Effects of performance practice involving listening experiences in the audience—Experiments using “Sound Cask”: A 3-D sound field simulation system

Musicians often adjust their performance based on how they imagine it sounds to the audience. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of “Sound Cask,” a 3-D sound field simulation system based on the Boundary Surface Control principle for pre-concert practice. First, stage acoustics of a concert hall were simulated using impulse responses measured on an actual stage. The singers performed in this simulated environment, and their performances were recorded. Next, the recorded signal was convolved with impulse responses measured at audience seating positions to simulate the audience’s auditory experience, and this was played back to the singers. Based on this playback, singers evaluated the expressive quality of their performance and made adjustments accordingly. This cycle of performance, listening, and evaluation was repeated. Results indicated that using the system helped improve expressive aspects such as the clarity of consonants and pronunciation, the harmony between the singing voice and reverberation, and the perceived projection of musical expression to the audience. These findings suggest that the system can assist performers in refining their musical expression by allowing them to experience and respond to simulated audience perspectives during practice.