Acoustics in halls for rock music

Acoustic measurements have been carried out in seven Danish halls used for rock music. The halls with capacity ranging from about 400 to 1200 people are all frequented by major Danish and international acts. The project aimed at finding specific room acoustical design criteria which will ensure good conditions for rock and other forms of rhythmic music heavily depending on the use of PA and monitoring loudspeakers. The measurements concentrated on T30, EDT, C80, and D50 and were made according to ISO 3382. In most cases measurements were carried out using an omni directional loudspeaker as well as the house PA systems installed in each of the halls. The analysis of the data was focused on finding possible relationships between the perceived and measured acoustics on stage and between the acoustics on stage and in the audience area. One often encountered acoustic problem in the halls was high T30 values and low clarity/definition at low frequencies. The results are in agreement with a subjective rating list also made in the investigation.