Live sound loudspeaker array optimization for consistent directional coverage with diffuse radiation characteristics.

A central aim of sound reinforcement systems is to deliver consistent tonality across a wide audience area. Loudspeaker arrays are commonly used to meet this goal, where the upper and lower frequency bounds that can be spatially controlled are dictated by inter-element spacing and array width, respectively. This work focuses on the calculation of frequency-dependent complex coefficients for each array element using a modified Fourier technique to achieve a frequency-independent radiation pattern across an array’s functional region. In order to ensure efficiency, temporally diffuse impulses are utilized within the optimization procedure to avoid clustering of radiated energy at the center of an array and to provide a diffuse radiated field while maintaining the desired directional characteristics. Example applications for subwoofer arrays are presented, although the technique is applicable to any frequency range across the audible spectrum.