Dimensional Comparison Tabs

This powerful application allows the user to compare a wide range of dimensions based upon acoustical suitability. While not designed as way to discover the perfect room, it allows the practical designer to make an informed decision on room dimensions from a wide range of detailed choices. The default mode analyses scenarios in .5 ft (.25 for metric) increments, reviewing all possible scenarios within the range specified. The Advanced button allows the user to change increments. The second Dimensional Analysis tab contains the discussion of the process for the final report.

Calculate Scenarios: This green button begins the analysis process. A progress indicator will appear to gauge the progress of analysis. Larger volume differences and smaller increments will require much longer calculation times.

Double-click on a scenario: Once the calculation is complete the user can investigate individual scenarios by inserting the data into large application. Simply double click on the scenario to reveal the actual Bonello chart and mode calculations for that combination of height, width and length.

Include on Mode Analysis Report: This checkbox designates whether this section will be included on the final Mode Analysis Report generated in the Report Manager.

Include only first 30 scenarios on Mode Analysis Report: If checked, this checkbox limits the number of displayed scenarios that will be included on the final Mode Analysis Report generated in the Report Manager to 30. This is to restrict the length of the report to only the top suitable choices.

smallest (length/width/height): This is the data entry point defining the smallest acceptable dimension for a future sound room. The volume indicator allows the user to avoid entering dimensions to small or large for consideration. A note to the right indicates the acceptable minimum.

largest (length/width/height): This is the data entry point defining the largest acceptable dimension for a future sound room. The volume indicator allows the user to avoid entering dimensions to small or large for consideration. A note to the right indicates the acceptable maximum.

Difference: This indicated the difference in volume between the smallest and largest room dimensions. A note immediately to its right indicates the acceptable difference.

Metric/Feet: This button allows the accurate translation of feet and inch measurements to metric units and vice versa.

Inches: This button changes feet and inches to pure inch measurements or vice versa. It is disabled for metric functions.

Rated: Displays the final order of the scenario sorted based upon the point totals.

Scenario: Displays the original order of the scenario based upon increasing dimension increments from smallest to largest.

Length/Width/Height: Displays the dimensions representing the analyzed scenario.

Coin(Ax): Displays the number of coincident axial modes below 185 Hz. In the case of axial modes, 185 Hz was selected as point of diminishing relevance for such coincidences. According to Bonello, coincident modes are no longer a serious problem once there are more than 5 modes in the 1/3 octave band they exist in. Axial coincidences are more liberally considered using 5% difference in wavelength as the qualifier. This calculation has significant negative weight on the final point total; a lower number of such coincidences being preferred.

Coin(All): Displays the number of coincident modes of all types below 300 Hz. This figure is less relevant than axial coincidences and has less weight on the final point calculation as a negative; a lower number of such coincidences being preferred.

Retros: Displays the number of retrograde slopes in a Bonello chart; the retrograde being created by a band containing fewer modes than the preceding band. This criteria is useful as a graphical indication of modal uniformity across the bass frequency region. It should always be used in conjunction with a review of modal coincidence and density as a quality indicator and does not stand alone. A higher number of retros is a negative weight on the final point calculation.

# of modes: Displays the total number of axial, tangential and oblique modes below 300 Hz. This total is used as an indicator of modal density where a higher number (usually associated with a larger room volume) is a positive toward final point total.

Points: Displays the final calculated point total of each scenario upon which the sorting is based. This point total is not designed to be an absolute indicator of sound quality nor is the application designed to reveal the "perfect" room. The benefit of this application is to allow the practical designer to compare a wide range of possible room dimensions from a range of practical choices.

Dimensional Analysis Discussion Tab - Displays the default verbiage explain the report section to the end user. It is designed to allow the user to edit and add custom information to the discussion.