Sound reinforcement by wavefield synthesis : Adaptation of the synthesis operator to the loudspeaker directivity characteristics

Wavefield synthesis is a concept that enables the generation of sound fields with natural properties in time and space. The concept is applied to the reinforcement of direct sound. Wavefield synthesis is based on Rayleigh's representation theorem. In their original form, the discretized Rayleigh integrals prescribe the use of planar arrays of monopole- or dipole-type loudspeakers. It is shown that the theoretical synthesis operator can be modified such that a linear array of loudspeakers with arbitrary directivity characteristics can be used to generate a reinforced wavefield with natural properties in time and space. Since the derivation of the synthesis operator is based on array theory, defective characteristics of individual array loudspeakers cannot, or only in part, be corrected for by adapting the driving signal for these loudspeakers.