Geometrical simulations in Acoustics
This blog delves into how Treble’s geometrical solvers operate, their technical strengths, and why they’re indispensable for acousticians and design professionals seeking efficient, scalable sound solutions.
25 April 2024
L-Acoustics' HYRISS showroom: Designing a Temple for the Ears
Challenge
Marrying Architecture with Acoustics
L-Acoustics' vision for the HYRISS showroom was ambitious: deliver concert-grade immersive audio in a compact, reconfigurable space while maintaining complete architectural integration. The showroom had to support:
- Spatial audio playback via 28 loudspeakers (16 wall, 12 ceiling)
- Object-based mixing (L-ISA)
- Adaptive acoustics (Ambiance system)
- A controlled baseline acoustic profile, with a target RT60 of 0.4s, flat from 125 Hz to 4 kHz
These goals demanded high-resolution acoustic modeling, especially in low frequencies where traditional tools often fail.
Solution
Precision Simulation with the Treble Web Application
Treble’s hybrid acoustic simulation engine, blending wave-based FEM modeling and geometrical acoustics, gave L-Acoustics the fidelity required to model complex wave phenomena and accurately optimize the room from the earliest design phase.
“To deliver on our goals, we needed precise control of the room’s natural acoustics — particularly at low frequencies. Treble’s wave-based simulation was critical.”
— Simon Brown, Technical Product Manager, Acoustics Solutions, L-Acoustics
Workflow Highlights
From SketchUp to Calibration
- Initial Geometry & Integration
Using Treble’s SketchUp plug-in, Simon and his team rapidly built and validated a 3D model of the showroom. The built-in geometry checking helped identify and resolve issues early. - Acoustic Calibration
Measurements in the untreated room were compared with Treble’s simulations to calibrate materials in the model using the Material Builder. This step ensured alignment between simulation and reality. - Iterative Optimization
Treble’s environment enabled rapid testing of:
- Absorber thickness (eventually up to 175mm of mineral wool in wall recesses)
- Reflective surface management (screens, loudspeakers)
- Strategic placement of additional absorbers at high levels
- Flutter echo risk using Treble’s reflection tracker and auralization tools
Results
A Masterpiece in Controlled Immersion
- The final measured response closely matched Treble’s predictions, validating both the model and the design strategy.
- The room achieved its acoustic targets, providing a rich but neutral baseline that empowers L-Acoustics’ Ambiance system to regenerate immersive reverberation naturally.
- The space now supports a wide variety of content — from cinematic stereo to object-based spatial tracks — in a visually discreet, acoustically precise setting.
“Treble gave us the confidence that our design decisions would yield the exact outcome we needed. The ability to simulate, share, and listen to design options was incredibly valuable throughout the project.”
— Simon Brown, L-Acoustics
Conclusion
The UK HYRISS showroom is not just a demo space — it is an acoustic showcase and a testament to what’s possible when precision simulation meets sound system innovation. Treble enabled L-Acoustics to deliver immersive audio in a tightly controlled, aesthetically integrated space, fulfilling their mission to create an emotional connection through sound.
Recommended posts
Funding announcement: Treble closes €11M Series A round
Treble Technologies, a next-generation sound simulation and synthetic audio data generation technology company, has raised €11M in a Series A round. The investment will be used to expand the Treble team, enhance R&D efforts, forge new enterprise clients, and tap into new markets.
Wave-Based Simulations in Acoustics
In this blog, we’ll explore the fundamentals of wave-based simulations and how Treble harnesses this powerful technique to deliver cutting-edge acoustic solutions for real-world applications.
