Have you ever been to a concert and been disappointed by the acoustics? Or been to a restaurant and struggled to hear anything that was being said?
How sound moves through a space can have a big impact on our overall experience. To help you out, we’ve explored 4 world famous venues known for their acoustics, good and bad.
1. Sydney Opera House
For a long time, the Sydney Opera House has received criticism and negative reviews for its acoustics. The ceilings are simply too high, and so the players on stage can’t hear each other and the sound just evaporates into the void. The acoustics lack power and sound different depending on where you are in the hall.
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- Sydney Opera House (image source:https://www.archpaper.com)
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- Sydney Opera House (image source: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com)
Improving the concert hall’s sound lies in getting a better mix of direct sound and reflected sound. To fix the issue, the Opera House recently undertook a huge project. The stage was lowered, new acoustic reflectors were suspended from the ceiling and more.
2. Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall in New York is one of the world’s most famous concert halls, known for its rich, clear acoustics.
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- Carnegie Hall (image source: https://www.timeout.com)
The hall’s simple, elegant design avoids features like heavy curtains, frescoed walls and chandeliers that could impede good sound distribution. The venue’s elliptical shape, extended stage and domed ceiling help to project loud and soft tones throughout the space. This means the softest violin bow stroke can be heard right in the back row.
3. Royal Albert Hall
London’s Royal Albert Hall has been notoriously known for its bad acoustics since it opened in 1871. The huge domed ceiling creates an echo so that audiences feel like they hear the music twice.
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- Royal Albert Hall (image source: https://www.dbaudio.com)
Throughout its history, many adjustments have been made to try and remove that echo. Most recently, they installed speakers and sound systems. Other potential changes include replacing stage canopies (which provide reflected sound back to an unamplified orchestra) and changing the material of seats and curtains to absorb more sound.
4. Berlin Philharmonic Hall
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- Berlin Philharmonic (image source: https://www.myeuropedays.com)
With its golden exterior and scalloped roof, the modern Berlin Philharmonic Hall was designed specifically for good acoustics. The hall pioneers a new music experience, placing the orchestra in the middle and the audience surrounding it. Sound is distributed evenly across its circular rows and terraced seating.
Learn more:
Sound is pretty complex and getting the acoustics right is all about understanding how sound behaves within a space.
If you’re not sure of the problem areas of your space, a professional Acoustic Appraisal can determine your Reverberation Time and locate the issues in your room.
At Nomadtika, we also offer a Product Recommendation service. Our expert team will suggest the best acoustic and decorative products to improve your space, in a style that suits you. Have a look at our wide range of acoustic products here.
For all your acoustic needs, contact the team at Nomadtika today!