
SMALL YOYO DIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
TECH SPECS 1 way satellite sound module: Travertine/Marble. Figure 8 sound emission with medium SPL capabilities
350
PECULIAR SPECS A bright sound source with narrow
Speaker Type Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB)
Full range 3" driver 8£ 250-20000 Hz
Frequency Range (-6 dB) Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
94 dB
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
12W
Recommended Amplifier Power
24W
of sound pressure inside the sound cone.
Dimensions
angular coverage, optimal to induce strong warning and surprising messages due to the abrupt increase
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SPECIFICATIONS
AVAILABLE COLORS Marble, travertine, alternative stones.
Weight
Ø 210 x 350 mm 10 kg
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SMALL YOYO DIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
TECH SPECS 1 way satellite sound module: Composite Materials. Figure 8 sound emission with medium SPL capabilities PECULIAR SPECS
350
A bright sound source with narrow angular coverage, optimal to induce strong warning and surprising messages due to the abrupt increase of sound pressure inside the sound cone.
196
AVAILABLE COLORS Any colour.
SPECIFICATIONS Speaker Type Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB)
Full range 3" driver 8£ 250-20000 Hz
Frequency Range (-6 dB) Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
94 dB
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
12W
Recommended Amplifier Power
24W
Dimensions Weight
Ø 210 x 350 mm 4 kg
HELMET DIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
TECH SPECS 2 ways satellite suspended sound module; composite materials. Medium angular coverage with high SPL capabilities. PECULIAR SPECS Surprising sound source with full and warm tonal balance. The focusing
1044
shape makes it perfect to create a 406
“sound spot” below it. AVAILABLE COLORS
488
Any colour.
SPECIFICATIONS Speaker Type Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB)
Two way 6" coaxial 8£ 50-20000 Hz
Frequency Range (-6 dB) Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
89 dB
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
100W
Recommended Amplifier Power
200W
Dimensions (LxHxW) Weight
1044 x 406 x 488 mm 7.5 kg
SNAIL
TECH SPECS 2 ways satellite suspended sound module; composite materials.
DIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
Medium angular coverage with high SPL capabilities.
357
PECULIAR SPECS Sound source with a warm tonal
Speaker Type Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB) Frequency Range (-6 dB) Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
8£ 50-20000 Hz 89 dB 100W
sound cones”.
Recommended Amplifier Power
200W
AVAILABLE COLORS
Dimensions (LxHxW)
shape is ideal to project “vertical
Any colour. Weight 318
Two way 6" coaxial
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
balance. The compact, vertical 1080
SPECIFICATIONS
1080 x 357 x 318 mm 7.5 kg
DROP
TECH SPECS 2 ways satellite suspended sound module; composite materials.
DIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
Medium angular coverage with high SPL capabilities.
314
PECULIAR SPECS Sound source with a warm tonal
Speaker Type Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB)
8£ 50-20000 Hz
Frequency Range (-6 dB) Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
89 dB 100W
sound cones”.
Recommended Amplifier Power
200W
AVAILABLE COLORS
Dimensions (LxHxW)
shape is ideal to project “vertical
Any colour. Weight 312
Two way 6" coaxial
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
balance. The compact, and vertical 1025
SPECIFICATIONS
1025 x 312 x 314 mm 7.5 kg
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DOLPHIN DIRECTIONAL SOUND MODULES
TECH SPECS 2 ways satellite suspended sound module. Medium angular coverage with high SPL capabilities and a large sounding surface.
1400
PECULIAR SPECS
Nominal Impedance Frequency Range (-10 dB) Frequency Range (-6 dB)
Two way 6" coaxial 8£ 50-20000 Hz -
Surprising sound source with full and warm tonal balance.
