Music performance with Variable Reflection Acoustic Wall System

Several experimental concerts were planned and given in Kyushu University. These were performed with Variable Reflection Acoustic Wall System, VRAWS. The VRAWS is consisted with microphone, absorbing material and loudspeakers located just behind the absorbing material. The incoming sound to the system is firstly absorbed with material such as porous material. Simultaneously, the microphone mounted at the front face of the system detects the sound. The detected sound is then passed to the arbitrary sound processor e.g., reverb effector or equalizer and re-radiated by the loudspeaker mounted behind the absorbing material. Practically constructed twelve systems were distributed around the audience in small sized multi-purpose hall. These systems were tried with modern music performance and ensembles of flute and guitar. The questionnaire to the audience showed that effective changes of the atmosphere of the sound field were recognized. The detailed description of the constructed systems and the practical management are shown in this paper.