Wave Field Synthesis: From research to applications

Wave Field Synthesis can dramatically increase the quality of sound reproduction. To create new virtual rooms with realistic ambience within any listening space, new ideas for room simulation and virtual acoustics are needed. The work originally started at Delft Technical University (TU Delft) is now continued at a number of research locations. The paper will introduce the basic techniques, show the requirements for a number of real world applications and give an overview of current research topics. The applications scenarios include cinemas, concert halls and all kinds of music performances (indoor and outdoor).