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
100W
Recommended Amplifier Power
200W
it perfect to create “sound corridors”, 505
Speaker Type
Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
The stretched shape makes while the large sounding aperture increases the impact. AVAILABLE COLORS Any colour. 430
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (LxHxW) Weight
89 dB
1400 x 505 x 430 mm 8 kg
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SUBWOOFERS
A subwoofer (or “sub”) is a complete loudspeaker which is dedicated to the reproduction of low-pitched audio frequencies (or bass frequencies). The typical frequency range for a subwoofer is about 20–200 Hz for consumer products, below 100 Hz for professional live sound, and below 80 Hz in THX-approved systems. Subs are used to complete the performance of main loudspeakers. Subwoofers are constructed by mounting one or more woofers in a well-braced wood or plastic enclosure. Subwoofers have been designed using a number of speaker enclosure designs, including bass reflex (with a port or tube in the enclosure), infinite baffle, horn-loaded, and bandpass designs, each of which has advantages and disadvantages in efficiency, size, distortion, cost, and power handling. Passive subwoofers have a subwoofer driver and enclosure and they are powered by an external amplifier. Active subwoofers include a built-in amplifier. AS Subwoofers are highly specialized and are uniquely designed to enhance specific qualities.
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SHARK
PECULIAR SPECS Suspended Subwoofers are very rare, and usually very invasive. The performance and
SUB WOOFER
the peculiar shape of Shark testifies to a real revolution in SUBWOOFER technology
1283
for indoor and outdoor sound diffusion. The absence of parallel surfaces reduces
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the build up of internal reflections, thus
SPECIFICATIONS Speaker Type Nominal Impedance
Two long excursion 6" drivers 4ÂŁ
resulting in a less coloured emission. The
Frequency Range (-10 dB)
38-150 Hz
use of aerospace derived material for the
Frequency Range (-6 dB)
48-120 Hz
shell, as well as its symmetrical shape
Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
90 dB
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
300W
Recommended Amplifier Power
600W
assures a stiff and well damped structure, boasting accurate and solid bass. The stretched shape allows for an easy placement in a wide variety of contexts.
285
AVAILABLE COLORS Any colour
The Shark is intended to perfectly complement the sound emission of the
Dimensions (LxHxW)
directional sound module family.
Weight
1283 x 310 x 285 mm 10 kg
U. CUBE SUB WOOFER
PECULIAR SPECS
compositionally modulated sound
Our Underground Cube subwoofer
vibration that can range from a
works by means of mechanical
gentle, humming massage (50Hz to
transmission of sound vibration
160Hz), to a subtle earth movement
through the ground, rather than
(from 10Hz to 50Hz). It can also
acoustic wave propagation, and it has
be used to complement the sound
high acceleration level capabilities.
emission of the omnidirectional
The resonance frequency of the
sound module family.
system, as well as the efficiency, vastly depends on the installation site. For example, it can vary based on the type and quantity of soil, etc.The module is intended to provide a small area where visitors can experience a truly physical,
SPECIFICATIONS Speaker Type Nominal Impedance
Two long excursion 10" drivers 4ÂŁ
Frequency Range (-10 dB)
Not Applicable
Frequency Range (-6 dB)
Not Applicable
Sensitivity (1 W/1m)
Not Applicable
Nominal Power Handling (IEC)
400W
Recommended Amplifier Power
800W
Dimensions (LxHxW) Weight
40 kg
MORE ON ARCHITETTURA SONORA
CUSTOMIZATION Personalizing visible and invisible sound diffusion solutions: 1) under certain constraints, it is possible to modify existing shapes and their acoustic principles, or to codesign new acoustic shapes with clients to achieve a full aesthetic, site specific coherency. 2) It is possible to fully customize invisible sound diffusion solutions: among these; ceilings, walls, sofas, wardrobes, bars, etc.; Co-design is still the main focus: sizing and shaping the sound emitters directly while the project is being conceived.
