The assessment of low-frequency room acoustic parameters using descriptive analysis

In small rooms, low-frequency modes have a degrading influence on the quality of the bass components of music. Using objective measures to correct these modes often fails because they do not correspond to the subjective experience of listeners. This research begins with a procedure that elicits a compact set of four verbal descriptors from subjects: articulation, resonance, strength, and depth. These are then mapped to three objective parameters: modal decay time, room volume, and source/receiver position. Results show the importance of reducing the decay time, which then provides an increase in articulation. Discussions suggest ways of extending the results.