3D soundfield reproduction using higher order loudspeakers

Three dimensional surround sound reproduction over large areas is a prevailing challenge due to the enormous numbers of loudspeakers required. In this paper, we propose an array of higher order loudspeakers which provide a mode matching solution to the problem based on 3D wavefield translation. It is shown that for a given bandwidth, the use of L^th order sources significantly brings down the minimum loudspeaker requirement by a factor of 1=(L + 1)². Furthermore, the array is shown to be capable of exterior field cancellation, increasing its performance in echoing environments. Design examples are given for interior field, exterior field and interior and exterior combined field reproduction.