ASG, AUTOMATIC SOUNDSCAPE GENERATION The soundscape approach was first introduced in the late 1960’s by Murray Schafer, with his research on acoustic/ psychoacoustic heritages and contemporary features of different human habitats. Since then the soundscape approach has grown significantly. Today, it represents a new paradigm to interpret the annoyance in noise polluted areas, affirming the need to focus on people’s perceptual and cultural point of view on the experienced soundscape rather than just paying attention to the phenomenon of noise as a physical measurable quantity. Many studies have been conducted in recent years on standard noise measurements of sound pressure derived quantities such as Leq, Lden, spectral time-history (spectrogram) etc. but they have not been able to fully unfold the variety of perceived disturbances. Some studies have shown which features of a soundscape can be related to its quality, intended as the perceived pleasantness and the level of pertinence in respect of the surrounding environment, on the field by means of sociological surveys - defining consistent samples of users - as well as inside audio laboratories, with a virtual soundscape reproduction and assessment: often psychoacoustic descriptors have resulted a significant improvement in assessing the sound quality of an environment. Limited research has been documented on the artificial modification of a soundscape. For example, through the 42
placement of new sound sources like water fountains, or through the placement of loudspeakers. The goal of AS is to fill this gap using the artificial modification of soundscapes through a sound redesign of noise polluted soundscapes. With the aid of an intelligent audio reproduction system, AS is able to generate a counter-soundscape to mask the underlying noise, thus reducing the annoyance perceived by inhabitants. Automatic Soundscape Generation Software Our ASG™ software carries on real time analysis of environmental noise signals through a psychoacoustic descriptors extracting module. ASG processes real time original and pre-existing music compositions, modifying timbre and spatially routing the sound among the many AS loudspeakers surrounding the users inside the noise polluted area.
Our roadmap: - The objective and subjective assessment of natural soundscapes; - The design and composition of new soundscapes; - The development of software that is able to understand the existing soundscape, and then re-design and reshape the acoustic space around the user; - The objective and subjective assessment of the redesigned artificial soundscapes. Noise pollution is usually managed at a government level through the enactment of laws which state thresholds for the average SPL emitted by typical sound sources (road traffic, trains, airplanes, industrial plants etc.), as well as thresholds for the average SPL received by the users in public areas and residential buildings. This is a rather reductive and simplistic approach to the problem, and can’t cope with the wide variety of noise polluted environments and the way human beings feel as they inhabit these environments. Obviously we can’t aim for a reduction in SPL if we are adding sound masking sources, summing their energy to the noise. However the huge increase in acoustic comfort inside the developed area will greatly compensate for this subtle SPL increase. The variety of skills required to achieve such a goal is vast, requiring the contribution of different specialists such as city planners, sociologists, audio engineers, 43
acousticians, sound designers and composers. At AS, all these professionals are currently involved in making their best to forward our vision of creating acoustic comfort in an Urban environment.
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THE NEW SONIC GARDEN LAB AT THE CASTELLO DEL BISARNO In July 2009 Architettura Sonora has presented to the public its New Sonic Garden Lab at the Bisarno Castle. This location was chosen because while it is a wonderful private garden, it is also adjacent to an intensely busy roadway that links traffic from the A1 highway Firenze Sud exit to the Florence city center - which constitutes a significant noise source for our noise masking and artificial sound generation tests. The AS audio system installed is now comprised of 32 sonic emitters, distributed among three independent areas of the garden. This includes floor standing modules such as Sphere and Big YoYo, as well as suspended modules such as Dolphin, Drop, Helmet and Snail. The direction cabin, installed inside the ancient well shack, hosts the electronic equipment including digital mixing devices for sound processing and routing, computers with multichannel soundcards running our ASG software, and power amplifiers to feed the sonic emitters. At the New Sonic Garden lab at Castello del Bisarno we are testing the environmental, experiential and naturalistic meaning of our immersive audio systems: from sustainable equipment and devices to the sound interaction with anthropic and climatic variables, showing our own state-of-art, unconventional sound module design for Architecture while permanently presenting interactive sound-compositions focused on city noise masking and immersive sound design. 45